UNM-Taos builds momentum with exciting upgrades

UNM-Taso has compiled quite a comprehensive list of needs and wishes for its campus, encompassing everything from parking and building system improvements to campus beautification and additional learning space projects.

Campus infrastructure projects commenced in 2023 with the development of a Loop Road and parking enhancements. They were completed early last year. This new road, which encircles Klauer completely, enhances the overall safety and accessibility to the campus. The parking lot project included new, enlarged parking lots, parking lights, sidewalks, and supportive landscaping.

Campus buildings
The Fred Peralta Hall building (AKA the Art Building) was next on the list. The building received upgrades to its HVAC and ventilation systems, as well as the Metals Lab, which now features a digital display to enhance learning options and techniques. Additionally, throughout the building, we implemented new fire and safety measures and installed digital media displays in the Atrium Gallery and reception areas.

Additionally, the main entrance was reconfigured for better ADA compliance. The final element was the installation of sound reduction materials in the Ceramics and Metals rooms.

The project began in 2023 and was completed in the spring of 2025. This building-one of the oldest on campus-serves as a main entry point to Klauer, with the curved walkway and brick path entrance leading in from the East Parking lot.

Pueblo Hall East and West are facing critical infrastructure challenges of roof leaks, aging HVAC and boiler systems, and energy inefficiencies. This renovation focuses on increasing energy efficiency by upgrading the HVAC system and controls that link with UNM's building monitoring systems, as well as major roof replacements. Phase 1 (Pueblo Hall East) was completed in late summer. Work included roof and HVAC upgrades.

Phase 2 moves to Pueblo Hall West. Work will involve a partial roof replacement. HVAC upgrades are also targeted to replace failing heating and cooling systems, especially in classrooms and faculty spaces. Completion of this phase is expected to be in August 2026.

Art Walk
As the renovations to Fred Peralta Hall were being completed, the Art Walk was enhanced by adding five new Ted Egri pumice pieces along the Padre Martinez Hall walkway; they are an eye-catching sight from the East Parking lot.

The UNM Klauer Campus has also installed new sculptures around campus. The first, World's Within, was installed outside the STEM building, and the Rocket Man was placed out by the Loop Road to serve as a transition piece to the planned Cielo Centro observatory and amphitheater.

We also moved the RCA sculpture to a new location in front of Padre Martinez Hall and installed two new rock fountains, one in front of the Pathways building and the other on the south side of the STEM building.

Hiking Trail
The Facilities Department has installed five exercise apparatuses along the Taos hiking trail behind campus. Initial feedback on this trail addition is positive, and we believe it has increased the local community's use of the trail.

Mountain biking trails are part of our vision for the future. As work progresses with the development of the Taos Workforce Center (formerly the Armory), we will be exploring trail grants in conjunction with the State of New Mexico and the BLM to understand how UNM-Taos can play a role in expanding community access to the outdoors from our campus.

Cielo Centro
In New Mexico, where wide-open spaces and low light pollution offer some of the clearest skies in the country, stargazers have a front-row seat to the spectacles of space. Shovels tossed dirt in November signaling the start of construction of the amphitheater on the west side of Klauer Campus.

Thanks to the public's support of a $1.5 million General Obligation Bond and $1 million in general funds, Phase 1 construction is set to begin this winter, with an expected completion of summer 2026.

A public groundbreaking event, "Shovels and Stars," featured an information session providing updates on the status of the Cielo Centro observatory and amphitheater, followed by a star party led by Colin Nicholls.

The future Phase 2 focuses on the construction of the observatory building itself, with roll-on/roll-off telescope housing, plaza, and connected infrastructure. Funding will be provided by private donors, corporate sponsors, and community fundraising efforts.

Taos Workforce Center
Last year, UNM-Taos and the UNM Board of Regents received approval from the New Mexico Higher Education Department to renovate and repurpose the former Armory into the Taos Workforce Center (TWC), providing the school with additional classroom space. The long-shuttered building will be a state-of-the-art facility for UNM-Taos' Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. It will house multiple programs and serve as a hub for vocational training, community partnerships, and student services. Key areas of use will be Construction, Welding, Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Film and Digital Media Arts, and Culinary Arts. Areas exist for future career and technical programs that will be explored and aligned with community needs.

A phased construction approach ensures that the renovation is carried out efficiently and without disruption to ongoing operations at UNM-Taos. Phase 1 is the initial renovations, including the connection of the TWC to the Town of Taos domestic water systems and sewage operations. The Armory formerly operated off an on-site water well and septic systems, both of which are no longer feasible options. Once started, this phase is expected to be completed within one year. We continue to solicit quotes for connecting the water and sewer lines. This will need to be done before we can consistently open the space for classrooms or labs.

UNM-Taos pursuing funding to renovate the building from a mix of private and public funding sources. Currently, the rear parking lot is used for CDL hands-on driving instruction. The 6-month Phase 2 follows with the setup of a vocational program, such as a kitchen renovation, to better equip the Culinary Arts program. Telecom, mechanics, cameras, and security will also be addressed during this phase, which is projected to be completed in early 2028.

The final phase, with an anticipated start date of early 2029, will include tenant improvements such as interior renovations, the installation of fire suppression systems, parking surface repairs, and the setup of furniture and instructional spaces. By the end of this phase, UNM-Taos will have a fully operational facility capable of serving hundreds of students each year, providing them with hands-on experience in high-demand industries.