
Construction of the new Barnes & Noble at NMSU bookstore wrapped up in July, and the new store on University Avenue opened Aug. 1.
Darren Phillips
Supporting a university system as large and varied as New Mexico State University is a major task, akin to maintaining a small city. NMSUs Office of Facilities Operations and Utilities, the department responsible for construction, has recently completed or is currently managing more than 80 building projects, in some phase of design or construction, on university sites around the state.
Chamisa Village Phase II continues the main campus growth in student housing. The second phase of the residence center entails construction of four three-story apartment buildings, housing 282 beds in 114 units - 87 two-bedroom units and 27 four-bedroom units. It is scheduled for completion in February 2012.
Dona Ana Community College East Mesa Phases VI and VII will facilitate public services programs, culinary arts education and general studies. The hospitality and public services programs, as well as general studies, will house classrooms and science, computer, EMS and culinary labs, as well as administration and faculty offices. Building construction is anticipated to last until summer 2012.
The multi-phased Center for the Arts project is designed to consolidate NMSUs arts programs into one centralized location. Phase I entails construction of a three-story academic facility, about 59,000 square feet in size, at the southeast corner of the University Avenue and Espina Street intersection.
The building will house a performance space with 450 seats, a 74-foot-high fly tower and full theater and dance support areas. The structure also will contain public space, shared classrooms and a home for the theater department.
Phase I is scheduled for completion in November 2012.
Completed in July, the Barnes & Noble at NMSU bookstore on the corner of University Avenue and Jordan Street is a 44,998 square-foot building housing retail and office space, as well as the bookstore warehouse. NMSU Parking has relocated to the building, as has Auxiliary Services.
Other building projects include:
Hopefully, the work will not stop with these projects. In May, the Board of Regents approved a $30 million legislative capital outlay request for renovations and additions to both Hardman and Jacobs halls for the Undergraduate Teaching Center. The General Obligation Bond capital outlay request will be a top funding priority request for the Las Cruces campus during the 2012 legislative session.
The University Master Plan identifies the need to construct state-of-the-art classroom and laboratory facilities in Hardman and Jacobs halls, as well as general renovation and maintenance. The work will provide much-needed large- and medium-sized classroom facilities designed to integrate technology with pedagogy. In the interest of sustainability and economy, the university will focus on reusing, recycling and renovating as much of the existing buildings as possible in order to meet the needs of the center.