Handing over the keys
May 9, 2025
The transition of the New Mexico Army National Guard Readiness Center (AKA the Armory) deed to UNM-Taos is complete. Last year, UNM-Taos and the UNM Board of Regents got approval from the New Mexico Higher Education Department to renovate and repurpose the Armory, giving the school more classroom space.
The long-shuttered building will be a state-of-the-art facility for UNM-Taos’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
“UNM-Taos' campus is currently facing constraints due to a lack of proper facilities for its growing vocational programs,” says UNM-Taos Senior Construction Manager and Facilities Director Michael Cabral. “The Armory’s square footage would also allow for additional future courses, eliminating the need for future construction of CTE facilities.”
Proposed uses
The renovated Armory will house multiple programs and serve as a hub for vocational training, community partnerships, and student services.
Key areas of use:
- Vocational Programs: 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.
- Community Partnerships: Possible leased space for programs that align with UNM-Taos CTE programs. “We hope to offer space to programs that would benefit from adjacency to faculty and students in our CTE programs,” says Chancellor Mary Gutierrez. Film and other community-based organizations could find homes in the building.
- Housing Incubator: Possible space for a housing incubator program that supports affordable housing development in Taos County.
Community impact
The community of Taos and its surrounding areas will directly benefit from the redevelopment of the Armory. By expanding vocational programs, UNM-Taos will provide local businesses with a trained workforce via programs such as OSHA certification and other essential trades that are in high demand both locally and nationally. This aligns with the urgent need for skilled labor in construction, as well as in the culinary and hospitality industries, which are critical to Taos’ cultural and economic identity.
John Rush, president of the Great Chefs of Taos, adds that, “A well-trained culinary workforce will enhance our ability to attract more visitors to the area, improve the quality of local dining experiences, and foster growth in related businesses like local farms, artisan food producers, and tourism services.”
Film and Digital Media Arts (FDMA) is another rising UNM-Taos program positioned to meet the demands of the ever-growing New Mexico film industry, driven by the state’s attractive tax incentives for filmmakers.
Peter Walker, head of the FDMA department, emphasizes the importance of growing the FDMA program for both students and the local economy.
“The UNM-Taos Film and Digital Media Arts program offers a unique opportunity for local students to build valuable skills that directly contribute to the economic and workforce development of the Taos region,” he notes.
The renovation will therefore create long-term benefits, improving not only local employment but also overall economic development.
Renovation plan
A phased construction approach ensures that the renovation is carried out efficiently and without disruption to ongoing operations at UNM-Taos. Phase 1 will be the initial renovations, including the connection of the Armory to the Town of Taos domestic water systems and sewage operations. The Armory formerly operated off an onsite water well and septic systems, both of which are no longer feasible options.
Phase 2 follows with vocational program setup, such as a kitchen renovation to better equip the Culinary Arts program. Telecom, mechanics, cameras, and security will also be addressed during this phase.
The final phase 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.
The university is anticipating beginning improvements by the end of the summer. The Armory is located just before UNM-Taos Klauer campus on County Road 110 in Ranchos de Taos.
