As part of the University of New Mexico’s continued growth and evolution, construction projects will be underway throughout the summer of 2025 as things quiet down at the Albuquerque and branch campuses. Outdated structures will be replaced with energy-efficient buildings, renovations will improve building condition and accessibility, and new, tailor-made buildings will be erected to serve their functional purpose.

Albuquerque Campus New Construction

  • A new purpose-built UNM Police Headquarters began construction on April 8 at the intersection of University and Mesa Vista Road. The new headquarters, replacing the current location in Hokona Hall, aims to enhance campus safety, improve operational efficiency, elevate police visibility on campus, and strengthen community engagement. (Budget: $17,000,000)
  • In collaboration with UNM Food, a food truck area will be built in an empty lot near the North Golf Course Clubhouse. The construction has an anticipated completion date in June. (Budget: $265,305)
  • The UNM Humanities building demolition process will begin summer 2025. The new multi-story LEED facility is aimed to open in 2028, including teaching, research, and gathering spaces that serve the humanities and social sciences departments. (Budget: $2,362,000 for demolition, $87,600,000 for new building construction)
  • The Center for Collaborative Arts & Technology (CCAT) will continue construction throughout the summer. Road closures on Redondo Drive are expected at two construction zones due to the CCAT Utilities Extension project laying utility lines to the building. Chilled water piping installation will result in trenching in Redondo Drive from the northwest corner of Pearl Hall to the CCAT construction site. CCAT electricity will run along the west edge of Johnson Field from Redondo Court to the CCAT site. The exact schedule for these closures and traffic plans will be announced when they are set. (Budget for utilities extension: $2,280,000)

Albuquerque Campus Renovations and Additions

  • Alvarado Hall will undergo renovations beginning May 20 to improve and modernize the student living experience. Improvements to the building include a new elevator installation, restroom re-design and renovation, and carpet replacement. This project is funded through the 2023 Institutional Bond Funding. (Budget: $8,318,450)
  • Coronado Hall will be completing the final of four phases of restroom updates and renovation.
  • The Cornell Mall from Redondo Drive to the Student Union Building will receive upgrades to the electrical infrastructure and overhead lighting used for evening events from July through August. Phase 2 of this project will identify a small outdoor performance space, with ASUNM seeking funding in the 2026 legislative session. (Budget: $405,000)
  • New parking lot gates with access control will be installed at the R parking lots near Girard Boulevard for increased security. Other improvements to the areas will focus on asphalt paving restoration and striping, landscaping, irrigation, pedestrian connectivity, security cameras, lighting, and emergency stations. A pick-up and drop-off area for shuttle operations will be established to service the lots. Construction began on April 20 with an anticipated completion date of Aug. 1. (Budget: $1,870,000)
  • The Tow Diehm Athletic Facility will receive new additions to the south side of the building, one room being dedicated to player debrief meetings. Construction began on April 21, with the project aimed to be completed by the end of 2025. (Budget: $6,790,000)
  • The IHSC Expansion Project began containment and demo work on April 21, with an expected completion date of Spring 2026. The 5,200 square foot addition to the Domenici Center for Health Sciences Education will construct an acute care simulation and physical therapy gym, providing vital, hands-on learning experiences that reflect real-world medical environments. This new facility will allow students to develop and refine critical skills in a controlled and realistic setting, benefiting their professional development. This project represents a strategic investment in the university’s infrastructure and the future of healthcare in New Mexico, enhancing our ability to prepare graduates who are exceptionally skilled and ready to serve the state and its communities. Due to the addition, the parking lot north of Domenici Center, connected to the building, will be permanently closed. No impacts to pedestrian sidewalks are anticipated. (Budget: $5,750,000)

Branch Campus Construction

  • Gurley Hall student center on Gallup Campus will be renovated, including exterior stucco repairs and infrastructure improvements. (Budget: $6,405,300)
  • The new McKinley Academy will be built on UNM’s Gallup branch campus with an anticipated completion date of Aug. 15. The academy will offer pre-college classes for the community. Construction is funded by Gallup Public Schools. (Budget: $23,650,000)
  • In collaboration with the National Forest Service, structures at Capilla Peak will be demolished and removed to return the peak to its pristine state. The anticipated completion date is November 1, 2025. (Budget: $290,000)