Envisioned to become an unconventional, functional and flexible entry into campus life, golden shovels broke ground on the new College Pathways to Careers Center (CPCC) at UNM-Taos Klauer Campus last month.

“This building is going to be awesome. We needed to move services from downtown — a wanting to consolidate buildings,” said Randi Archuleta, UNM-Taos dean of instruction.

This nearly 12,000 gross square foot, single-story structure will house:

  • Acequia Archives
  • A learning studio
  • Career Services offices
  • Southwest Research Center
  • Taos Education and Career Center (TECC)
  • Tutoring services
  • UNM-Taos Library

“It’s an amazing job we’re doing here with the new building,” said Jessica Sanchez-Romero, project manager. “We’re moving 13,000 square feet from our Civic Plaza Drive campus to Klauer.”

The center is intended to become a resource for integrated learning and living. RMKM Architecture produced an innovative design that easily allows students to flow between spaces. The CPCC will provide open meeting and student lounge/study areas, while including a courtyard patio and small garden space. UNM-Taos staff say the facility will not only meet the needs of the campus community but serve members of the community who want to use and celebrate the culturally valuable Acequia and Southwest Research Center archives.

Voters in New Mexico initially approved the project when passing a 2018 general obligation bond that put forth $4.3 million. The center’s total project budget is more than $6.1 million. Additional funding to cover the remaining costs is provided from various sources including the State of New Mexico and UNM-Taos. 

A final name for the center will be decided after construction is completed at the end of this year.