COMMUNITY

Campus renovation breaks ground at ENMU-Ruidoso

First phase covered by already budgeted state and local funds

Dianne L. Stallings
Ruidoso News
  • Voters will be asked Nov. 5 to approve a bond issue to pay for second phase of renovation

Members of Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso's Advisory Board, along with students, faculty and community members celebrated construction now underway at the 721 Mechem Drive campus with a late afternoon "groundbreaking."

In the symbolic act, advisory board members, the college President, Dr. D. Ryan Carstens, and representatives from Dekker/Perich/Sabatini Architects and Jaynes Construction turned shovels of sand to honor the beginning of a three phase building plan aimed at completely transforming ENMU-Ruidoso, according to university officials.

Representing the college were Carstens and board members Brad Treptow, James Paxton, Gina Klinekote, Marla Romero and Justin Huffmon.

Members of ENMU-Ruidoso's Advisory Board, grab shovels for the groundbreaking of Phase I renovation of the campus. From left are Marla Romero, James Paxton, Brad Treptow, College President Dr. Ryan Carstens, Gina Klinekote and Justin Huffmon.

Also participating were Mark Harberts, construction administrative lead from DPS Architects of Albuquerque, and Marcus Ortiz, construction manager for Jaynes Construction, also of Albuquerque.

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"We are celebrating Phase 1, step 1, in a process that will completely transform the look and functionality of ENMU-Ruidoso and make it the comprehensive community college the residents of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs deserve," said Dr. Carstens.

More:Training workforce for the future: ENMU-Ruidoso maps its way

The 16,000-square foot facility was once a retail furniture store. Planning how best to utilize the additional space began as soon as the purchase was finalized in 2016, he said.

"With these shovels, we mark the beginning of a new phase in our commitment and service to this community," Carstens said. "ENMU-Ruidoso Branch Community College is poised to become what visionaries intended when it opened, a college that elevates possibilities for students and plays a significant role in the economic prosperity of the entire region."

When completed, the space will include three additional large classrooms, nine smaller seminar-style rooms, a 140-seat lecture hall and multipurpose room for fine arts performances, conferences and special events, offices for faculty, administrators and support staff, a new roof, infrastructure and retaining wall, said Steve Lestarjette, acting director, marketing and enrollment management.

Cost for the renovation is estimated at $3,582,000, with money coming from local and state funds.

Dr. D. Ryan Carstens, president of Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso, explains the proposed layout of the renovated campus with new space to the right and a major overhaul to existing space in gray that would be covered by a $3 million bond issue.

More:ENMU-Ruidoso asks voters to approve $3 million bond issue

The college is seeking community support for a $3 million bond referendum to renovate its current facility at 709 Mechem Drive, preparing classrooms and labs for workforce degree and certificate programs. That election will occur Nov. 5.

Reporter Dianne Stallings can be contacted at dstallings@ruidosonews.com.