UNM Makes Use of Summer to Improve Campus
By David Holzel
Near the southeast edge of the University of New Mexico’s (UNM) main campus in Albuquerque, the new $82.1 million Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology (CCAT) is rising from the ground.
With a completion date of October 2026, the center, considered the hub of the College of Fine Arts, will include a 600-seat concert hall, exhibition and rehearsal spaces and flexible collaborative areas.
Bradbury Stamm Construction is the contractor.
“They've come up out of the ground at this point,” said Kurt Schlough, UNM’s facilities design and construction director. “The structure is concrete and steel. They're primarily working on the concrete structure at this point. So, there's a tremendous amount of rebar work that's underway, a tremendous amount of concrete formwork that's happening. They have two large tracked cranes at the site that are working to help them navigate a fairly tight footprint.”
At 59,197 gross sq. ft., the Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology, also known as CCAT, is one of the largest projects under construction at the university this summer.
Enrollment at the Albuquerque campus was approximately 23,000 students in the fall of 2024. Approximately 27,000 students are enrolled in the University of New Mexico system.
With the student body mostly scattered until fall, Schlough said his department has the chance to do work that would be more difficult when classes are in session.
“Typically, summer itself is incredibly busy,” he said. “It's one of the few times of the year when we have anywhere from 12 to 14 weeks where we can work without significant deterrence as far as noise and class schedules and things of that nature getting in the way.
“It puts contractors on a pretty strict time limit, especially when we're dealing with dormitories and spaces that you need to occupy on specific dates by the start of the fall semester.”
CCAT will be designed to meet or exceed LEED Silver
V.4 certification standards, according to the university.
With glass on three sides, the building “provides some incredible panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains,” Schlough said.
Diller Scofidio + Renfro and ROMA Architecture are the project architects, and the university’s Jim Lloyd is the project manager.
Equipment used included a John Deere 350 excavator with a hydraulic grapple, a John Deere 330 excavator with a hydraulic hammer, a Cat skid loader, two Bobcat skid loaders, a Volvo EC50 excavator with a bucket and claw and a Volvo EC60 excavator with a crusher claw.
see UNM page 6
A crane helps set the supporting foundation of the Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology (CCAT) at the University of New Mexico.
Next Phase of 1-25 Improved Project Begins Around Albuquerque, N.M.
New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) crews began work on a new section of construction for the $260 million I-25 Improved Project on Aug. 14, 2025, according to krqe.com.
This new section is the northbound Pan American Frontage Road between Montgomery Boulevard and Comanche Road in Albuquerque.
AUI Inc. is the designer and builder of the project. Crews started driving steel piles into the ground on Pan American Frontage Road and Comanche Road as part of a new braided ramp foundation, krqe.com reported.
“The purpose of the braided ramps is to get easy access on and off the freeway, and it’ll be more of an interchange-type exit and on ramp,” NMDOT District 3 Public Information Officer Kimberly Gallegos told krqe.com. “Here on Comanche and also on Montgomery, it’s gonna help with more traffic through the area.”
Crews previously did the same work at the Montgomery exit and say it went smoothly.
They also will install Texas U-turns as part of the project to upgrade outdated infrastructure and help with long-term traffic flow, krqe.com reported.
“Right now, the ramps are outdated, so things back up at the light on the frontage road, and we won’t have that
issue anymore at this interchange,” Gallegos said. Crews switched traffic to the outside lanes of I-25 so they can work on the middle of the interstate. They are now removing the inner barrier wall to place an additional lane on southbound I-25. Recently paved Frontage Road will allow the traffic to be switched over more easily.
“We’ll start to see things ramp up around the area pretty quickly,” Gallegos said. “They continue to bring down the inside of the bridge at Comanche. So that portion has been done, and now we’re working on wall barriers. They’re chipping away at the existing wall barrier because we’re gonna have to take that down to widen the freeway.”
NMDOT officials said the project, which began in August 2024, will be finished in early 2027, according to krqe.com.
In 2024, the old lamp ramp at the Montgomery interchange was demolished, while piles were driven on both the west and east side at the Montgomery Boulevard Bridge, according to i25improved.com. Work also began and was completed on the North Diversion Channel Bridge, including support extensions, channel lining and foundation work. And demolition work, along with the construction of foundations and supports, was completed at the Comanche Road Bridge.
DESRI, El Paso Electric Start Work at Solar Storage Site
DESRI, in partnership with El Paso Electric (EPE), today announced on July 14, 2025, that the Santa Teresa Solar and Storage project has achieved financial notice to proceed and commenced construction.
Santa Teresa is a 150 megawatt (MW) solar facility with a 600 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system in Doña Ana County, N.M.
Dollar amounts and contractor names weren’t provided.
“The Santa Teresa Project is a cornerstone of DESRI's growing partnership with El Paso Electric and a prominent example of how cost-effective solar and storage assets can power New Mexico's future," said Hy Martin, chief development officer of DESRI. “The project not only contributes to regional grid stability via large-scale energy storage, but it also underscores our shared commitment to clean energy and economic development in Doña Ana County and across the state.”
“This project is about more than adding solar power — it's about delivering lasting value to the communities and businesses we serve,” said Dave Hawkins, vice president of system planning and operations support of El Paso Electric. “By providing clean energy and added capacity to the entire region, we're strengthening reliability, supporting sustain-
ability and investing in future economic development growth.”
Santa Teresa has a 20-year power purchase agreement with EPE. The project is expected to generate enough clean energy to power
approximately 60,000 EPE customer homes each year. Santa Teresa is DESRI's second project to begin construction in EPE’s territory, following the 130 MWac solar and 260 MWh BESS Carne project, which began con-
struction in 2024.
Construction financing was provided by DNB Bank ASA, New York Branch and National Bank of Canada as joint coordinating lead arrangers, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, New York Branch and Korea Development Bank. Deutsche Bank Trust Co. Americas acted as the administrative agent.
“During this hot summer, energy demand continues to rise. We're proud to be a part of a project that helps support the community by adding clean energy technology to the electric grid, and to do so using U.S.-made battery systems,” said Jaehong Park, CEO of LG Energy Solution Vertech. “This is a pivotal moment for energy storage, and we're working with DESRI and El Paso Electric to build on the momentum we've seen in the American energy storage market.”
LG Energy Solution Vertech will provide U.S.-made battery energy storage systems and the AEROS software suite for the project with continuous support through a long-term service agreement. SOLV Energy will serve as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor and also will provide ongoing operations and maintenance services once the project is operational.
I-25 Improved photo
A photo of the corridor slated for construction through 2027.
CK Power Opens New Arizona Facility in Underserved Region
CK Power, a provider of power generation solutions, announced the opening of its new facility in Phoenix, Ariz.
This expansion supports the company's growing Kubota engine territory, reinforces CK Power’s commitment to its dealer network and brings localized engine and generator expertise to one of the Southwest’s most underserved markets.
As a Kubota engine distributor, CK Power is investing in infrastructure that enables better service to OEM customers integrating Kubota engines into their equipment and provides improved support for a growing regional dealer network.
By placing resources closer to where they’re needed, the new Phoenix location ensures faster access to parts, expert technical service and deeper collaboration across industries such as power generation, construction and aggregates.
“Our new Arizona facility is a strategic step in advancing regional support for our OEMs and dealer partners,” said J.J. Costello, co-CEO of CK Power. “It strengthens our ability to provide responsive, knowledgeable service while reinforcing our long-
standing commitment to growing the Kubota brand in the Southwest.”
The new facility is at 405 S. Seventh St.
The facility also expands CK Power’s support for its generator line, many of which are powered by Volvo Penta engines. With its new designation as a Volvo Penta Certified Uptime Dealer, CK Power is now able to deliver faster diagnostics, reduced downtime and factory-authorized service on-site.
In addition to brand-specific support, the Phoenix location will serve as a regional hub for multi-brand engine, generator, and equipment service, along with expanded warehousing and direct shipping capabilities. Customers can expect streamlined parts availability, hands-on expertise and reduced equipment downtime, all backed by CK Power’s reputation for quality and responsiveness.
This expansion underscores CK Power’s long-term growth strategy, focused on supporting OEM integration, expanding aftermarket services nationwide and providing regionally embedded support for its Kubota dealer network and CK Power generator customers. For details, visit ckpower.com or call 314/868-8620.
UNM Builds Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology
The CCAT isn’t the only active project at UNM this summer.
Facing the Zimmerman Library and flanked by Ortega Hall, with its classrooms and offices, and the Student Union, the Humanities and Social Sciences Complex has anchored the center of campus since it was built in 1973.
An assessment in 2020 found the facility had aged beyond its usefulness, according to the university. Over the summer, the five-story Brutalist structure was fenced off, as the university began its demolition. In its place, a new Humanities and Social Science facility will open in 2028.
“The project aligns with UNM’s long-term vision to mod-
ernize campus infrastructure while preserving the university’s rich tradition of scholarship,” according to the university.
Like the Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology, the new $52 million humanities complex is one of the university’s larger construction projects this summer, Schlough said.
“Typically, larger projects come up every couple of years because of some of the bonds that go through with the state funding sources.”
The just-closed humanities building will be demolished from the top down and from the inside out, Schlough said.
“Right now, a large part of the work includes the abatement of the materials inside. So, anything with asbestos is being removed and documented as needed,” he said.
After that, demolition contractor Bradbury Stamm will begin the demolition process in the interior.
Architecture on the central campus tends to follow the Spanish Pueblo Revival style. This year, the university adopted its Integrated Campus Plan, which includes design guidelines.
The new Humanities building is in the schematic design phase, Schlough said.
“They will be continuing to work through design development and then construction documents into next year,” he said. “And the plan is for construction for the early work package, which would be basically utilities and basement work, would start sometime around July 2026. And then it has about a 24-month construction period.
“Right now, there's a lot of discussion on materials. We're working through structure. We're working through the
mechanical systems. There are also a tremendous amount of meetings that are happening with the many humanities’ departments.”
The facility is expected to be completed in 2028.
RMKM Architecture is serving as the demolition architect, while SMPC Architects and Studio Tsien Architects are the new construction architects.
And then there’s the Duck Pond.
When the UNM’s Duck Pond was built on the southwest campus in the 1970s, it was part of a project to provide “an open area for the relaxation and enjoyment of students and faculty,” according to the university.
The 32,000-gross-sq.-ft. “urban water feature” was rededicated after undergoing a complete $4 million renovation to replace aging infrastructure, enhance water quality, improve safety and accessibility and reduce maintenance demands.
In a desert environment, the pond, with its ducks, turtles and fish, provides a respite for students, faculty and alumni.
“People have a lot of feelings for it,” Schlough says. “Even though it seems like a simple pond, it's crucial, it's central to the heart of campus.”
Contractor Aquatic Consultants drained and deepened the pond and added a pond liner. Pland Collaborative served as the project architect.
The project plan included a waterfall, a footbridge spanning the pond and “a rolling, mounded grassy area which will serve to deflect foot traffic and shield people from the wind,” according to the university. CEG
(All photos courtesy of the University of New Mexico.)
Arizona Board OKs Five-Year Construction Program Update
Arizona’s State Transportation Board approved the 2026-2030 Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program, which emphasizes pavement and bridge improvements and expanding several key highways.
Approved at the board’s meeting on June 20, 2025, in Payson, the $11.5 billion 20262030 Five-Year Transportation Facilities Program meets the Arizona Department of Transportation’s goal of investing $2.4 billion in the next five years to preserve, rehabilitate and replace pavement and bridges on the state highway system.
For Greater Arizona, which encompasses areas beyond Maricopa and Pima counties, the construction program emphasizes improving highway pavement and bridge infrastructure. These projects will improve highway safety, efficiency and functionality, such as intersection improvements, updates to ports of entry and rest areas, smart technologies and new signals, signs and shoulders.
Greater Arizona expansion projects in the program include:
• widening Interstate 17 from Sunset Point to State Route 69 starting in fiscal 2028;
• widening the Pinal County portion of State Route 347 between the city of Maricopa and Riggs Road starting in fiscal 2027;
• widening the Lion Springs section of State Route 260 east of Payson starting in fiscal 2026;
• widening U.S. 93 north of Wickenburg along the Vista Royale segment starting in fiscal 2026; and widening U.S. 93 at Big Jim Wash between Wickenburg and Wikieup starting in fiscal 2027; and
• building an interim road connecting a new commercial port of entry facility planned in Douglas with State Route 80 starting in fiscal 2026.
In Pima County, the tentative five-year program lists projects including:
• widening Interstate 10 from Kino Parkway to Country Club Road, which includes building a new interchange at I-10 and Country Club Road and reconstructing the Kino Parkway interchange;
• I-10 from Alvernon Way to Valencia Road starting in fiscal 2028;
• improving the I-10 interchanges at Park Avenue in fiscal 2028 and Sixth Avenue in fiscal 2029; and
• reconstructing the Interstate 19 interchange at Irvington Road starting in fiscal 2026.
In Maricopa County, the tentative fiveyear program lists expansion projects planned in conjunction with the Maricopa Association of Governments including:
• widening Loop 303 from Lake Pleasant Parkway to 51st Avenue and improving the I-17/Loop 303 interchange starting in fiscal 2026;
• constructing State Route 30 from 97th Avenue to 71st Avenue starting in fiscal 2030; and
• widening State Route 24 between Loop 202 and Ironwood Road in the Southeast Valley starting in fiscal 2030
Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions have dedicated, voter-approved sales taxes for transportation that fund expansion projects.
The five-year program includes $135 million for the Airport Capital Improvement Program, which provides funding in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration for projects to design and construct safety, security and capacity enhancements, prepare various plans and studies and fund improvements at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, which ADOT operates.
Funding for the overall statewide fiveyear construction program comes from federal and state dollars, in addition to money generated by users of transportation services in Arizona, primarily through gasoline and diesel fuel taxes, the Arizona vehicle license tax and various aviation taxes.
ADOT’s five-year program is developed by working closely with local governments, regional transportation planning organizations and Indian Tribal Communities to prioritize projects that are ready to build or design.
Arizona Department of Transportation photo Crews work to create drilled shafts for the new Interstate 10 westbound bridge over the Gila River in May 2025.
At 59,197 gross sq. ft., the Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology, also known as CCAT, is one of the largest projects under construction at the university this summer.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Breaks Ground in Santa Fe
The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, N.M., broke ground on a new $75 million campus to showcase the life and work of the late influential artist, according to the Albuquerque Journal.
The 54,000-sq.-ft. facility at 123 Grant Ave. will include both above- and belowground levels to roughly double the exhibit space of the museum, which draws visitors from around the world.
The campus also will include new classrooms, a lecture hall and conservation labs. The building will feature locally sourced adobe and details inspired by O’Keeffe’s art, according to Museum Director Cody Hartley.
Bradbury Stamm Construction will serve as contractor, with DNCA Architects responsible for building architecture, Reed Hilderbrand Landscape Architects overseeing the community green space, Thinc Design handling exhibition theme development and Gluckman Tang Architects overseeing the original schematic design, according to the museum website.
Our program, our visitation, our collections, have outgrown the limited space we have,” Hartley told the Journal. “The new facility will allow us to continue welcoming our visitors from around the state and around the world with a much larger footprint.”
The excavation work for the museum’s lower level was completed in July, which was the first phase in an expected three years
of construction. A grand opening is anticipated in late spring or early summer of 2028, according to the Journal.
Visitor capacity is expected to reach 215,000 annually.
“We’re consolidating all of our operations on one block with a campus that’ll be beautifully landscaped to connect our buildings with pathways and beautiful plantings, and really that’ll be the front door for the museum,” Hartley said. “We’re hoping our visitors have the opportunity to really kind of ground themselves in the natural world before they enter into the galleries. Then the galleries themselves will allow us to tell the story of Georgia O’Keeffe’s art life and independent spirit in a series of spaces that will walk through her history.”
Approximately 91 percent of the project funding came from 98 individual donors, according to Museum Public Relations Manager Renee Lucero, the Journal reported.
The new site will replace the museum’s existing location at 217 Johnston St., where the private nonprofit has housed the largest single collection of the painter’s work since its 1997 opening. In addition, the museum manages O’Keeffe’s historic Home and Studio and the O’Keeffe Welcome Center in Abiquiú, N.M., as well as the artist’s nearby Ghost Ranch property.
For more information, visit okeeffemuseum.org/.
Reed Hilderbrand Landscape Architects and DNCA Architects rendering A rendering of the new Georgia O’Keeffe Museum building in Santa Fe, N.M.
