Planning is advancing for the repurposing of a former National Guard facility into classroom space for the Taos campus of the University of New Mexico.
The move took a significant step forward seven months ago when the school purchased what is officially called the New Mexico Army National Guard Readiness Center, while winning the approval of the New Mexico Higher Education Department to proceed with the project.
Located at 1145 County Road 110, the one-story brick structure, which has been closed for several years, will take on new life as classroom and research space for UNM’s Career and Technical Education classes.
What is being called the Taos Workforce Center will house space for classes in construction and welding, as well as film and digital media arts, and culinary arts instruction.
The project is set to be executed in two phases, with phase one seeing the connection of the center to the water and sewage systems of Taos. The Armory building formerly operated with its own in-place systems.
The final phase of the project is expected to begin in early 2029 and will see interior improvements to the building, as well as the installation of fire suppression systems.
In a press release, UNM has said that upon the completion of the final phase work the upgraded structure will be capable of “serving hundreds of students each year, providing them with hands-on experience in high-demand industries.”
UNM established the Taos campus in 1993 with an enrollment of around 350 students. According to the school’s latest figures, that number is now just under 850.
February 19, 2026
By Garry Boulard
