Extensive renovations to Gurley Hall on the University of New Mexico’s Gallup campus will see the construction of new stairs and a pedestrian bridge inside the popular facility, as well as overall floor, ceiling, and wall renovations.
The work, however, will only begin if voters next month approve a $215 million statewide general obligation bond, with an estimated $3 million going to the Gurley Hall upgrades.
Additional Gurley Hall work is set to include the installation of new windows at the main entry façade of the structure, the creation of new student breakout spaces in two locations in the building, not to mention renovations to and the expansion of the current kitchen space.
Another $3 million in bond funding will target upgrades to the Fred Peralta Hall on UNM’s Taos campus. That 11,600 square foot structure, housing the school’s woodworking, ceramics, and drawing classes, will see an upgrade of the heating, ventilation, and cooling system as well as exterior improvements to campus safety lighting and signage.
The Learning Center Resource Center at UNM’s Valencia campus, meanwhile, is in line for a roof replacement and solar panel installation project, which will be funded by up to $900,000 in general obligation bonds.
General obligation bond questions in New Mexico have met with voter approval in the last five election cycles dating to 2012. A $155 million bond during the Great Recession year of 2010 was defeated by a narrow 50.1% to 49.9% margin.
By Garry Boulard
