Renovation of an educational facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Completed plans call for the renovation of a educational facility.

https://hscnews.unm.edu/news/unm-college-of-pharmacy-celebrates-renovation-kickoff-marking-a-bold-new-chapter The University of New Mexico leadership marked progress toward a new era for the UNM College of Pharmacy by taking sledgehammers to one of the building’s sheetrock walls Friday morning. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members gathered to watch the symbolic first move and official beginning to the renovation of the 50-year-old facility. The project, more than a decade in the making, is set to modernize the building on UNM’s North Campus, and create a larger and more technologically advanced environment to train future pharmacists and researchers in our state. “This renovation is both a tribute to the College’s 80-year legacy and a bold step toward the future,” said Donald Godwin, dean of the UNM College of Pharmacy. “It ensures that we remain at the cutting edge of pharmacy education and research, arming our students and faculty with the tools they need to address the rapidly evolving health care landscape.” DQ1A9114 Leaders and donors took the first swings at a sheetrock wall in front of the UNM College of Pharmacy, symbolically kicking off a construction project more than a decade in the making. Photo Credit: Julian Gutierrez DQ1A9165 Leaders and donors took the first swings at a sheetrock wall in front of the UNM College of Pharmacy, symbolically kicking off a construction project more than a decade in the making. Photo Credit: Julian Gutierrez DQ1A9176 Leaders and donors took the first swings at a sheetrock wall in front of the UNM College of Pharmacy, symbolically kicking off a construction project more than a decade in the making. Photo Credit: Julian Gutierrez DQ1A9142 Leaders and donors took the first swings at a sheetrock wall in front of the UNM College of Pharmacy, symbolically kicking off a construction project more than a decade in the making. Photo Credit: Julian Gutierrez DQ1A9114 Leaders and donors took the first swings at a sheetrock wall in front of the UNM College of Pharmacy, symbolically kicking off a construction project more than a decade in the making. Photo Credit: Julian Gutierrez DQ1A9165 Leaders and donors took the first swings at a sheetrock wall in front of the UNM College of Pharmacy, symbolically kicking off a construction project more than a decade in the making. Photo Credit: Julian Gutierrez Founded in 1945 as UNM’s first health profession school, the College of Pharmacy has played a central role in shaping pharmacy practice throughout New Mexico and nationally. “This is not simply a building renovation, it is an investment in the health of New Mexico,” Godwin continued. “By training the next generation of pharmacy leaders in a space that encourages excellence and innovation, we are ensuring that our graduates are ready to improve care, expand access, and strengthen the health of communities across our state and beyond.” The renovation responds to a clear need. The existing 96,518-square-foot facility, constructed in 1975, was originally designed for a much smaller College. Today, the College ranks among the top 20 pharmacy schools in the nation, stands 3rd in total for NIH funding, and serves as the training ground for 81% of practicing pharmacists in New Mexico. The growth of its programs and research enterprise demanded a facility that better reflects its mission, scale, and impact. The project, led by Vigil & Associates, in collaboration with Architekton, is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027. Together, the design teams will deliver a state-of-the-art home for future pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists while honoring the College’s proud 80-year history. “From a design standpoint, this project presented a unique opportunity to extend the life of this facility which has served the College of Pharmacy well for 50 years,” said Vicente Castillo, Principal Architect at Vigil & Associates Architectural Group. “By retaining the concrete structure and core but replacing the envelope and revamping the utilities and interior spaces, the reinvigorated facility will be ready to house The College of Pharmacy for another 50 plus years. By reusing the existing structure and with an anticipated energy savings of approximately 80% over current, the renovation will be a model on campus for sustainable design strategies to conserve materials and resources.” Castillo said from a construction standpoint, the project is unique because it is centrally located on the North Campus and includes a basement that extends below the campus, where the College’s research facilities are housed. “These factors present constraints that our construction partners have worked diligently to develop innovative solutions that will allow the work to happen efficiently with minimal disruption to campus activities and ensuring the safety of those near the project,” Castillo said. Phase 1 of the renovation project will modernize 37,610 square feet of space and refresh another 17,405 square feet, all part of a $35 million General Obligation Bond approved by the voters of New Mexico in 2024. UNM CoP - Lobby Rendering of the lobby inside the renovated UNM College of Pharmacy building. UNM CoP - Exterior South West Entry Rendering of the exterior of the renovated UNM College of Pharmacy building. UNM CoP - Exterior South Elevation Rendering of the exterior of the renovated UNM College of Pharmacy building. UNM CoP - Admin_Deans Office Rendering of the dean's office inside the renovated UNM College of Pharmacy building. UNM CoP - Auditorium Rendering of an auditorium inside the renovated UNM College of Pharmacy building. UNM CoP - Lobby Rendering of the lobby inside the renovated UNM College of Pharmacy building. UNM CoP - Exterior South West Entry Rendering of the exterior of the renovated UNM College of Pharmacy building. Upgrades will include flexible classrooms, high-performance research labs, student lounges, and collaborative spaces that bring together learners, faculty and community partners. Project leaders also said new HVAC systems, modern IT infrastructure, and robust communication networks will ensure the College can meet the needs of students and researchers for decades to come. But perhaps the most unique changes will be to the envelope, which is any part of the building that physically separates the inside from the outside, like walls, windows and doors. “The envelope was calibrated to both maximize the connection with the greater campus but also the energy savings performance which will help lower the energy usage of the building by a significant margin,” Castillo said. “The new envelope will transform the architecture of the building from that of a 1970s institutional facility to one that is rooted in our proud New Mexican culture but looking toward the future to better represent the modern academics and research happening within its walls.” In addition to infrastructure improvements, the renovation affirms the College’s role as a powerhouse in education and discovery. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the College secured more than $21 million in extramural funding, a 191% increase over seven years, underscoring its leadership in biomedical research. “The renovated spaces are designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and discovery,” Godwin said. “By creating modern classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, and flexible research and engagement spaces, we are providing students, faculty, and staff with the environment they need to push boundaries, generate new ideas and connect with the communities we serve.” --------------------------------- Unm College of Pharmacy Renovation Phase 1. We Are Currently Requesting Submissions for All Scopes of Work Related to This Project This Meeting is Mandatory for All Mep Subcontractors. It is Strongly Suggested That All Bidding Subcontractors Attend. For Questions, Please Contact Philip Erickson at 505.765.1200