Project
The new Lobo Welcome Center transforms an existing historic building, the former Naval ROTC building, into the main gateway to the UNM main campus and the welcoming “face” of the University for new students. It includes a welcome hall, presentation space, work spaces, auxiliary spaces, and outdoor space. Franken Construction was present at all programming verification and preconstruction meetings to provide input on cost and constructability as the design team and UNM defined programmatic needs.
The former Naval ROTC building, a Spanish-Pueblo Revival built in 1941, is the only adobe building on campus, is eligible for the National and State Registers, and is described in UNM Heritage Preservation Plan. It is considered of the highest historical importance (Tier 1) in the University’s Historic Preservation Implementation Plan, which required that the renovation of the building into the new Lobo Welcome Center follow the Secretary Standard for Rehabilitation and the Guidelines for Maintaining Building Integrity.
Key challenges included site safety, as the project is located on UNM’s main campus, adjacent to a major roadway (Lomas Blvd.) and across the street from the UNM Hospital, and historic preservation, as the building is located within the UNM main campus historic corridor, but the program required integration of advanced technology.
