NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS UNIVERSITY TROLLEY BARN, Las Vegas, NM
The historic Las Vegas Trolley Barn is the new home to the New Mexico Highlands University Department of Media Arts & Technology. The 105 year old sandstone building originally served as the headquarters for the town's trolley system but had fallen into disrepair as the trolley was abandoned for the automobile. The once-impressive building had been reduced to only its stone walls by the eects of nature. Working closely with the NM Historic Preservation Division, the architects developed a concept that would honor the history of the building but also look to the future. The new addition, required by the program area, is designed to wrap around the rear of the structure and preserve the primary Trolley Barn facades. The juxtaposition of the high-tech program and the Romanesque Revival shell oered many unique design opportunities. The effort to preserve this important landmark is visible in the details of the project. The project has received LEED Silver Certification.