Siembra Leadership High School (SLHS), a free, entrepreneurship-focused, public charter high school in Downtown Albuquerque, has moved into a newly re-purposed, main campus space, one block west of its original location. Designed by SMPC, the renovation provides SLHS with the space and facilities it needs to support its growing student body and innovative curriculum.
The new campus is located in the heart of Albuquerque’s Downtown Innovation and Arts District. This strategic location provides SLHS with opportunities to partner with local businesses and community organizations, and to engage with its surroundings and activate the surrounding neighborhoods through youth enterprise.
SLHS’ new space features a generous open area for flexible instruction, as well as administrative offices, a computer lab, quiet study rooms, and a staff break room. There is also a rooftop patio that is currently under construction.
SLHS serves students from some of the most vulnerable populations in the community, including students struggling with housing insecurity, food insecurity, young parenthood, and legal issues. The school believes that student support is equally important to the educational program and curriculum. To this end, SLHS provides a variety of support services, such as a food pantry, laundry facilities, and clothing donations.
The renovation of the new campus was completed just in time for the beginning of the 2023 school year. Student enrollment projections have surpassed expectations, and the leadership has been looking at opportunities for expansion into buildings adjacent to the new downtown location. In addition to addressing the space needs of the school, the development revitalizes 20,000 sf of vacant space in Albuquerque’s core.
This project is a great example of how SMPC can help schools create innovative and supportive learning environments that meet the needs of their students. We are proud to have partnered with SLHS on this project, and we look forward to seeing the school continue to grow and thrive in its new home.
Genereal Contractor for the project is Insight Construction. Photography by Mattophoto Architectural Photography
