CNM ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Albuquerque, New Mexico
CNM ATC
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Once the site of a Motorola manufacturing plant, the CNM Advanced Technology Center (ATC) transforms an abandoned factory into a vibrant academic hub for Central New Mexico Community College. SMPC reimagined the 82,000-square-foot facility to house eight of CNM’s 18 Technology and Vocational programs, bringing together specialized disciplines under one roof and revitalizing a dormant industrial property through adaptive reuse.
The building supports a diverse mix of programs—from Aviation Maintenance and Film Production to Construction Management and Geographic Information Technology—within a flexible framework designed to evolve with changing workforce needs. Large high-bay areas, shared CAD classrooms, and technology-rich labs encourage collaboration and adaptability across departments.
Flexibility was central to the design approach. Spaces can easily be reconfigured as programs shift or expand, ensuring long-term relevance for CNM’s evolving curriculum. Since completion, the Landscape program’s space has been reassigned to other departments, and 13,000 square feet of reserved space includes a clean room ready to accommodate future instruction.
Delivered on a tight budget and five-month schedule, the project required close coordination between SMPC, the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), and CNM leadership. Existing chillers, boilers, and structural systems were reused and integrated with new digital controls, while the interior was completely reconfigured to support high-performing instructional spaces.
Acoustic design played a key role, particularly for the Film Production Lab, which sits between high-noise programs. Sound attenuation strategies—including under-deck treatments and decoupled wall assemblies—created acoustically controlled environments while maintaining the building’s open, industrial character. Existing steel mezzanines were repurposed as exterior canopies, a nod to the project’s resourceful design and respect for the building’s industrial past.
By transforming a vacant factory into a center for applied learning and technical innovation, the CNM Advanced Technology Center exemplifies how adaptive reuse can serve both education and community—aligning CNM’s mission to prepare students for real-world industry opportunities in a dynamic, future-ready environment.
Photography by Patrick Coulie and Jason Holubiak
“The SMPC staff were a pleasure to work with during the programming and subsequent renovation of the CNM Advanced Technology Center (ATC). They took multiple opportunities to gather input from the faculty and staff who would be housed in the space. They were patient with our many questions and stayed in contact throughout the project to ensure our needs were met.”
– John Bronisz, Former Dean of the School of Applied Technologies, CNM
Project Highlights
- Adaptive reuse of former manufacturing facility
- 82,000 sf renovation to consolidate and house diverse applied technology programs
- LEED Gold certified
- Reuse of existing mechanical systems and steel mezzanines
- Specialized acoustic design for Film Production Lab
Recognition
- 2012 NAIOP Awards of Excellence, Award of Merit, Civic/Public Renovation Remodel
Project Team
