CNM RIO RANCHO CAMPUS MASTERPLAN +
PHASE I INSTRUCTIONAL BUILDING
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
CNM RIO RANCHO
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN &
PHASE I INSTRUCTIONAL BUILDING
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
As the first building constructed on Central New Mexico Community College’s Rio Rancho Campus, the Phase I Instructional Building set the tone for an enduring academic presence in the city’s growing center. Conceived through a collaborative master planning process with CNM, the City of Rio Rancho, and the University of New Mexico, the project established a 40-acre campus framework that integrates paths, gathering spaces, and green corridors with future educational development.
The 65,500-square-foot instructional building brings to life CNM’s mission of expanding access to higher education through flexible, forward-looking design. The two-story facility includes multi-purpose classrooms, computer labs, and specialized spaces for nursing, biology, chemistry, and technology programs. Student-focused amenities such as a library, media center, and open study areas support collaboration and comfort, while a protected central courtyard and expansive glazing connect the academic interior with surrounding desert views.
Environmental sensitivity guided both planning and construction. The building was carefully sited to minimize disturbance to the fragile high-desert ecosystem, and the landscape design features native, drought-tolerant plantings. Sustainable strategies—such as geothermal heating and cooling, daylighting in 90 percent of occupied spaces, operable windows, and stormwater retention—contributed to the project’s LEED Gold certification.
Delivered through the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) method, the project emphasized collaboration and efficiency from planning through completion. The design and construction teams worked closely to coordinate infrastructure for future campus expansion, optimize schedule performance, and achieve significant savings for the College—all while completing the project ahead of schedule.
The CNM Rio Rancho Phase I Instructional Building stands as both a landmark and a foundation—an expression of CNM’s long-term commitment to the community and a model for sustainable, student-centered higher education in New Mexico.
Photography by Patrick Coulie Photography.
“CNM is thrilled that our first building in Rio Rancho is a facility that our Rio Rancho students and the entire community can be very proud of.”
– Katherine Winograd, President, CNM
Project Highlights
- Campus master plan for a 40-acre site
- First building of CNM’s Rio Rancho Campus Master Plan
- 65,500 SF two-story instructional facility
- Specialized labs for nursing, biology, chemistry, and technology
- Library, media room, and multi-purpose classrooms
- Central courtyard for outdoor gathering and daylight access
- Environmentally sensitive site design with native landscaping
- Geothermal heating and cooling system
- First LEED Gold certified project for CNM
- Delivered using the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) method
Recognition
- 2010 National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) Award of Excellence, Honor, Education Category
- 2010 Southwest Contractor, Best of 2010 Awards
Project Team
