Four Milestones, Three Remarkable Weeks
It is not often that an architecture firm gets to celebrate four major project milestones in the span of three weeks. For SMPC, this extraordinary moment began with the opening of the APS Duranes Early Childhood Center and continues with three upcoming grand-opening celebrations for projects serving public safety, career and technical education, and New Mexico’s growing film and digital media industry.
Although these four projects are distinct in their purpose, each reflects the power of sustained collaboration. They are the result of ambitious clients, committed design and construction partners, and project teams that invested years of thought, care and tenacity in bringing them to completion.
We are proud to help celebrate these places—and profoundly grateful to everyone who made them possible.
Transportation Systems Technology Center at RioTECH
The new 43,800-square-foot Transportation Systems Technology Center is the second major facility on the RioTECH campus in Rio Rancho. Created through a forward-looking partnership between Central New Mexico Community College and Rio Rancho Public Schools, the center expands access to hands-on career and technical education for high school and adult learners.
The facility will house CNM’s Automotive Technology and Electric Vehicle Technology programs, along with instruction in light-duty diesel technology. Specialized laboratories recreate real-world repair-shop environments using professional-grade equipment and current industry technologies. Adjacent classrooms and instructor spaces provide clear sightlines into the labs, supporting both real-time instruction and safety.
Expansive, column-free lab spaces give the programs flexibility to evolve alongside transportation technology. Translucent wall panels bring soft daylight deep into the learning environments and transform the building into a glowing presence on campus after dark. The center also includes specialized tool and electrical systems spaces, EV battery storage, a student commons and courtyard, a community showroom, and secure storage for training vehicles.
By bringing academic coursework and technical training together, CNM and RRPS are creating more direct pathways to certificates, associate degrees and high-demand careers. We are grateful to both institutions, Franken Construction, the consultant team and SMPC’s project team for their sustained commitment to this ambitious vision.
Ribbon Cutting
Friday, August 28, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RioTECH
6051 Zenith Ct. NE
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
CNM Film & Digital Media and the New Mexico Media Arts Collective at the Rail Yards
At the historic Albuquerque Rail Yards, a landmark of the city’s industrial past is beginning a new chapter as a center for film, television and digital media education.
Created for Central New Mexico Community College and the New Mexico Media Arts Collective in partnership with the City of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico, this innovative joint-use facility occupies the historic Boiler Shop. It will bring education, workforce development and industry collaboration together in one of Albuquerque’s most significant historic settings.
Open gathering areas—including a student gallery, learning stair and screening space—are designed to encourage collaboration and connection. At night, lighting and environmental graphics will animate the historic glass façade, making the creative activity inside visible from the adjacent plaza.
This adaptive-reuse project honors the Rail Yards’ history while creating new opportunities for New Mexicans to build careers in a growing industry. Its preservation work has already received a 2026 Architectural Heritage Preservation Award from the State of New Mexico’s Cultural Properties Review Committee.
SMPC extends its sincere appreciation to CNM, the City of Albuquerque, the State of New Mexico, Franken Construction, the preservation partners, consultants and project team members who brought extraordinary patience, expertise and imagination to this complex undertaking.
Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Albuquerque Rail Yards
777 1st Street SW
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bernalillo County Fire Station 36
Bernalillo County Fire Station 36 represents a major step forward for sustainable public safety infrastructure in New Mexico. Located near Osuna and Edith in Albuquerque’s North Valley, the facility is the state’s first all-electric fire station and will support New Mexico’s first fully electric fire truck.
The approximately 12,000-square-foot station provides modern living, wellness and operational spaces for firefighters, while an adjacent 1,800-square-foot Community Risk Reduction Center creates a welcoming place for public education and proactive safety initiatives.
The architecture responds to the North Valley’s residential character through climate-conscious design, regionally inspired materials and a warm, earthy palette. Together, the station and community center balance high-performance emergency response with an approachable neighborhood presence.
SMPC is honored to have worked alongside Bernalillo County, Bernalillo County Fire Rescue, HB Construction and the full consultant and construction team to help create a resilient facility for the first responders who serve our community every day.
Grand Opening
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
6810 Edith Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico
SMPC-JAH