2002 Most Endangered

Most Endangered Places in New Mexico 2002

• White Sands National Monument Visitor Center, Otero
  
• Carrizozo Woman's Club, Lincoln
  
• D.D. Monroe Civic Building, Union
  
• New Mexico Public Welfare Building (The Villagra Building), Santa Fe
  
• The Whittlesey House, Bernalillo
  
• Edgewood Schoolhouse, Santa Fe
  
• Glorieta Battlefield, Santa Fe
  
• Castaneda Hotel, San Miguel
  
• The Hondo Valley, Lincoln
  
• Las Cruces Downtown Main Street, Dona Ana
  

New Mexico Public Welfare Building (The Villagra Building), Santa Fe

Significance: As the first building constructed with New Deal money in New Mexico, the Public Welfare Building, it played an important role as the headquarters for state and federal relief programs during the New Deal. Architecturally, it represents the maturation of John Gaw Meem?s Territorial Revival work, the signature style of Santa Fe?s state government buildings. The original 1934 section (an addition was completed in 1953) is built of poured concrete frame finished with cream-colored stucco walls, brick coping, pedimented window and door surrounds and classically inspired columns across the front entry.

Threat: Arguing that the 1935 portion of the building cannot be renovated due to structural limitations, the state proposes to demolish this historic structure and replace it with new construction. However, ways of renovation may exist without destroying the original 1935 Meem structure. Information remains to be gathered on renovation costs so the state may make the most informed decision.

UPDATE: In September 2001, the Historic Preservation Division (HPD) learned that Property Control Division (PCD) was planning to demolish the historic Villagra Building on Galisteo Street, as part of their Capitol Complex Masterplan, and build in its place a brand-new facility to house government offices. Their reason for the demolition was their belief that the building was no longer suitable for re-occupancy without substantial work, after its tenant of 30 years, the state Game and Fish Department decided to vacate the building in early 2001. HPD staff quickly acted to facilitate an Emergency State Register Listing for the structure, to temporarily protect it from its demise, while trying to negotiate possible alternatives with PCD and its architectural consultants for the project. As a result of the listing on October 5, 2001, PCD and HPD entered into an agreement to save the majority of the original 1934 Public Welfare Building, while permitting the demolition of the entire 1953 addition and a portion of the northwest wing of the original structure.

With this compromise in place, HPD agreed to erect a new 3-story building over the 1953 building's footprint and connect it with the remaining 1934 structure at its northeast corner. The design of the new building has been guided by close consultation between PCD and HPD staff and will attempt to harmonize visually with the 1934 structure, yet not overly mimic John Gaw Meem's Territorial Revival plans or design details.

Despite the demolition of the 1953 building and portion of the original structure, the majority of the 1934 building will remain intact, including its most visible and architecturally significant east and west facades. Therefore, on October 4, 2002, the Cultural Properties Review Committee following HPD staff recommendations, approved the permanent State Register listing of the original Public Welfare Building, also known as the Villagra Building, for retaining sufficient architectural integrity, under the thematic areas of Architecture, Politics/Government and Social/Humanitarianism, ensuring its protection and preservation for years to come.