SC-GC Chamber hears from UNM School of Architecture representatives

[Editor's Note: This author was a bit late to this presentation, as she had covered the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas presentation]

By Mary Alice Murphy

Geraldine Forbes-Isais, dean of the University School of Architecture, and Tim Castillo, UNM School of Architecture associate professor and native of Grant County, last summer brought to Silver City a group of architecture and planning students from UNM and Woodbury University School of Architecture in San Diego, CA, in a partnership with Western New Mexico University to do hands on planning and design work to enhance Silver City and Grant County.

Their project called Plata Studio had them creating design models of structures and doing conceptual drawings of ideas to "brand" and enhance Silver City. This partnership will continue beginning in late May this year, with teams coming the next two summers for a couple of weeks at a time.

Forbes-Isais said, although Silver City can be considered far from anywhere, "we like to think it's close to everywhere," as she showed a schematic with Silver City in the center of an area with lines to Albuquerque, Tucson and El Paso. "The transition from each of the urban areas to Silver City, allows one to relax into a new place. Our students were amazed by the history of the Big Ditch and even more amazed by the potential they saw."

She said the arts and culinary arts that are already present are "undercapitalized. The architecture was completely unexpected. They were stunned by how beautiful the public buildings were." Forbes-Isais said the Gila Regional Medical Center is a huge asset, "because it provides continuity of care. The university provides continuity of new knowledge. Those are two anchors. The Fort Bayard hospital is a huge question. What can we do with Fort Bayard?" She suggested a resort or casino, and expressed disappointment when she heard later that the demolition of the structure is in progress.

"Western New Mexico University is a jewel of a campus," Forbes-Isais said. "We know they have a master plan. We want to be part of the visioning. The UNM Law School and Medical School are also interested in partnering.

"The Gila Wilderness—its riches are unbelievable," she continued. "And mining has been a huge part of the community for many years."

She showed a 12-month schedule of events that already go on in Silver City and Grant County. "I am absolutely sure the area can have more and larger events," Forbes-Isais said. "They could become an economic engine you can control. You can have revenue generation from local events. How can design play a greater role in economic development?"

Castillo showed a slide of the 101 Things card, developed by the Silver City Arts and Culture District to give to visitors to the area. "This is amazing. We would like to see a geomapping of where the things to do are. How can we help? We have envisioned a culinary arts collaborative institute, with a location on Hudson Street just south of Broadway. It should hang into the Big Ditch. We see partnerships with local chefs. We come down here to talk to you," he chuckled, " but, really to eat. The students envisioned a mining museum and Continental Divide Trail marker at Tyrone."

He said city park concept initiatives have grown in several locales. "How can you capitalize on the Big Ditch and bring attention to it on the Hudson Street side?" He showed a slide of conceptual terracing down to the creek.

In a short video with student comments from last summer, one said it was an opportunity for the students to have a positive impact on the community. Another said: "We want to get to know the community and give something back." And still another said he saw diversified economic opportunities.

"In the issues for the next round next summer," Forbes-Isais said, "we want to consider quality of life. What can we do that will have an impact on quality of life changes?" She mentioned golf, an indoor swimming pool, the great year-round climate and affordable housing as possible options to consider.

"Tourism—it is a potential tourism mecca," she said. "Expanding the culture and fine arts market. Becoming part of an arts destination, including the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, Texas; the Lightning Field, the Very Large Array and the Trinity site. The mines also have that potential. You drive down the ridge, but you can't see the mine from the road. You need a place to explain the mine, not just a parking place. This could be a culinary destination market. You could expand the outdoors market, with archery, hunting and archaeology. How about a wine and art festival working with Deming." She and Castillo were surprised to hear there was a vineyard and winery in the Mimbres.

She talked about university and city partnerships, such as a film festival based on cultural content, such as Salt of the Earth, which tells the story of the Empire Zinc Mine strike. "You can find your niche."

Castillo said students had envisioned a mining museum, a specific Mimbres Pottery museum, and an archery center with national exposure. "We're here for the next three years. We want to hear what you have to say."

The website for Plata Studio is www.findingrural.com

Lois Fuller of Glenwood said she thought what they had seen the previous year was comprehensive. "To put it together is valuable. I'm quite convinced that people love to go somewhere that has a strong sense of place. We don't want to be Santa Fe, but it is successful, because of that sense of place."

Castillo said Santa Fe has branded itself very well. "How to brand Silver City—it is not as cohesive."

Forbes-Isais said plazas were designed to give an anchor. "You have the development of the Historic Downtown. We feel Silver City has a sense of place, more so than other MainStreet towns. You have room to bring in new buildings. We're encouraging developing the old historic downtown, developing the Big Ditch and developing more connectors between the university and historic downtown."

A woman at the luncheon said the architectural style in Silver City is "unique in its uniqueness. The model you showed of a culinary institute was a modern structure. It would stick out. Make it more of a Silver City design."

Forbes-Isais said it has been an important point of debate forever on how to honor the history of a place and move it into the modern era. The challenge is to have newness with the flavor of the town.

"You need something scaled to the power of the mine near the mine," she said.

She noted an old car dealership is now a marketplace, repurposing an existing building to a new use.

"Send your thoughts to us," Forbes-Isais said. "We want to work with you."

Tony Trujillo, moderator of the event, said the group would be working on funding to keep the project going.

He announced next month's chamber luncheon on Dec. 3, which will be held at Bear Mountain Lodge, with a representative from the Economic Department.

The Chamber Awards Banquet will be held Thursday, Nov. 19, at the WNMU Cafeteria in the Student Memorial Building. The chamber is seeking nominations for various awards, with nominating forms available at the chamber.

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