New Mexico State University will move forward with the demolition of Cole Village, an on-campus residential complex that has been vacant since 2017. Preliminary work is underway as the university prepares for full demolition activities to begin in January 2026. A demolition ceremony for Cole Village will take place at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at the southeast corner of Wells Street and S. Espina. 

Cole Village was constructed in 1965 to provide affordable housing for students and their families during a period of rapid enrollment growth. Although the complex once served as a vital residential option near campus, university officials say the aging buildings can no longer be used safely. 

"Cole Village has significant infrastructure deficiencies, contains asbestos and does not meet current ADA accessibility standards," said Berta Zubiate, university architect. "These conditions pose environmental and safety risks, which is why the facility has remained closed and unsuitable for use." 

The demolition was postponed for several years due to funding limitations. Zubiate said the university had to wait for designated state support to complete the project responsibly. 

"This type of demolition requires specialized abatement and removal processes," she said. "We couldn't move forward until the necessary state capital appropriations were allocated for this purpose." 

Since sitting vacant, the complex has also presented ongoing challenges. 

"Extended vacancy has unfortunately led to recurring issues with unauthorized access and activity on the premises," Zubiate said. "Addressing those incidents has been a concern and a potential liability for the university, which further underscores the need to take the buildings down." 

The project will be fully funded through state capital outlay appropriations dedicated to the safe abatement and demolition of the structures. Demolition is expected to begin in January 2026, with full completion projected for mid to late January 2027. 

Following demolition, the future use of the site will be determined through NMSU's forthcoming Campus Master Plan update. 

"We're approaching this project with a long-term vision in mind," Zubiate said. "Once the site is cleared, it will open the door for new opportunities that support the evolving needs of our campus community."

The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/aggie-community-update--nmsu-to-begin-demolition-of-cole-village-in-early-2026/s/52b3dc29-363f-46aa-8e32-074a67d1ed78