ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Days after giving a first look at what a potential redevelopment of the New Mexico State Fairgrounds could look like, KRQE News 13 has heard some of the first reactions to those ideas from key leaders on the project. “All of these have benefits, all of these have challenges, and the whole point is to think through what makes the most sense,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-New Mexico).
State unveils preliminary plans for the future of the New Mexico State Fairgrounds
That’s what the governor said is at the heart of the eventual decision to be made over the potential redevelopment of the state fairgrounds. The consulting company on the project, Stantec, discussed its three preliminary designs on Thursday, with the special board now overseeing the property. “We need to talk about how we can phase in activities and facilities on the fairgrounds with these nucleuses in mind. So gathering places, fine-grained shared spaces,” said Ben Lewinger, Fable Communications, a sub-consultant to Stantec.
Concept one keeps the fairgrounds mostly as it is, but concept two moves the midway closer to Tingley Coliseum, along with putting new mixed-use housing, park space, and an event venue on site. The third concept would make the biggest change, removing the fairgrounds and making a “main street village,” with shops and even a potential school. For the first time on Thursday, the governor shared her preliminary opinion, leaning toward a major revamp.
“I prefer option three, now I say that without having all the facts I need. I need to hear from the community, which is part of this process, and see what their ideas are,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham…