Project Description

Project Status: Planning & Pre-Demolition

The new Humanities & Social Sciences Facility will provide a modern, inclusive, and collaborative environment that enhances student learning, fosters research, and strengthens community engagement. Designed to support all students, regardless of major, the facility will house dynamic learning spaces, technology-integrated classrooms, and areas for interdisciplinary collaboration. This investment will enrich the educational experience of students in majors across UNM by promoting critical thinking, effective communication, and cross-disciplinary problem-solving—skills that are essential for success in today’s workforce.

Located at the heart of UNM’s campus, the new facility will serve as a vibrant hub for students, faculty, and visitors. Thoughtfully designed to encourage interaction and intellectual exchange, it will be a centerpiece for the humanities and a gateway to the broader academic community. The project aligns with UNM’s long-term vision to modernize campus infrastructure while preserving The University’s rich tradition of scholarship. With state-of-the-art facilities and a prime central location, the new building will become a landmark that inspires learning, supports research, and strengthens The University’s role as a leader in higher education.

Beyond academics, the complex will serve as a cultural hub, reflecting the diverse heritage of New Mexico and fostering engagement between students, faculty, and the broader community. Its flexible spaces will support both individual research and collaborative projects, allowing scholars to explore new ideas and innovations that impact the state and beyond. By creating a flagship-quality educational space, the project reaffirms UNM’s commitment to student success, research excellence, and the long-term strength of New Mexico.

The current Humanities facility will be closed at the end of the  2024 fall semester, with abatement beginning in January 2025, followed by demolition in the summer of 2025, which should conclude in fall 2025. The new Humanities & Social Sciences Facility will be constructed in the same location and is scheduled to open in 2028. 

The College of Arts & Sciences has built a website documenting the relocation of current Humanities Faculty and Staff, including a directory which lists where you can find each individual in their temporary office.

Project/Construction Manager:

Craig Barnard, cabarnard@unm.edu 

Construction Media Contact:

Lydia Thomas, ISS Marketing & Communications Manager, lgosling@unm.edu

Related Links:

• "On the Move" by Kim Delker, December 12, 2024, UNM Newsroom

Architect

Demolition Architect | TBD
New Construction Architect | SMPC Architects and Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects (TWBTA)

Contractor

Demolition Contractor | TBD
New Construction Contractor | TBD

Funding

$52 Million, General Obligation Bond 3, approved on Nov. 5, 2024