ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico (UNM) is gearing up for a transformative summer as it embarks on several major construction projects designed to modernize its main Albuquerque campus and expand its academic and public safety infrastructure.

Leading the list is the long-anticipated demolition of the Humanities building, a prominent structure located between the Student Union Building and Zimmerman Library. The university announced that this demolition marks the first step in developing a new, state-of-the-art facility that will serve as the future home of the humanities and social sciences departments.

The current building has served generations of students but has aged beyond its usefulness. The planned replacement aims to bring updated technology, flexible learning environments, and more collaborative space. The university said the new facility is expected to open by 2028.

The Humanities building project is just one piece of a broader summer construction initiative at UNM. Crews are also continuing work on a new UNM Police Department headquarters, which is rising at the corner of University Boulevard and Mesa Vista Road. The updated headquarters will provide modernized office space, improved dispatch capabilities, and enhanced safety infrastructure for both students and staff.

Additionally, the university is pushing forward with development of the Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology. This facility is part of UNM’s effort to create more interdisciplinary opportunities by blending visual arts, design, digital media, and performance technology in one shared academic environment.

Renovations and additions are also planned for several other campus buildings, though university officials have not yet provided a full list of affected structures. These upgrades are part of a long-term capital improvement plan that aligns with UNM’s goals of expanding access to education, improving sustainability, and providing cutting-edge research and learning environments.

With these projects, UNM continues to evolve as a hub for innovation in the Southwest, aiming to attract top students, faculty, and researchers while improving the quality of campus life for the current university community.

Originally reported by Jordon Honeycutt in KRQE.