albuquerque to see multi-phase community center construction

Work could begin next summer on the building of a 33,000 square-foot structure that will house a community center for residents living on the southwest side of Albuquerque.

As currently planned, the project will go up in four phases, with the first phase measuring around 15,000 square feet, and including the construction of office space, a lobby, a fitness room, activity rooms, and outdoor courtyard.

The project, which has also been the subject of at least one community input meeting, is also slated to include outdoor adjacent practice fields.

City officials have long been interested in having a new community center to accommodate the west side’s growing population.

The Westgate Community Center, which will be partially paid for through local general obligation bonds, will go up near the intersection of Snow Vista Trail and De Vargas Road SW, seven miles to the southwest of downtown Albuquerque.

The project is being designed by the Albuquerque-based Lee Gamelsky Architects, which specializes in educational, performing arts, and cultural facilities work.

Future phase work is expected to see the construction of meeting rooms and classrooms, along with a 9,000 square-foot gymnasium.

The project still needs to be reviewed by city officials, including the Environmental Planning Commission.

By Garry Boulard