design plan expected soon for new president's home at eastern new mexico university

A design plan for a new president’s residence on the campus of Eastern New Mexico University in Portales is expected to be completed sometime in November.

The most recent president’s house, a ranch-style home located at 1600 W. Cherry Street and built in 1962, was found to have both mold and asbestos issues more than two years ago.

That house is located on the northwest side of the Portales campus.

Upon learning that it might cost as much as $490,000 to both eradicate the mold and asbestos, as well as generally renovate the Cherry Street structure, university officials decided it would be more cost effective to build an entirely new structure.

According to sources, the new building will probably measure around 3,500 square feet.

The design process has been overseen by a university committee that reports to the school’s board of regents.

Exactly what the interior of the house will look like has not finally decided, although discussions have focused on a building with three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a large public meeting space for school events.

It is thought that the new facility will cost at least $750,000 to build, although a final construction schedule remains to be announced.

By Garry Boulard

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