Council to consider $250,000 state grant to stabilize Railyards firehouse

The Albuquerque City Council heard an update Monday on plans to stabilize the historic Railyards Firehouse and prepare an agreement to accept a $250,000 New Mexico Cultural Properties Restoration Fund grant. City General Services staff said the money will fund building-envelope repairs and site work to address grading and drainage.

Nathan Martinez, representing the General Services Department, told the council the master plan for the Railyards was adopted in 2023 and called the firehouse an “iconic building” on the northwest section of the campus. Martinez said the grant will support a limited stabilization scope: reroofing and insulation improvements, repair of failing wall systems on the west side of the structure, and grading and drainage work to reduce storm runoff against the building.

Martinez said the department will work with local architect Lee Gamelski on the stabilization project; Gamelski was described as having prior Railyards experience. Martinez said staff have not identified foundation failures but observed wall degradation associated with poor drainage. “Structurally, it doesn't seem to have taken much of a loss… there are some walls that can use some repair and improvement,” Martinez said.

Councilors asked for clarification about what “stabilization” means. Martinez said the intent is preventative work so the facility “remains standing” and can better weather time and storms; he emphasized the work is focused on the building envelope, not a full restoration or reuse conversion. No formal ordinance or vote to accept the grant was taken during the presentation; staff said they are preparing an amendment for council action.

The presentation did not include a construction timetable or a contract award. Martinez said General Services would present the specific agreement for council approval once details and procurement steps are complete.

The Railyards Firehouse is located on the Rail Yards Campus, a few blocks south of downtown Albuquerque. The project described by staff is limited to stabilization funded by the cited state restoration grant.

Councilors did not take immediate action in the meeting; staff said the grant and implementing amendment will be scheduled for a future council agenda for official acceptance and any necessary contract authorizations.