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Las Cruces unveils phased design and cost estimates for Branigan Memorial Library expansion
Summary
Architects and library staff presented a phased renovation and expansion plan for the Branigan Memorial Library during the Oct. 27 Las Cruces City Council work session, with Phase 1 estimated at about $19.8 million and Phase 2 at about $14.5 million.
Architects and library staff presented a schematic design and timeline for the Branigan Memorial Library renovation and expansion during the City of Las Cruces work session on Oct. 27, 2025.
Sarah Booth, library deputy director, introduced architects Joseph Fimler of Desert Peak Architects and Ruben Contreras (project architect) and library consultant Brad Waters. Booth said the design "has been developed with the input of staff, library stakeholders, and quality of life administration." The team described a concept that frames the library as "a vessel where earth and sky merge" and said design choices aim to make the building’s entrance more prominent and its interior spaces brighter and more flexible.
Architects said the project will be built in phases to allow continued operation. Phase 1 includes a new north-facing addition and major renovation of roughly 33,000 square feet of the existing building and the second floor; the team gave an opinion of probable cost for Phase 1 of $19,800,000 (this figure includes lease and moving costs). Phase 2 would include additional renovation and a children’s expansion; the team’s opinion of probable cost for Phase 2 was about $14,500,000, which the presenters said includes technology, moving, soft costs and a 15% contingency.
Design features described by presenters include raising one internal floor, a slightly recessed entry plaza with accessible sloping sidewalk, ADA parking and a bus drop-off, bookmobile parking, a lobby/gallery and a third-story multipurpose space the team called the "Oregon Room" with views to the Organ Mountains and a small demonstration kitchen with a rooftop teaching garden. The architects said solar-ready skylights and tiered skylights are part of the plan to introduce daylight into currently subterranean reading spaces.
Booth and the architects gave a total finished-facility estimate of roughly 60,000 square feet (the library currently occupies about 45,000 square feet), and said the team aims to complete construction documents through 2026 and to begin construction in 2027. Presenters noted portions of the building will remain occupied during parts of construction; the Phase 1 cost estimate includes temporary lease and moving expenses to enable a comprehensive renovation.
Friends of the Library representative Mary Anne Hendrickson and Friends president Linda St. Clair spoke during public comment to urge support for the project and noted the library serves a broad county population. Council members asked about schedule, square footage and site details; presenters reiterated the phased approach and the plan to scope remaining work in design development.
Next steps described by staff include continuing design development, completing construction documents in 2026 and bringing a detailed cost and funding plan to the council for future consideration.
