Amador Hotel restoration advances after $4.8M state grant; city says opening could be FY2029
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Summary
City officials and the Amador Hotel Foundation reported progress on a multiyear restoration, announced a $4.8 million Capital Development Program grant to fund first‑floor interior work and said phase‑by‑phase construction should allow partial acceleration of the opening; the city estimates about $18 million in public investment when all phases are funded.
City staff and foundation volunteers told the Las Cruces City Council on Feb. 23 that restoration of the Amador Hotel is moving forward after a two‑decade effort and the award of a new state grant.
Carol Bray, director of the Quality of Life Department, and Garland Courts, deputy director, reviewed the building’s history and the 2009 reuse plan that guides restoration. Bray said the city acquired the property from the county and, after years of planning, is preparing to issue an RFP for phase 2 work. Bray said phase 2 — exterior wall and structural repairs, reconstruction of a territorial‑period portico and restoration of the hotel sign — is scheduled to begin in May 2026 and likely finish by November 2026.
Bray announced that the city received a Capital Development Program Fund grant of $4,800,000 that will allow renovation of the first‑floor interior (phase 3) and permit some consolidation of scope between phases 2 and 3 to open to the public earlier than previously expected. Staff said phase 3 work (catering kitchen, first‑floor improvements and landscaping) is currently budgeted to extend into late 2027, while phase 4 (second‑floor interior) remains unfunded.
Heather Pollard, president of the Amador Hotel Foundation, described the award as the culmination of long volunteer efforts and introduced foundation board members who have worked on the project for decades. A state legislator in attendance told the council her office and Department of Finance and Administration staff helped identify the grant funding and pledged continued assistance locating non‑city sources of support.
On costs, Bray told councilors the city has spent approximately $7,000,000 to date on the restoration and has allocated roughly $3,000,000 for the remainder of phase 2. With the $4.8 million Capital Development Program grant to fund phase 3, staff said the city will have about $14.8 million invested by the time phase 3 is completed; they estimate an additional roughly $3,000,000 would be needed for phase 4, producing an approximate total public investment near $18,000,000 if phase 4 is funded. Bray noted that figures are approximate and may change as crews uncover additional historic work needs.
Councilors praised the vision for downtown revitalization but asked staff to prioritize grant‑seeking for the remaining work so city general‑fund resources can address infrastructure and public‑safety needs. Staff said they are finalizing a memorandum of understanding with the foundation and will present operational and budget plans for the facility ahead of the targeted FY2029 opening.
