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Design firm shows three concepts for Mesilla visitor center; trustees seek community input
Summary
NMCO Studio presented three conceptual designs for the Mesilla visitor center and previewed a redesigned town website; trustees favored elements from multiple concepts, emphasized community photo selection and local contractors, and asked for staged implementation and additional public outreach.
Christina Blue, cofounder and creative director of NMCO Studio, presented three interior design concepts for the Mesilla visitor center at a March 24 work session, outlining palettes and materials intended to reflect local history and attract both residents and visitors. "We want this space to feel like an experience," Blue said, describing a "Modern Rustic" option with terracotta, exposed wood and wrought-iron lighting, a Talavera-inspired "Plaza De Mesilla" concept, and a colorful "Vibrant Roots" option that mixes southwestern texture and bold art.
Lucky Gonzales, another NMCO cofounder, said each option would include a community art piece and prioritized hiring local contractors. The team also proposed integrated technology — large displays and fillable online forms — to keep event calendars and visitor information current.
Trustees focused their feedback on functionality and local character. Several trustees said they favored the historical-photo wall treatment but wanted more color; others warned against a "hotel-lobby" look and urged maintaining space for civic functions such as elections. One trustee asked that the reception desk be optional because the building is used for community meetings and events. "We may not have someone here full time," a trustee said, arguing the desk could hinder flexible use.
Presenters said they would work with the town to license or source historic photos and recommended a community-led selection process. "You would get to dictate what pictures you would like to display — this is your space," NMCO said.
Separately, the same vendor demonstrated a redesigned town website scheduled to go live later in the week; the chair described features including bill pay, department pages, interactive maps, fillable forms and a 30-day feedback window for residents. The website will also include links to department social feeds and a visitors' guide.
The trustees asked NMCO to refine concepts and to provide the presentation by email so the board and public could review and comment before the next design iteration. The presenters described the work as an early-stage collaboration and said final designs would be informed by trustee direction and public input.
