Trustees approve preliminary plans for 3,600-sf multipurpose addition to Mesilla Town Hall

Trustees approved preliminary architectural plans for a multipurpose addition to Mesilla Town Hall (PZHAC case 062141) on June 22 after a presentation from Desert Peak Architects and discussion about utilities, parking, and accessibility.

Joseph Fembler of Desert Peak Architects described the proposed south-side multipurpose room as roughly 3,600 square feet with a flexible floor plan: seating for about 120 in rows or standing-room capacity up to 220 with chairs stored. Plans include a patio to the west, a small breakout room layout, connections to the existing kitchen for events, and a bypass truck route to accommodate fire apparatus for the planned north-side fire-station addition.

Fembler said the design would displace some curbside parking but yield a net positive in overall parking after reconfiguration; the team noted necessary utility work (recessing an electrical vault, relocating a fire hydrant and gas line) and potential modifications to make disabled parking more accessible in front of the building. Trustees asked staff to confirm charger placement and whether electric-vehicle infrastructure would need to be moved or recessed.

The board added a condition to the PZHAC approval to amend an associated job description: add two years of related job experience as a preferred qualification and list supervisory experience as preferred, not required. The motion to approve the PZHAC case carried on roll call vote.

Staff said the multipurpose room is intended to expand the town's capacity for conferences, cultural events, and civic meetings and would also help relocate some visitor-center functions. Financing and phased construction will follow as grant applications and federal/congressionally directed funding are finalized.