Press Release: Historic Kearny School – El Raton Media Works Remodel Project Goes Out for Construction Bid
The Kearny School - El Raton Media Works Remodel project is out for construction bid.
Raton, NM – January 6, 2025 – The historic Kearny School, a cherished landmark in Raton, New Mexico, is on the brink of a transformational journey. The City of Raton and El Raton Media Works are thrilled to announce that the Kearny School – El Raton Media Works Remodel project is officially out for construction bid. This ambitious renovation project, supported by funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and New Mexico State Capital Outlay, is set to breathe new life into the historic site.
Located at 800 South Third Street, the 20,000-square-foot facility will be repurposed into a state-of-the-art film and media training center with a cutting-edge XR studio, bringing high-tech capabilities and workforce development opportunities to northern New Mexico. The project represents a fusion of historic preservation, economic revitalization, and educational innovation. “This project is a great opportunity not only for Raton but Northeastern New Mexico. We get to preserve the historic Kearny School building and bring it into the 21st century providing a great learning opportunity for those in our area and as a future economic driver,” said City of Raton Mayor Neil Segotta.
“We are excited to open this opportunity to contractors who share our vision for honoring the historic significance of the building, which is the oldest school in Raton, originally built as a depression-era New Deal project to bring modern infrastructure and work opportunities to Raton. The project will transform it into a modern facility that will serve as a hub for technology, media production, workforce development, and community engagement,” said Ann Theis of El Raton Media Works.
Project Highlights
Historic Preservation: Compliance with the National Historic Registry standards will ensure the Kearny School retains its architectural and cultural significance while restoring its foundation and structural integrity.
Cutting-Edge Technology: The facility will feature a professional XR studio, as well as a media and technology training center, making it the first of its kind in the region.
Community Impact: Once completed, the facility will host educational programs, workforce training, and film production activities that will drive economic growth in Raton and beyond.
Bid Details
Interested contractors and vendors are invited to review the bid documents and submit their proposals.
Submission Deadline: February 6th, 2025, prior to 2:00 p.m.
Mandatory Bid Conference: A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held on January 15th at 11:00 a.m. MST at the Kearny School located at 800 South Third Street, Raton, NM 87740.
Access Bid Documents: Drawings, Specifications and other Contract Documents may be obtained by contacting ARI Graphix (www.ariplans.com) 4716 McLeod Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Contact ARI Graphix for costs of printing Contract Documents (non-refundable) at (505) 884-0862. Direct any questions regarding the project to Alisa Giron at alisa@va-architects.com or (505) 890-5030.
This project is a rare opportunity for construction professionals to work on a meaningful initiative that combines history, innovation, and community development. Qualified contractors who are passionate about preserving heritage while shaping the future are strongly encouraged to submit their bids.
Join Us in Shaping Raton’s Future
The renovation of the Kearny School is more than just a construction project—it’s a cornerstone of Raton’s revitalization efforts, bringing new opportunities for residents, businesses, and students. Be part of this exciting transformation!
About El Raton Media Works
El Raton Media Works is a nonprofit workforce development and career hub committed to empowering northern New Mexico through access to cutting-edge tools, training, and careers in media arts and production. Learn more at elratonmediaworks.org.
About the City of Raton
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Northern New Mexico, Raton serves as the Gateway to the Land of Enchantment. With its rich history, vibrant community, and breathtaking natural surroundings, Raton offers a unique blend of heritage, culture, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re drawn to its historical landmarks, its thriving arts scene, or the boundless opportunities for recreation, Raton has something for everyone. Learn more at ratonnm.gov.
