Bridging Eras: Franken Construction’s Role in New Mexico’s Architectural Renaissance

New Mexico’s built environment is currently undergoing an exciting transformation, one that carefully balances respect for the past with a bold vision for the future. As featured in a recent article by Albuquerque Business First magazine, this trend, driven in part by the rising costs of new construction, sees aging buildings and facilities not merely polished, but meticulously repurposed.

Architect and architectural photographer Matt Oberer (MattO), who photographs many of our projects, has been closely observing this “renaissance” for several years. He notes that this work is about “carefully laying new materials and systems into historic frameworks,” where the original craftsmanship is honored while introducing “bold and functional new elements.”

At Franken Construction, we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating our expertise in complex renovations that require a deep commitment to both historic preservation and cutting-edge construction.

The CNM Rail Yards Film Production Training Center

One of the most ambitious examples of this trend is the transformation of the Rail Yards Boiler Shop building, a monumental, iconic structure, into a state-of-the-art film production training center. This project, which we are undertaking with SMPC Architects, perfectly embodies the principle of blending old and new.

For a facility requiring specialized, dark spaces like soundstages, the building’s historic glass exterior presented a unique challenge. Our solution, in collaboration with the architects, was ingenious: building new structures within the existing shell. As SMPC Architects Principal Erik Mease described it, “They’re buildings within a building, like a ship in a bottle.”

This approach allows the glass shell to remain intact and preserved, fulfilling the functional requirements of industry-standard, production-grade soundstages, classrooms, and post-production spaces.

Franken Construction’s commitment to preservation went beyond the exterior:

• Protecting History: We took great care to preserve elements like the glass color, railroad tracks, turn tables, and the massive, 15 and 300-ton bridge cranes used in the building’s locomotive past.
• Navigating Challenges: The sheer size of the bridge cranes, which obstructed an area needing a higher ceiling, required us to locate a specialized group to safely move them to a different section of the building, ensuring the historical artifacts remained on site.

As our Vice President Brent Franken stated, “When it’s all said and done, it’s going to be a first-class, absolute gem of a building within a historical, amazing structure.” This facility, expected to be complete in June 2026 with classes starting that fall, will be a central hub for New Mexico’s booming film industry.

More New Mexico Projects Embracing Heritage

The CNM Rail Yards project is just one example of the respectful modernization taking place across New Mexico.

• Loma Linda Community Center: A $9 million renovation ensured this vital community space could keep up with a growing population. Architects at Studio Southwest Architects and general contractor Weil Construction utilized a glass atrium to visibly connect the original structure to a new gym, intentionally distinguishing the old from the new while maintaining elements like exterior wall types and masonry patterns from the original 1990 design.
• The Albuquerque International Sunport: Albuquerque’s airport is undergoing a major modernization effort that preserves its classic Southwest aesthetic, including refurbished furniture, new carpet inspired by the original design, and historic art, while entirely upgrading its aging infrastructure, security, and passenger experience.

This wave of preservation and intelligent redesign is more than just construction; it’s an investment in the identity and economic future of New Mexico’s communities. At Franken Construction, we are proud to be the trusted partner that brings these complex, heritage-honoring visions to life.

Does your historic property need a renewal that respects its past while meeting your future needs? Contact us to discuss your project!