Albuquerque is on the brink of a transformative journey, and the heartbeat of this change resonates within the historic Rail Yards. We are proud to be at the forefront of a groundbreaking project that promises to shape the city’s future and connect aspiring talents to New Mexico’s thriving film industry.
As construction advances into an exciting new phase, the Rail Yards are on the brink of evolving into a lively hub, infusing energy into a location near Downtown that has eagerly awaited revitalization. This pivotal venture, hailed by Mayor Tim Keller as the ‘biggest development for the city’s massive longstanding Rail Yards project,’ represents a groundbreaking chapter in our involvement. While the overall project has been in progress for seven years, our involvement has specifically been directed toward this new phase. Significant investments have been made to repair floors, roofs, and courtyards, marking a crucial step forward. The Rail Yards, well-known for the adjacent Rail Yards Market, are about to undergo a remarkable transformation that promises to be a game-changer for the city.”
A key element of this visionary project is establishing a state-of-the-art film training center within one of the Rail Yards’ prominent buildings. In collaboration with SMPC Architects, Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) and the City of Albuquerque, we are spearheading the transformation of the old boiler shop into a dynamic space that will play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of film industry professionals.
Mayor Keller emphasizes the importance of growing local talent for the film industry, and CNM is stepping up to the challenge with a comprehensive training program. The aim is not only to preserve the historical charm of the space but also to create a flexible environment that caters to the evolving needs of film education.
With construction in full swing, the city is optimistic about completing the Rail Yards project by late 2025.
Upon completion, the facility will provide workforce training and job competencies tailored to the film, television, and digital media industries. This includes hands-on, industry-standard training in craft-specific skills. The infrastructure will incorporate soundstages and house cutting-edge classrooms, offices, post-production areas, and flexible spaces, all equipped with the latest technology and equipment.
The CNM Film Center is set to welcome its first round of students in 2026, marking a significant milestone in Albuquerque’s cultural and educational landscape.
