New Mexico Business Weekly

New and improved
UNM’s innovative engineering building is a place to collaborate, create and get down to business
by Kevin Robinson-Avila, NMBW Staff

When University of New Mexico engineering students return to school on Aug. 23, many will attend classes in a newly completed, $43 million facility with cutting-edge technology.

The university is putting the finishing touches on its Centennial Engineering Building — a 147,000-square-foot complex along University Boulevard near Central Avenue that will house the civil engineering department, biomedical engineering, and some chemical and nuclear engineering labs. It also encompasses the dean’s office, and services for minority students, said Kevin Malloy, the School of Engineering’s associate dean for research.

“This building provides a spectacular environment for studying, working and learning about engineering,” Malloy said. “It gives us a state-of-the-art facility for education and research that we haven’t had in many years.”

It replaces Wagner and Tapy halls, both dating back to the 1940s. UNM demolished Wagner in 2006 when it began building the new facility. Tapy will be leveled after the centennial building opens this month.