The community of Mountainair has been working to transform a vacant lot in the town into a cohesive and walkable space connecting the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Visitor Center, the Shaffer Hotel and the commercial district along Broadway (US 60). NMMS worked with the community to develop a Revitalization Plan and conceptual design for the Monte Alto Plaza to support community events, encourage revitalization of existing businesses, and bring visitors to the Missions. There has been strong community participation from the design phase through actual hands-on work at the site which includes a pergola, gateway elements, benches, and orchard. More than 30 community members have been engaged and the town has been supportive providing a faucet to water the orchard, and the possibility of future street lighting opportunities.
As a multi-phased project, as the community identifies new funding sources, new opportunities for improvements are presented. The next phase seeks to build a gazebo in the plaza center, as part of a bequest from the estate of Phil Bluberg, and include the work of area blacksmith Leroy Simmons who has designed a 20′ gazebo with ornamental ironwork. There is still a need for construction assistance and help with the coordination of the installation.
Some of the initial excitement was dimmed by a bad fire that destroyed three downtown commercial structures adjacent to the plaza in December 2016. In spite of this set-back, clean-up has begun in the area affected by the fire. NMMS has been able to offer assistance to help identify some next steps in their recovery.
Projects like the Plaza, are one way the community demonstrates incredible resilience. Mountainair resident and project volunteer Tamra Hays says, “Thanks to all the artists, volunteers and committee members who have put many hours into construction. The benches and new park embellishments have created a beautiful and peaceful space which invites local residents and visitors to sit, rest, and sometimes have lunch.” She thinks that in spite of some of the difficulties that Mountainair has faced there is excitement in the air and a sense that things are improving.
The community received a $5,000 seed grant from the New Mexico Resiliency Alliance and $15,000 from the NM Gas Company. The project has garnered a lot of community excitement and the MainStreet process has been a good way to get people involved in project activities and has encouraged similar engagement on other projects.