Project Goals

Our initial goal is to complete the restoration and preservation of the existing St. Anthony parochial school building in three phases to be completed no later than the fall of 2025, the 100th anniversary of the opening of the building as the first public school in Penasco.

Phase 1: We will seek funding to accomplish phases two and three. 

Phase 2:  

a) Development of an architectural restoration plan, 

b) Obtain necessary permits,  

c) Procure contracts with builders and specialty trades.

Phase 3: Restoration of the school building.

Phases 1 has already commenced; The architectural component of Phase 2 is also in the works.

 

Sub-Program Objectives

• Assess the structural integrity of the building and develop a plan for restoration.

• Restore the building to its original state, which includes removing the pitched roof and rebuilding adobe buttresses.

• Complete structural repairs on the building’s exterior.

• Upgrade electrical, mechanical, sewer and insulation systems functionality.

• Restoration of the building including repairs of windows, refinishing floors and mud-plaster of interior and exterior walls.

 

Economic Development

We have a 10-year plan to ensure self-sustaining facilities and operations. During the restoration phase, local contractors will be the primary restorers, and will employ local construction talent. People from the community will be hired to operate the facility, some permanently and others on an as-needed basis. Given its location in the center of Penasco and along the “High Road to Taos Scenic Byway”, the restored building will provide local artisans, writers, musicians, and others a prime location to display and sell their products to the local community and to visiting tourists.  The High Road to Taos Art Tour is an annual event that is highly advertised and extremely popular with tourists to northern New Mexico. 

 

After restoration is complete and the building is operational, we will seek funding to build the "Hot Lunch," a building representing the historic cafeteria that existed when the school was active. We hope the new "Hot Lunch" building serve as a commercial kitchen, venue for food sales and will also provide subsidized meals to the needy of the community. The new structure will also operate a marketplace that sells local artwork, gifts and crafts. Sales will sustain the facility and provide economic opportunities for entrepreneurship. Use of the restored school as envisioned above will create opportunities to mentor students on aspects of business, including customer service, marketing and accounting.

 

With time,  St. Anthony will be a center for economic development in the community and a center of educational opportunity.  Eventually, it will be a resource for information on local service providers (such as caterers, plumbers, and carpenters) and serve as a work cooperative, where sharing skills is encouraged and supported. We will work with community organizations needing space to provide social services for low-income residents.

​

Environment

The St. Anthony’s property can be a model for inspiration from the past to inspire the future. We will showcase past practices from the community such as use of wood stoves, adobe structures, acequia systems, and home-grown food as important, affordable, and sustainable practices to be continued. The grounds will be improved for use as a community park, recreation and event center with a stage. Adobe buildings in the Peñasco valley are valued by the community, but many are in a state of disrepair. The restoration of the parochial school could reinvigorate community members in restoration practices of adobe and inspire restoration of adobe homes in the valley.