Amador Hotel something for Las Cruces to be proud of

Since joining the State Historic Preservation Office as Director in 2012, there’s been a handful of projects in New Mexico that continue to shine for their impact and value to a community. The Amador Hotel is one of them. I remember back in 2015 when the initial plans to restore the property came to my office. The developer at the time was so excited about it and the potential to redevelop that part of town. He showed us his plans, which included a careful and considerate rendering of the Amador and what it might look like after all was said and done.

Fast-forward to 2023 and it comes with considerable joy that the Amador continues to offer Las Cruces an opportunity to see how restoring a cherished building might enhance a sense of community in the downtown district. It’s rare to see a city council and its mayor invest so much energy and resources to preserve a single building. Your investment of $5 million spread over five years is a testament to the City and its leadership, not to mention the foresight it takes to creatively integrate an historic building into a redeveloped area. This is precisely the sort of project that best exemplifies the true intent of historic preservation.

My office is here to help. Through our new partnership with the city and the National Park Service’s Certified Local Government Program we stand ready to assist in any way to support your efforts. Thus far, our working relationship with the Amador and the city’s preservation planner, Dr. Troy Ainsworth, has been productive and exciting.

Wishing you all the best as you continue to celebrate Las Cruces and its wonderful history!

Jeff Pappas, PhD
State Historic Preservation Officer
Santa Fe