Demolition of the long-vacant La Cienega Elementary School in Questa began on June 13, marking a pivotal step in a redevelopment project that has been years in the making.
The decision to tear down the school buildings was not made lightly, Mayor John Ortega said in a message to residents. The Village of Questa, in partnership with Taos County and other stakeholders, is moving forward with plans to convert the site into a new senior center and community space. The historic property sits at 57 Gallegos road, across from the Questa Post Office.
“This was a difficult decision for me as mayor, and for the village council as a whole,” Ortega said in a nod to the history and memories the former school grounds hold.
In 2017, the Questa Independent School Board voted to either demolish or relinquish the La Cienega campus, after years of neglect and structural decline. The property was later acquired by the Village under the previous administration, despite Ortega—then a councilman—voting against the acquisition after touring the deteriorating site.
Shortly after taking office in 2022, Ortega and members of the Questa Village Council toured the site again, this time joined by representatives from Chevron. The visit confirmed that only two buildings, the gymnasium and the cafeteria, were structurally sound. The remaining school buildings were found to have partially collapsed roofs, severe weather damage, and hazardous materials that include lead paint and asbestos.
Chevron funded a structural review of the property, and plans were set in motion to begin demolition of the unsafe structures. The gym and cafeteria will remain. The cafeteria is currently being remodeled to serve as a new senior center, officially titled the Ancianos Building. Taos County began that phase of the project last summer.
According to Ortega, preliminary designs for the site include the senior center, a gathering space in the gym for dances and community events, and a new park tailored for the elders of the community.
In 2023, village staff met with the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department to share the vision for the senior center. During the 2024 legislative session, the project received $700,000 in funding to move forward. More funds will be needed to complete the vision, Ortega said.
“This project was voted on and approved with complete support of the Village of Questa staff, myself as mayor, and the village council,” he said. “It was a very difficult decision for all of us, and we didn’t make it lightly, but it had to be done. I am excited to create a space where the community can create more cherished memories.”
