Chama Roundhouse A&E Firms Selected

[Jason Rose]

Press Release

Date: January 24, 2013
Subject: Architect-Engineering Contract Award Announced
Contact: Tim Tennant, Tel: 505-880-1311, E-mail: timtennant@cumbrestoltec.org

Albuquerque, NM – The Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Inc. has selected Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture, in association with Kells + Craig Architects, Inc., as the consultant for the architectural design and pre-engineering work associated with the proposed Chama Roundhouse and Visitor Center (RVC) project. The project is being funded by the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.

“We have selected the team that we believe is best equipped to accomplish this important work – a significant first step in achieving a long-term vision of the railroad, the Friends, and the community,” said Friends’ President Tim Tennant. The BRS-KC team includes HDR, an international engineering and architectural firm; Terracon, for geotechnical consulting work; and Group 14 for LEED engineering support, among other specialized consultants. Andrew Merriell & Associates, of Santa Fe, NM, is the principal responsible for exhibit design work associated with the visitor center and museum portion of the project.

The Friends, a 50l(c) (3) non-profit, is the recognized museum arm of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, recently designated as a National Historic Landmark, which is jointly owned by the States of New Mexico and Colorado. The Friends and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission are jointly involved in raising funds, planning, designing and constructing the RVC project, located on the railroad’s property in Chama New Mexico. The project involves reconstructing an historic roundhouse and turntable which existed in the Chama rail yard from 1899 until approximately 1952. The proposed facility will include a visitor center and museum, renovated and new railroad maintenance facilities, and space for the Friends’ restoration work. More details about the project are available on the Friends’ web site at: http://rfp.coloradonewmexicosteamtrain.org/

BRS, a 37-year old firm headquartered in Denver, CO, has supported multiple projects of comparable size and scope to the RVC project. These include visitor facilities, libraries, cultural and performing arts centers, recreation centers, schools, city halls, and public buildings. Kells + Craig, a well-known Albuquerque firm, specializes in cultural, educational, recreational and civic projects and is an established leader in the field of historic preservation in New Mexico. Some of the BRS-KC projects include the Georgetown Loop Shop; the historic Amador Hotel Reuse Plan, Las Cruces, NM; Fort Stanton Reuse Study, New Mexico; Preservation Planning for the AT&SF Locomotive Shops, Albuquerque, NM; and the Kimo Theater Renovation, Albuquerque, NM. The last project was recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation with a National Preservation Award.

The pre-engineering and design project will begin as soon as contract negotiations are completed and be completed in late CY 2013.
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