Letter from New Mexico
The First National Bank building in Carlsbad, N.M.
is in danger of demolition.
Credit: Dirk Roberson, Westinghouse TRU Solutions
Feb. 5, 2002
Dear Preservation 911,
The concerned citizens of Carlsbad, N.M., need your help. The First National Bank building (occupied by the Carlsbad Irrigation District), located at the gateway to the town's central business district, is in danger of demolition. Built in 1890 of locally manufactured brick, the two-story office building is the last remaining of three early structures erected by town developers to attract investors. The former bank was constructed at a cost of $40,000, featuring an ornate iron facade. The structure is an historic treasure symbolic of the grandiose origins of this desert settlement.
The building has continuously headquartered the irrigation project at the same location for 112 years. Along with the Carlsbad Irrigation District's elaborate flume and canal system, the original project office was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
However, long-term neglect and resulting deterioration of the exterior and interior of the building critically threaten the survival of this historic structure, which was named to the list of New Mexico's Most Endangered Properties last year. Failure to protect, preserve, and enhance a National Historic Landmark makes it crucial for historic preservation professionals to intervene to save this community treasure.
Now the Carlsbad Irrigation District's board of directors seeks to sell the building and relocate its offices. A local property owner is interested in purchasing the building to demolish it for a parking lot.
A coalition of interested citizens is researching options to protect this downtown centerpiece. A task force has been formed, study reports and an analysis verifying that the building is structurally sound have been completed, and we are now looking to take the next step forward to ensure the preservation of the building. Please contact us with any questions, ideas or suggestions to help us save this building.
Sincerely,
Melissa Suggs, Project Manager
Carlsbad MainStreet, Inc.
E-mail the writer with advice, comments, or commiseration.
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