Updated October 2007
As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary in 2007, we're looking forward to the future. We have many projects in the works. Please read the brief summaries below, and contact Stephanie at the MainStreet office, 505.746.1117, mainstreet@pvtn.net, if you have any questions or comments on any project.
ARCHITECTURAL SURVEY
AMS completed our Phase II of the architectural survey in June 2007. We have received recommendations from the consultant, Heather Barrett, for a phase III which would include a historic district nomination, and Multiple Properties Documentation Form (MPDF). The MPDF form will include a historic context nomination and the ability to nominate individual properties within the context statement based upon the consent of the property owners. AMS is currently seeking funding from the NM Historic Preservation Department to complete the historic district nomination.
DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN
Artesia MainStreet has received the final report for the continuation of our downtown revitalization efforts from GC Engineering. We are currently reviewing their recommendations. AMS is working with our partnering organizations, The City of Artesia and Chamber of Commerce, to identify MainStreet’s role in downtown revitalization in the next ten years. In conjunction with our partner’s AMS has created a subcommittee to review all planning information from the consultants and our partners to assist in the overall planning for AMS’s next ten years. AMS plans to adopt an updated master plan within the next few months.
JOYCE-PRUIT BUILDING ARCHITECTURAL ASSESSMENT
Artesia MainStreet has completed the architectural assessment of the historic Joyce-Pruit Building. Architect Jose Zelaya identified three potential uses for the building which include upstairs apartments, as well as retail and office space downstairs. Zelaya’s recommendations are currently being reviewed by the property owner, and AMS plans to follow up with the owner and potential investors to move the project development forward.
THE CATTLE DRIVE The three monuments, “The Trail Boss”, “The Vaquero” and “The Rustler” were designed to be interactive so that they will tell a story typical of the Cattle Drive Era. As the story goes, while moving a herd of cattle, the Vaquero (cowboy) spots the Cattle Rustler (thief) attempting to alter the brand on one of the Trail Boss’s steers. The Vaquero has signaled to the Trail Boss who is shown spurring his horse to action in response to the thief. In this scene the Rustler is aware that he has been noticed and is preparing to defend himself in the inevitable confrontation.
The Vaquero: Mike Hamby’s monumental piece is currently at Eagle Bronze Foundry being cast. AMS is working with Smith Engineering and Southwest Concrete in designing the statue base, which will be included within the 2 & Texas project. The unveiling has been postponed and will be rescheduled upon completion of the construction of 2 & Texas. It has completed the maquette. AMS has rights to sell Vaquero maquettes as a fundraiser. The Cattle Rustler: Robert Summer’s piece is currently in the monumental phase. AMS is looking to unveil the monument by summer 2008. Maquettes of all three of the Cattle Drive monuments are available for purchase. See our "History in Bronze" pages for the information. |
The Trail Boss (maquette shown on left) : This monument, sculpted by Vic Payne, ran into downtown Artesia, on March 24, 2007. The “Trail Boss” is located at First and Main Street, in front of the new Brewer Convenience Store. SECOND & TEXAS STREET IMPROVEMENT
Phase I of Second & Texas is currently underway. For an update of the project, please check this week's construction progress.
Phase II is currently being researched for final design, phasing, and construction costs. AMS is currently working on securing funding for the overall completion, having already received $360,000 in Capitol Outlay. The City of Artesia has listed this as a top priority in their 2009 ICIP listing, and we hope to continue working with the city for a timely project completion.
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
AMS has completed the development process, and is currently working on the implementation phase of the FIP. We have recently created a subcommittee to oversee the application process for the FIP, which will consist of members from both the EP and Design Committee. The committee is working together to create a “plan of action” for the unveiling of the program. We are currently in negotiations with an architect for architectural services for each of the program’s businesses. The FIP committee is also working with our local banks to create other funding opportunities for business owners to use for reinvestments to their businesses. AMS is setting a goal to have at least six building facades completed by August 2008.
CITY HALL PLANNING PROJECT
Artesia MainStreet is currently working on a conceptual design plan to assist in the expansion of City Hall. MainStreet has contracted with a consulting team from GC Engineering to complete a conceptual design of a “campus environment” for the city offices downtown. Due to the recent concerns from the City about their limited office space, we have offered to develop a design to offer them for possible uses of the facilities in the downtown area. We have met with the representatives from the city to discuss their needs, and wants for their downtown offices. Design layouts were presented to the City of Artesia in June 2007, and AMS is currently working with the City to create a long-term development plan.
FALL FESTIVAL
The first Fall Festival will be in 2008. It will be held in addition to the Artesia Chamber's Balloon Rally and will include a big concert, plus lots of family oriented activities downtown. Check this site often for more developments!