photo by sally king
Stairs will be removed to improve building accessibility.
The Bandelier National Monument visitor center was constructed in the 1930’s by members of the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). Early exhibits featured work by a young WPA (Work Projects Administration) artist, Pablita Velarde, from nearby Santa Clara Pueblo. The building features beautiful hand-carved vigas, polished tuff floors, and ornate punched tin light fixtures that stand tribute to the hard work and dedication of the many young men who worked here under the CCC.
Today, however, the building is old and doesn’t meet many of the needs of the visiting public or working staff. The transformation of this building has begun. A new theater is being built, the building and bathrooms will become more accessible, a new movie will be unveiled, and the building's electrical/heating systems will be overhauled. All of this will be done while the integrity of the historic structure is kept intact. The planning process has been long, careful, and involved; taking more than 8 years to complete. To safely accomplish these renovations the visitor center will have to be closed during at least parts of the project. Construction has begun and is expected to be completed in 2010. Although this process may cause inconveniences for visitors and staff alike, the end result should be a visitor center that retains its historic character but better serves visitors through the 21st century.
