Date of Completion: August 2009

Building Area:
42,936 gross square feet

Contractor:
Gerald Martin

Coronado School is a Public Works Administration (PWA) project begun in 1936 and completed in 1937. One of several school projects completed in Albuquerque by the New Deal, it was constructed as part of the federal government's efforts to stimulate the nation's depressed economy through a massive public works program. The plans for the school were drawn by Louis G. Hesselden, who had become the public school system's architect in the early 1930's. The plans for the Coronado School represented Hesselden's growing interest in developing a regional style of architecture for large public buildings. With a two-story rectangle that offered all of the elements associated with modern school facilities including large groups of windows providing natural light, indoor plumbing, high ceiling for improved ventilation, a steam heating system, and fire safety features such as outward-swinging double doors, he trimmed the exterior to evoke a feeling of the Southwest. Details such as the stucco coating, brick coping and flat roof were finish elements of what soon became known as the Territorial Revival Style. At the same time, Hesselden freely borrowed elements from other popular styles including the Classical and Spanish Colonial Revival Styles to ornament the entries.

In recent years the original building has served as part of Albuquerque Public Schools’ administrative offices, but overcrowding and changes in student enrollment granted the necessity for reopening Coronado as a school. The building was in good condition when Cherry/See/Reames Architects was hired to renovate the school building and add a media center and gym and cafeteria to the site.