Airport Redo

Following public outcry about proposed renovations at the Santa Fe Municipal Airport—and the lack of public input on them—the City Council quietly passed a resolution on Nov. 10 that any alterations to the historic structure will be reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Division and chair of the Historic Districts Review Board.

It's not clear what that really means, since Transit Director Jon Bulthuis said earlier that the Airport Advisory Board is "ready to put the terminal renovation out to bid," but the city's historical division is working on making the airport terminal a historic site.

Councilor Signe Lindell sponsored the resolution to preserve the "unique historic architectural style" of the airport. According to the measure, any airport changes would have to meet outlined specifics, including that at least 80 percent of the surface be adobe finish, or simulated-adobe stucco, and the rest of it stone, wood, brick, tile, terra cotta or other approved materials in natural colors.

The Airport Advisory Board had approved a new design for the city-owned building, and the Chamber of Commerce, Public Works Committee and Finance Committee had reviewed the proposal before it went to the council on July 8. At that point, councilors asked to slow the process down to allow more time for public input and then held an additional meeting at the airport.

The $800,000 improvements already cleared through the Airport Advisory Board would not include any change to the façade, only to the interior, aimed at improving passenger access to bathrooms and refreshments, updates to the HVAC system and parking, and relocating the TSA screening checkpoint.

Santa Fe Reporter