The restoration of the "Red Room" in Santa Fe’s Bataan Memorial Building is underway, supported by the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division (NMHPD). The room, which dates back to New Mexico’s Territorial era, is considered an important part of the state’s history.
“The Red Room is a key piece of New Mexico’s state and territorial history, and we’re proud to work alongside our colleagues in other departments to restore this historic space,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Michelle Ensey.
Earlier this year, the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and the General Services Division (GSD) began rehabilitating what was originally known as the Old Senate Chambers. Built in 1900 as New Mexico's Territorial Capital, this room served as the meeting place for the territorial legislature until statehood in 1912. It then became home to New Mexico's Senate chambers until lawmakers moved to the Roundhouse in 1966.
The NMHPD is reviewing restoration plans under the New Mexico Cultural Properties Act. This law requires consultation between agency heads and the State Historic Preservation Officer for projects involving properties listed on the State Register of Cultural Properties. The Bataan Memorial Building was added to that register in late 2024 and entered into the National Register of Historic Places earlier this year.
As part of its oversight role, NMHPD evaluates project proposals at several design stages to ensure preservation standards are met according to state administrative code. For this project, NMHPD collaborates with Barbara Felix, AIA, Principal Architect for Woven Architecture, along with DFA and GSD. The goal is to keep key historic features while updating the space for modern use.
The division is also seeking historical photographs related to the Red Room or people who worked there. Those interested can contact nm.shpo@dca.nm.gov.
According to NMHPD, it manages preservation activities statewide and works to protect thousands of historic sites across New Mexico through public education and site stewardship.
