By: Adriana Avila, Staff Reporter | Photos By: Scott M. Roberts, Photojournalist
CNM plans to purchase property at 2120 Oxford Ave., but there are no sure plans on what the space will be used for, said Finance and Operations Vice President Katherine Ulibarri.
The purchase of the property on the northeast corner of Oxford Avenue and Buena Vista Street was approved by the Governing Board earlier this month.
The property includes a 1,000 square foot house that has a historical feel to it and adds to the character of the neighborhood, she said.
“It would be a really nice addition,” Ulibarri said.
She said the main reason they are interested in the property is because it has a beautiful backyard that can be used for outdoor functions.
“It’s a really nice space that could be a place for outdoor functions, receptions, and those kinds of things,” Ulibarri said.
The buildings would require some renovation, but since the property has not been officially purchased yet, the renovations are not part of the official master plan, she said.
Since the property on Oxford is right across the street from campus, it is an ideal location, Ulibarri said.
“To have a property that serves as a barrier between where we have the heavy traffic areas of CNM and the residential neighborhoods is ideal and that’s what caught our eye about it. It would be just such a great location to hold meetings and events when you need more of a small intimate setting that could be outdoors,” Ulibarri said.
Ulibarri said she is aware that student organizations have requested a dedicated space, but felt that this property would be too isolated to serve as such as space.
She said that Vice President of Student Services Philip Bustos is working with the Executive Council of Students to create a proposal for the master plan.
If all goes smoothly, CNM could own the property in a few months, said Ulibarri. After that, the school will begin decide on how to best use the space, she said.