Demolition plans for El Camino Real Historic Trail site move forward

Daniel Zillmann, director of communications for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, said demolition of El Camino Real Historic Trail Site is expected to start in June, leaving a limited window for local governments to propose alternatives for the site.

“We feel like if a political subdivision can accept the transfer of the building in a timely fashion, the Board of Regents might be open to such a proposal,” he said, referring to the Museum of New Mexico Board of Regents. 

Zillmann confirmed that the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) recently received a resolution from the Socorro County Board of County Commissioners expressing interest in the property.

“We are in receipt of that resolution, and we’re working on a response,” Zillmann said.

While no formal proposal has been submitted, Zillmann said reported discussions have included potential repurposing of the building for uses such as behavioral health services. At this stage, he emphasized that any interest remains preliminary.

Zillmann also cautioned that the process is complicated by ownership and legal considerations. DCA does not own the land or the building outright. Instead, the property is leased through the Museum of New Mexico Board of Regents, which plays a central role in any potential transfer.

Further complicating any potential repurposing are federal restrictions tied to the land. The Bureau of Land Management originally granted the property to the Board of Regents, and the land is subject to underlying patent restrictions.

“There are some significant issues that would have to be considered regarding the Bureau of Land Management,” Zillmann said. “There are legal and federal constraints that would require thorough investigation as part of any transfer or repurposing.”

Zillmann said those constraints mean any proposal would need careful legal review and coordination among multiple entities, which could limit how quickly a transfer could occur.

As of now, no public meetings or additional announcements have been scheduled regarding the site, Zillmann said. Unless a viable proposal is advanced soon, demolition plans are expected to proceed as scheduled.