History of Hodgin Hall

A place that lives in the hearts of UNM Alumni

The University of New Mexico was created by Territorial Act on February 28,1889. With no public high school in the Territory, few thought UNM would succeed. New Mexico cities did not view having UNM as an advantage over having other institutions such as the prison or insane asylum created by the same Territorial Act.

The Opening of Hodgin Hall

On September 1, 1892, the University’s first building, Hodgin Hall opened. There were 108 students in two departments, the Preparatory and Normal departments. For eight years, Hodgin Hall housed all of the University programs. The University grew quickly, adding buildings, faculty, staff, student and new programs. Statehood was granted in 1912 and UNM gained accreditation in 1922.

Originally built in Richardson Romanesque style, Hodgin Hall was made of red brick with a pitched roof and arched windows on the upper floors. The total cost of the building was $30,000. But the original design of Hodgin was poor. In 1904 local architect Edward Christy reported to the Board of Regents,

"In my opinion the roof is too heavy for the building… I see nothing at the present moment to cause alarm, but there is certainly room for a reasonable question as to the result if a severe storm should move that main truss that really supports the whole roof.”

This report provided President William Tight with an opportunity to remodel the building, which he was confident would adapt to the Pueblo Style.

Hodgin Hall and the 1970s and 80s

Rapid increase in student enrollment and the increase in building led to the scheduled destruction of Hodgin Hall in the early 1970’s. UNM Architect Joe McKinney succeeded in getting the building listed on the New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties in 1974 and the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The newly formed Alumni Restoration and Preservation Committee, in conjunction with the University, raised enough money to renovate Hodgin Hall. In 1983, the Association moved in, sharing the space with staff from the Development and Public Affairs offices

A Grand Renovation!

In January, 2010, the Alumni Relations Office vacated its historic premises, and packed away all of Hodgin Hall's treasures. The treasures were stored during the renovation and the Alumni Association moved into temporary headquarters next door to the UNM Law School. Hodgin Hall renovations began in February, 2010. Renovations include:

• The basement has been opened up to allow for a beautiful reception area
• Several old offices were transformed into meeting rooms with state-of-the-art technology
• An art gallery will be created to display the works of our talented alumni
• Interactive exhibits will tell the story of the university and its alums

Renovations were completed in February of 2011.