Capital Campaign for Campus Redevelopment

Southwestern College was selected for a research project by the UNM School of Architecture,which has created a Campus Design Plan for SWC’s present campus that accommodates future growth. The plan incorporates the newly acquired one-acre parcel addressing immediate college expansion, as well as redevelopment of the original 1.5-acre campus. The goal of the Campus Design Plan is to reinforce the identity of SWC as a community leader in transformational education and to create a place of inspiration and creativity for the SWC community. The Campus Design Plan strongly endorses the adoption of the principles of the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) as a guide for green and sustainable design. The plan calls for using environmentally sensitive and recycled building materials, active solar heating & cooling, passive solar trombe walls, green roofs, natural ventilation, natural day lighting and rainwater harvesting. An advanced septic system and constructed wetlands will be used to recycle all wastewater from the campus for irrigation. All gardens and spaces will use a xeric plant palette while addressing the students’ need for reflection, contemplation, inspiration and balance. The current estimated cost of the project is $2.5 million. With a redeveloped campus, SWC can grow to 250 students, resulting in 50,000 hours of free community services annually and an $18 million annual economic impact in Santa Fe.