10-17-2025 6:25am

Paint, Artistic Creation, and Progress: MainStreet Institute Day Two Brings Hands-On Revitalization to Alamogordo

Chris Edwards Editor

Paint, Artistic Creation, and Progress: MainStreet Institute Day Two Brings Hands-On Revitalization to Alamogordo - AlamogordoTownNews.org

Alamogordo, NM — October 17, 2025

Day Two of the New Mexico MainStreet Institute in Alamogordo traded conference tables for paintbrushes and ladders as participants rolled up their sleeves for hands-on revitalization projects across the city’s historic downtown. The immersive activities hosted by Alamogordo MainStreet were part of the statewide gathering hosted by the New Mexico Economic Development Department and Alamogordo MainStreet, celebrating 40 years of the MainStreet movement.

Attendees from across New Mexico joined local volunteers in repairing and repainting the façade of a downtown building on New York Avenue, learning firsthand how design improvements and preservation techniques can transform aging infrastructure into vibrant community assets. The project was part of Alamogordo’s award-winning Great Blocks initiative, which has become a model for pedestrian-friendly upgrades and economic revitalization statewide.

One of the day’s highlights was a collaborative mural creation led by Alamogordo-based artist Taylor Ojeda, whose work blends regional storytelling with bold, contemporary visuals. Participants helped bring Ojeda’s design to life on a prominent downtown alley at New York Avenues 900 Block, contributing brushstrokes and ideas that reflect Alamogordo’s evolving identity.

“This is what MainStreet is all about—getting your hands dirty, investing in place, and building pride from the ground up,” said a representative on-site. “Alamogordo is showing the state what community-led transformation really looks like.”

Mayor Pro Temp Sharon McDonald whose district includes the MainStreet District was hand on with helping with setup and off course painting.

Workshops and breakout sessions began the day with a round table discussion that hosted City Manager Dr Stephanie Hernandez, City Senior Project Manager Justin Boyles and Alamogordo Main Street Executive Director Nolan Ojeda discussing government agency collaboration and success steps.

In addition to focusing on facade improvement strategies, creative placemaking, and public-private partnerships several visitors strolled the shops from the 900 Block to include the 1200 Block of New York Avenue where participants discovered Our Little Country Store and were welcomed into a sneak peak of the planning of the 1200 Block Pop Up Emporium opening November 28th.

The conference wraps up Friday with sessions on youth engagement, funding strategies, and regional collaboration. Participants were offered an invitation at 6 pm to join live music at 1209 New York at 6 pm and then to join at 7 pm the Flickinger Center showcase of the Alamogordo Music Theaters Little Shop of Horrors capping the conference with a flavor of local performance art and music.

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tom mitchell Neighbor

10-15-2025 11:37am

this will be an example of amy barela's power in the republican party, expect to see her choices, not just in otero, but the other two counties as well....look out maga - here we come!