News and Articles

Santa Fe, NM – Santa Fe County proudly celebrated the grand reopening of the Abedon Lopez Sr. Senior Center in Santa Cruz on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, marking the completion of a full redevelopment that brings modern comfort, accessibility, and expanded services to one of the Española Valley’s most cherished community spaces.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew community members, local officials, and the Abedon Lopez family to commemorate the project’s completion and recognize the collaboration that made it possible. Speakers included Commissioner Justin Greene, New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department Cabinet Secretary Emily Kaltenbach, Abedon Lopez Sr. family representatives Jackie Varatto and Lillie Mae Ortiz, Boys & Girls Club of Generational Empowerment CEO Jaye Abeyta and & Youth Ambassador, and Santa Fe County Senior Services Coordinator and Senior Ambassador Josie Atilano.

The original facility was demolished in 2024 due to age, ADA deficiencies, and limited space for growing senior participation. The County identified the need for a safe, fully accessible building that could meet increasing demand for senior programs, dining, and community gatherings.

With a total project cost exceeding $6 million, the new 5,000-square-foot facility was designed by Studio Southwest Architects, Inc. and constructed by Jaynes Corporation, reaching substantial completion on October 14, 2025. The building was designed to be fully electric (excluding the kitchen) to reduce operating costs and includes additional ADA parking and lighting improvements for safety.

The new center features:

• A spacious dining room with large patio doors to the western view
• A versatile activity room for crafts, meetings, and social events
• A dedicated reading area
• A fully ADA-compliant layout
• A modern kitchen with all-new equipment and expanded pantry
• An advanced HVAC system for improved comfort
• A deep, protected portal for outdoor activities and lounging

District 1 Commissioner Justin Greene expressed his pride in the project’s completion, “We’re thrilled to celebrate the opening of the new Abedon Lopez Sr. Senior Center in Santa Cruz! This beautiful space reflects Santa Fe County’s deep commitment to caring for our communities and honoring our seniors who have given so much to this region. It’s more than just a building—it’s a place for connection, support, nourishment, arts, and joy. With a Boys and Girls Club space next door and its role as an election center, this facility truly serves residents of all ages, bringing generations together and strengthening the heart of our county.”

Anne Ryan, Community Services Director for Santa Fe County, also shared her gratitude, “We’re thrilled by the results, and more importantly grateful to the many people and organizations who made this possible,” Ryan said. “Thank you to the Board of County Commissioners and to the State of New Mexico’s Aging and Long-Term Services Department for your ongoing support. Thank you to Studio SW Architects and Jaynes Corporation for your impeccable professionalism and true teamwork. And thank you to the countless others who worked behind the scenes on this important project. Having positive places to gather allows for meaningful opportunities to share, learn, and grow, which renders great gains for generations to come. Investing in community is always a win.”

The project reflects Santa Fe County’s continued investment in modern, accessible facilities that promote connection, health, and engagement among seniors. With larger spaces, better accessibility, and sustainable design, the new center will serve as a hub for community programs and gatherings for years to come.

Santa Fe County extends sincere appreciation to:

• The State of New Mexico for its $4,062,381.60 capital outlay contribution and continued commitment to supporting rural communities.
• Santa Fe County, which contributed $2,365,236.00 in County funds in addition to extensive in-kind services from multiple departments and staff.
• Studio SW Architects, especially Laura Anderson, Parker Sprague, and Kristi Greiner, for their exceptional design and project vision.
• Jaynes Corporation, including Randall Maynard, Jonathan Sisneros, Brad Treseder, Shad James, Matt Anderson, Greg Krause, Rick Lestscher, Travis Massagee, and Woody Harwell, for their precision, timeliness, and dedication to excellence.
• The Abedon Lopez family, whose presence and legacy continue to inspire the spirit of community service that defines this project.
• And the Santa Cruz community, for its patience, partnership, and support throughout the construction process.

The Abedon Lopez Sr. Senior Center stands as a testament to what collaboration, community, and commitment can achieve; an inviting space designed to serve the region’s seniors and families for generations to come.

####