Taos Plaza Phase III Construction Meeting

April 16th, 2026

Facilitator: Israel Padilla, Living Designs Group Architects 

Goals: Provide updates and report on progress, project change orders and safety record. 

Construction Updates from R&M Construction and Living Designs Group Architects. 

Overall, the renovations of the East Taos Plaza Courtyard are on track and should be completed on, or near target dates announced. Aside from excessive wind that affected the region, weather in Taos has not hindered daily work schedules. Thus, progress has been made on several fronts with regards to both demolition and construction. Many foundational elements (such as electrical tracing, old concrete removal, form-building and clearing of existing drainage channels) were completed during this time period. As a result, the first month of work has produced noticeable advancements to the intended area. 

A summary of the work progress to date was provided by R&M Construction; which included a recap of critical work sequencing and a standard safety outline. There were no accidents to report, and safety remains a very high priority among on-site supervisors. 

Demolition of the walls and multi-level walkways surrounding the Veteran’s Memorial structure was completed April 3, with only the monolithic (non-solid) concrete base of the memorial remaining. Old sidewalks, curbs, gutters and lamppost footers have been removed and are ready to be replaced. As of April 16, new portions of sidewalk have been poured – allowing the construction fences to be moved off driving paths around the plaza perimeter. Old lampposts were taken down, and their respective bases have removed. The six large apparatuses are slated to be replaces by ten smaller (sleek) lights – matching the four that were installed during Phase II. Flood lights that uniquely light both flag posts from the ground skyward, that were originally slated for replacement. were deemed usable and were salvaged. 

Demolition of the memorial base will be a focus for the next few weeks, as it is unknown if a solid footer exists under the principal memorial itself – which would require a special pour if none is present. A portion of brick pavers in the middle of the courtyard have been removed to make way for sub-grade changes (gentle slopes leading up to the existing memorial base). 

Aspects of Phase III change orders were listed and an update on their status was discussed. Change orders included: adjustments to electrical feeds (such as an evenly-spaced lamppost layout scheme); wider street gutters on the south side of the courtyard to allow a seamless transition with existing gutters on the southeast radius; and the clearing of excess debris in a primary drainage channel on the north side to continually handle excess surface water. 

Next construction update meeting is scheduled for April 23. Accommodations for upcoming public events have been noted and considered. Mutual agreements with the various groups requesting space around the gazebo have been reached and adjustments (such as the moving of the perimeter fence) will be made for groups on a case-by-case basis.