Lowell West Complex

Albuquerque, NM

35,362 sq ft

Architect: RMKM Architecture

Client: Albuquerque Public Schools

Lowell West Complex is a new, 2 story facility consisting of a combination of structural steel framing and structural masonry construction along with an approximately 3-acre site development package. The facility is a new ground-up addition to Albuquerque Public Schools and was constructed just west of the existing Lowell Elementary School campus.

Lowell West Complex is an inviting, highly functional and flexible facility that serves several APS programs including Transition Services, APS Community Clothing Bank, Title 1 Homeless Program, District Parent‐Teacher Association (PTA) and Community Academic Initiative Resource (CAIR), a non-APS partner.

The new building supports post high school special needs students by promoting collaborative and interdisciplinary educational and training opportunities across the different departments. Students gain experience with hands-on training that empowers their capacity to be self-sufficient through entrepreneurial and work-force partnerships with local business. A Multi-Purpose room, Coffee Shop, Life Skills and training classrooms and several strategically located huddle spaces are the cornerstone of collaborative training, increased efficiency and enhanced teamwork that support the educational and working environments. The facility also addresses previously underserved departmental needs, such as new administrative offices for all departments, and a Warehouse for APS Clothing Bank and Title I the departments new main supply distribution center to servicing the entire district . A separate portion of the building is dedicated to serve younger children as part of the Title I and CAIR departments, equipped with classrooms and a lunch room. Two secured and landscaped outdoor playgrounds can be used year-round to support curricular activities and summer programs. Lowell West is a dynamic mixed‐use building that will provide a new sense of pride and dignity for the departments housed within.