May is Historical Preservation Month: Honoring the Past while Looking to The Future

April 22, 2026

Downtown Las Cruces continues to invest in preserving the character that defines it. Historic buildings, long-standing businesses, and familiar streetscapes remain central to the district. These efforts keep downtown grounded while allowing it to grow and stay active.

Preservation shows up in restored facades, updated interiors, and the continued use of historic spaces. The Rio Grande Theatre, now 100 years old, stands as a clear example. Opened in 1925, it now operates as a performing arts space while maintaining its original structure and design. Projects like this keep history visible and relevant.

The Amador Hotel is currently undergoing a massive restoration project. With help from the Amador Foundation, restoration should be completed by 2029.

Don Martín Amador first remodeled his one‑story building at Water Street and Amador Avenue to meet the needs of a growing Las Cruces, using it as the town’s post office, jail, and temporary courthouse. After the permanent courthouse was built, he expanded the structure in 1885, turning it into a two‑story hotel and theater that stayed in his family for more than eight decades.

As downtown changed, the hotel struggled. It was sold, renovated, and reopened in 1970 as Citizens Bank of Las Cruces. When the bank moved in 1983, the property became the county’s Manger Complex. After serving the community for over 120 years, the building was finally closed in 2006 when county staff relocated to the new government center on Motel Boulevard.

The Arts and Cultural District builds on this work. Murals, performances, and public programming bring history into daily life. Local artists and cultural traditions shape how the space is experienced. These efforts make downtown more accessible and encourage community participation.

Together, preservation and the Arts and Cultural District support a downtown that reflects both its past and present. They strengthen local businesses, activate public space, and keep the district connected to the people it serves.

Partners

As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Main Street Las Cruces is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.

Info: https://www.nmmainstreet.org/

Connect With Us

The City of Las Cruces has a well-established public-private partnership with Main Street Las Cruces. The partnership combines our respective strengths to support the growth of a safe, vibrant, diverse, and walkable downtown community. We seek to invigorate residential and business redevelopment through good planning and responsible, targeted investments. Our continuing collaboration is essential to promote downtown Las Cruces as a premier destination in the region.