Denver Firm Announces Project Opening

The Denver office of WorthGroup architects and interiors recently announced the official opening of the Casino Apache Travel Center, in Mescalero, N.M. This state-of-the-art, hybrid travel center is the product of WorthGroup's involvement in a design/build partnership with Centex Construction, of Dallas, Texas.

The multi-purpose property was designed to attract and retain passersby with notable architecture and interiors, entertainment and dining, convenience store amenities, and parking/ rest area functions.

This unique facility is located down the mountain from the Mescalero Apache Tribe's Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, and is just off U.S. Highway 70. The travel center and casino building are spread over 35,000-sq.-ft.

Local Firm Provides Design Services

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, built ca. 1930 in the historic Albuquerque neighborhood of Barelas, featured a much-loved pair of bell towers. When the building was condemned due to structural defects and demolished in the 1970s, the church was relocated across the street, in a building that had previously served as a school gymnasium.

Dekker/Perich/Sabatini recently provided structural engineering for the new Sacred Heart bell tower. The project featured steel beams from the World Trade Center, and the bell tower had to be modified slightly to accommodate the 9/11 memorial beam and column. A small area was enclosed to provide a continuous indoor space for the 30' beam, which begins in the 8'x8' tower and projects across the wall behind the altar. Hand-wrought iron gates blend the church/tower with the historic architecture of the 400-year-old Barelas neighborhood.

BMW Dealership Opens

An excess of 40,000-sq.-ft. of space will soon house new BMW cars. Sandia BMW will re-open its doors at its new prime location along the Interstate 25 corridor. Owner Mike Houx, couldn't be more thrilled.

The new dealership is a designers dream filled with ultra -contemporary furnishings, an interesting mix of materials and textiles and glass everywhere the eye can see.

With the assistance of architect Jon Anderson, along with general contractor Kenderdine Construction, the project will be completed on time for a September 2003 opening. Workspace Dynamics, a local furnishings dealership, provided all of the interior furniture.