In Progress: Dennis Chavez Elementary School

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dennis Chavez Elementary School in Los Chavez, New Mexico, occurred on February 6, 2025. Jaynes is the General Contractor on the 45,245-square-foot project, which involves building a new school and repurposing and renovating existing structures.

Jaynes is collaborating with the architects at Huitt Zollars on this project.

The Dennis Chavez Elementary groundbreaking.

The school is named after U.S. Senator Dennis Chavez, who served New Mexico in Congress from 1931 to 1962. It has regularly ranked among Albuquerque’s top elementary schools.

NM Vistas, the state’s school performance reporting system, designated Dennis Chavez Elementary as a Spotlight School, meaning it’s among the top 25 percent of schools in the state.

The new Dennis Chavez Elementary School features include an adaptable student learning area, sustainable design elements, energy-efficient systems, extensive natural lighting, and added green spaces. The new school will feature an infrastructure that flexibly enables future technology integration and a built environment that ensures the safety and security of students, teachers, and staff.

Jaynes is building a new 45,245 square foot facility and performing a Level 3 renovation to an existing gymnasium. The building envelope will be designed to comply with the current energy requirements for New Mexico. Durable, low maintenance materials and finishes will be installed throughout the school. Key project elements include a secured lobby and main entrance with a controlled access point into the school. Renovations will improve campus grading and drainage, replace damaged concrete, and replace existing fencing. ADA-directed accessibility is prominent in the project’s design. Another project goal was modernizing and improving parent and bus pick-up and drop-off zones. New shade canopies will be constructed to protect students and staff from the elements. An updated playground and plaza space will feature new play equipment and shaded seating, and a separate “Tot Lot” will be provided for Kindergarten students  — with an eye on keeping the small ones safe and entertained.

The new school is projected to be finished in late 2026.