Welcome!

Las Vegas, founded in 1835, is a prime example of New Mexico’s layered history, blending Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences. With over 900 historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Las Vegas offers an unparalleled backdrop for a conference of this nature.

 “Las Vegas is an ideal venue for the Historic Preservation Conference. We have an intact multigenerational heritage and the challenges of an urban center seeking to grow while maintaining its authenticity. This conference will help communities across the state explore how preservation can drive economic and cultural vitality.” Lawrence Quintana, Executive Director of the Las Vegas Citizens Committee for Historic Preservation

“Viva Vegas ‘25 is responding to challenges within allied fields such as housing creation and carbon reduction, creatively responding to the lack of trained rehabilitation workforces and the need for sustainably sourced materials.” Jake Barrow, Executive Director of Cornerstones Community Partnerships

Viva Vegas ’25 Theme Notes Speakers

  • Elmo Baca

    FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER

    Las Vegas native, contributor to downtown revitalization and historic preservation for over 40 years, former State Main Street director and State Historic Preservation Officer, Las Vegas Community.

  • Theodore Jojola

    UNM DISTINGUISHED & REGENT’S PROFESSOR

    Former director of American Studies, former the Community and Regional Planning Program in 1995-96, and leader for  iArchitecture, an interdisciplinary course on contemporary indigenous architecture at UNM.

    Presentation Title:   PlaceKnowing and 7 Generations Planning

  • Lawrence Quintana

    BOARD MEMBER OF CCP, CHAIR AT LCP AND CHAIR OF LVCC

    Lives and works on the family ranch located in Cañoncito de las Manuelitas located north of Las Vegas, New Mexico. He is a board member of Cornerstones Community Partnerships, Chair of Luna Community College Foundation and chair of Las Vegas Citizens Committee for Historic Preservation.

    Presentation Title: Awarding Preservation 

  • Beverly Spears

    ARCHITECT

    Practicing architect and landscape architect. Author of American Adobes (1987) and Early Churches of New Mexico (2017). Her firm, Spears Horn Architects, has received numerous historic preservation awards from the City of Santa Fe, the State of New Mexico and the American Institute of Architects.

    Presentation Title: American Adobes: Cultural Fusion and Adaptation

  • Chris Wilson

    PROFESSOR

    Regents Professor of Landscape Architecture, former J.B. Jackson Chair of Cultural Landscape Studies and founding director of the UNM Historic Preservation and Regionalism Program

    Preservation Title:  Preservation, Urbanism, and the Housing Crisis 

LAS VEGAS INFORMATION