During an Oct. 26 city‑council work session, Las Cruces Public Works Director David Sedillo outlined a $1.1 million repair package aimed at restoring the seven‑year‑old Amador Live entertainment complex to usable condition. The venue, a centerpiece of downtown redevelopment, has been largely idle for nearly two years.
Scope of the proposed work
The itemized estimate assigns $257,418 to reconstruct the second‑floor deck, including removal of the existing concrete surface, replacement of damaged wood and installation of a rubberized waterproofing system. Cabinetry and casework would cost $224,187, while new epoxy flooring and baseboards for the main restaurant and two enclosed patios are budgeted at $154,370.
Additional line items include $88,970 for stucco repairs on the second floor, $45,000 for interior wall repairs and painting, $26,870 for window replacements, $26,605 for masonry and rock‑wall work, and $139,180 for exterior and interior door replacements on both levels. A modest $16,000 covers electrical, plumbing and related fixes such as damaged fixtures, outlets and a leaking backflow preventer.
Audit findings and financial oversight
A February internal‑audit report released by the city’s Audit Office identified significant deficiencies in the original Amador Project’s financial management and the lease arrangement with private operator Amador Hospitality LLC. While the audit does not directly link these financial shortcomings to the physical deterioration, it underscores a lack of robust oversight during the complex’s development.
The audit also notes that the original construction included design changes—such as the removal of a planned coffee‑shop footprint in 2017 and alterations to upper‑level porches, windows and stairs—that were formally approved. These changes help distinguish authorized revisions from unfinished work.
Unfinished construction and maintenance concerns
City records show that the second‑floor waiter station and food‑service area remain incomplete, missing interior wall finishes and a dumbwaiter that would connect the ground‑floor kitchen to the upper level. The appraisal prepared by Brooks Real Estate Services in March 2025 estimated $12,500 to complete these items, a figure that appears unchanged in the current repair estimate.
Recent maintenance work orders reveal ongoing issues: an August 2026 request flagged non‑functioning exit signs and emergency lighting, while a September 2026 work order reported water leaks after heavy rain. An August 12, 2026 fire‑department inspection recorded a passing overall result, noting only that sprinkler gauges needed replacement and a five‑year sprinkler inspection was scheduled.
Funding considerations
City staff suggested using revenue from the downtown Tax Increment Development District (TIDD) to finance the repairs, pending the appropriate approvals. The council has not yet authorized the $1.1 million expenditure.
Comparisons with earlier estimates show a wide range of proposed scopes. A March 2025 commercial appraisal estimated $16,300 for deck waterproofing repairs, while a April 2025 proposal from Nine Degrees Construction called for a full deck demolition and rebuild at $257,418—the same deck figure now embedded in the city’s estimate. A broader April 2025 proposal priced a comprehensive deck package at $818,663 plus gross receipts tax, illustrating the variability in cost projections.
What residents should watch
Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor the council’s deliberations on funding sources and to request transparency on how much of the repair budget addresses original construction defects versus routine maintenance or future improvements. The city’s audit and appraisal documents are publicly available through a recent Inspection of Public Records Act request.
As Las Cruces continues to invest in downtown revitalization, the Amador Live repair plan serves as a reminder of the importance of diligent oversight, clear budgeting and timely maintenance to protect taxpayer dollars and preserve community assets.
Original reporting: Organ Mountain News (Las Cruces / Doña Ana County) — read the source article.
