Old Portales City Hall demolition under way

Portales' former City Hall building on the square is being demolished to make way for public parking and electric vehicle charging stations.

Eric Segovia, general manager for Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative, said the demolition of the old City Hall building began Monday. He hopes to have the new parking lot ready for holiday shoppers and celebrations before Christmas.

"It may not happen (that fast), but we're going to try," he said last week.

Segovia said the city approached RCEC about taking the property when it relocated City Hall to Community Way last year.

"Since they didn't have the funding to demolish the building, and since we're adjacent (to the property), they asked us if we'd be interested in taking it," Segovia said.

"They had a few conditions: demolish the building, make a nice parking lot and add in EV charging stations."

It seemed a good fit, Segovia said.

At least two EV charging stations are planned initially with more possible, he said.

"The locals (with electric cars) aren't going to use it," Segovia said. "They're going to charge at home. This would provide an opportunity for people to come from out of town and do some shopping and tour Portales."

The parking lot will be largely for RCEC employees during the work day. But 25% of the lot will always be for public parking and 100% will be available for downtown parades, festivals, etc., on weekends and evenings, he said.

Segovia estimated 30% of the demolition was complete as of Friday.