The HB Construction team was honored to celebrate alongside students, families, and educators at the grand opening of the new Sandia Base Elementary. After years of planning and construction, it was deeply rewarding to see the building filled with energy, curiosity, and community pride. This project has been a shared effort to deliver a school that reflects the strength and spirit of Kirtland Air Force Base families. Joining the celebration and seeing it in use reminded us why our work matters.

The grand opening marked an exciting milestone in the transformation of Sandia Base Elementary. The new 88,000-square-foot, two-story facility now serves as the centerpiece of the campus, designed to support both academic excellence and the unique needs of military students and families. Located on the secured grounds of Kirtland Air Force Base, the building brings modern learning environments to the community, including a gymnasium, cafeteria, music and art rooms, a library, and a dedicated kindergarten wing. Additional site improvements, including new outdoor play areas and gathering spaces, will continue to take shape as the project moves forward.

HB Construction led the delivery of this multi-phase project in collaboration with Albuquerque Public Schools and Roma Architecture (formerly Jon Anderson Architects). Together, we developed a phased construction approach that maintained school operations throughout the build while prioritizing safety, security, and continuity. Working within the unique constraints of an active military installation, our team coordinated closely with KAFB officials and APS leadership to minimize disruption and ensure access at every stage.

Design inspiration for the project drew from the Air Force’s aviation legacy. Roma Architecture incorporated angular metal elements and architectural screening throughout the building as a nod to flight—connecting students’ daily experience to a broader sense of motion, purpose, and wonder.

Funded through a partnership between the Department of Defense and APS, the project represents a long-term investment in educational infrastructure. With $42.8 million in federal appropriations and additional funds approved by voters through APS’s 2021 capital election, the rebuild was made possible by a coalition of public support.

From early design through final turnover, our team remained focused on delivering a safe, high-performing facility that lives up to the mission of Sandia Base Elementary. Seeing students explore their new classrooms, connect with teachers, and experience these spaces for the first time was a powerful reminder of the impact that well-built schools can have.

We’re proud to deliver a campus built for the next generation of learners, leaders, and families at Kirtland Air Force Base.