CORRALES, N.M. (KRQE) – A group of historic buildings in Corrales left unused for more than a decade have been transformed into something new.“This was a absolute mess when we inherited it, when we bought it. Dirt everywhere. Mice everywhere. I mean, it was in really, really, really, really bad shape,” said Charmayne Kilcup.But now, what started as a dream to connect mothers and families to community and a safe space has become a reality.“My sister and I are both moms and we’re like, we don&...
CORRALES, N.M. (KRQE) – A group of historic buildings in Corrales left unused for more than a decade have been transformed into something new.
“This was a absolute mess when we inherited it, when we bought it. Dirt everywhere. Mice everywhere. I mean, it was in really, really, really, really bad shape,” said Charmayne Kilcup.
But now, what started as a dream to connect mothers and families to community and a safe space has become a reality.
“My sister and I are both moms and we’re like, we don’t have great spaces for other moms to go. Just like hang out, get a coffee and watch their kids play,” said Kilcup, going on to say, “So we’re trying to offer more opportunities for this more natural village way of life, where there’s multiple people raising kids, being with kids, interacting with kids, and doing their daily life.”
“The Station” in Corrales is now open housing a refillery, toy shop, stationery store, and a plant store. It also has a playground, a courtyard, and an incoming restaurant.
Kilcup says they bought the building last April and got to work right away after it hadn’t been touched in 15 years.
“Historical buildings are extra challenging, and it’s actually harder to renovate than build new sometimes. But we wanted to preserve the character of the buildings,” said Kilcup.
And while it was a challenging road, Kilcup says it was all worth it, “We’re from here and we wanted to offer something back to corrales.” Going on to say, “This is really a love letter to where we grew up and a place that has really nourished us in a lot of ways.”
“I’m hoping this place just brings more joy,” said Kilcup.
The restaurant portion of The Station is set to open early next year.