Federal Agency Sells Former Army Reserve Center to Silver City

UPDATE: A federal agency has just sold a vacant U.S. Army Reserve center to Silver City for $340,000, marking a significant move in optimizing federal real estate assets. This sale is part of the General Services Administration’s (GSA) broader strategy, as they aim to divest underperforming properties across the nation.

The transaction was confirmed on December 31, and the GSA is also looking to sell additional properties in New Mexico, including sites in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. According to GSA Acting Administrator Mike Rigas, this sale exemplifies their commitment to enhancing the federal real estate portfolio.

The former Phillips Memorial U.S. Army Reserve Center, located on Pine Street, spans 5 acres and contains two buildings, one of which is 64 years old. Silver City’s business operations manager, Randy Hernandez, noted that while the town has not finalized plans for its use, the property’s prime location made it a valuable acquisition.

Hernandez stated,

“I think that property had been of interest for the town to acquire just because of its location and the size of the property.”

The building is in decent condition but may require minor upgrades to make it fully functional.

In a proactive approach, the GSA initially contacted local governments and organizations in December 2024 to utilize the property for addressing homelessness. Silver City officials applied for the property to transform it into transitional housing earlier this year. However, when the GSA later offered the property for outright sale, the town seized the opportunity.

The town had the necessary funds available after a new recreation center project came in $500,000 under budget, allowing them to allocate the savings for this purchase. Hernandez expressed,

“We’re exploring all of our options to see what would be the best use,”

emphasizing that the new mayor and council members—starting in January—will likely contribute to future decisions about the property.

This strategic acquisition positions Silver City to address potential housing needs while improving community resources. As this story unfolds, residents and stakeholders are keenly watching how the town will utilize this significant asset.