Seven decades of drenching summer rains waterlogged its adobe and timber structure, half buried in the ground. The walls were in danger of immediate collapse. Previous attempts to fix the poor drainage had failed. Experts were needed.

Removal of the existing roof, a one-foot thick slab of concrete, was necessary. Workers from Valliant Builders of Los Lunas drilled dozens of one-inch holes into the concrete slab. Then each hole was filled with Bentonomite, a material that expands as it dries. Expansion of Bentonomite allowed for breaking up the slab without a jackhammer's vibrations. A tent was then put up before removal of the roof to keep the walls dry and protect its interior.

Also needed was the replacement of five vigas, reconstruction of the roof, and rebuilding of the adobe walls; and finally, the preservation of artist Velino Shije Herrera's 1938 murals, replicas of the Kiva's original Kuaua images removed in the early 1930s by archeologists.

The original 500-year old murals were an example of the most well-preserved Native American paintings. Herrera was commissioned by the Museum of New Mexico to recreate the images for visitors to see in the Kiva. Segments of the original murals are on display at the site.

Coronado State Monument is located in Bernalillo, on State Roads 550/44, two miles west of I-25 off Exit 242. Admission is $3; or a combination ticket, good for admission to both Jémez and Coronado State Monuments, is available for $5. Sunday admission for New Mexico residents with ID is free. Wednesday admission is free to New Mexico Seniors with ID. Children ages 16 and younger are always admitted free. Hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.

Visit NMMonuments.org for more information.