The reconstruction of the Doņa Ana plaza offers hope for this small rural community located on the Camino Real. A traditional farming village from the 1800s through the 1950s, Dona Ana today is home to about 1,200, most of whom commute to work. The historic plaza, currently paved with asphalt, is virtually erased but still serves as the center of public and religious life of the village. The historic church was recently restored, but other nearby structures were not. The plan proposes a small walled garden in front of the church; a new plaza; a cloistered courtyard to tie old and new church buildings together; a small community library; and a heritage center. State funding has been made available, and the first phase will soon be under construction. Images > 1 | 2 | 3 | Plan Recognition > Publications Read > "The Plazas of New Mexico" Read > "New Plazas for New Mexico" Conference, October 2001