How do you transform a historic site that has sat untouched for 15 years? For Charmayne Kilcup, the answer was to preserve its character while giving it a new purpose, and she and her sister have revamped a group of historic buildings in Corrales and turned them into "The Station," KRQE reports.
Kilcup described the property as an "absolute mess" when they bought it in April 2025, with dirt and mice everywhere, and said they started working on it immediately. "Historical buildings are extra challenging, and it’s actually harder to renovate than build new sometimes," she told KRQE, but she said they wanted to preserve the character of the buildings.
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As mothers themselves, Kilcup said she and her sister wanted to create a go-to spot where moms can grab coffee, relax and let their kids play, and a place that supports a more natural village way of life where many people help raise children. The Station is now open with a refillery, toy shop, stationery store and plant shop, along with a playground and courtyard.
Kilcup said the journey was challenging but worth it, and that she and her sister wanted to give back to the Corrales community they call home. She called the project a love letter to the place where they grew up and said she hopes it brings more joy.
About This Story
Daily Reports is Brant.One’s news roundup. Each day we gather the New Mexico stories worth knowing from newsrooms across the state, sum them up and point you to the source. This one comes from KRQE’s reporting, and their original story has the interviews and full details.
Editor’s note: Updated Oct. 31, 2026. This story is now part of Daily Reports, our New Mexico news roundup, and was revised to credit KRQE’s original reporting. Learn how Daily Reports works in our editorial standards.
