September 15, 2023
Downtown Albuquerque (Courtesy of Visit Albuquerque)
Let’s talk about Downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico!
As many of its fellow Sun Belt cities have experienced, ABQ has seen a resurgence of interest and homegrown energy post-pandemic. While many may have been introduced to this city by Walter White, those with more intimate knowledge see Albuquerque as a deeply dimensional city. Vast indigenous history, layered by a complex trajectory of American innovation, followed by waning and waxing industry, have built this city into the interesting, transforming mosaic it is today.
Coming out of the woodwork are local residents, entrepreneurs, and activists who want Albuquerque to reach its full potential. Mark Baker, a local real estate developer and an architect at his namesake firm, Baker Architecture + Design, invites all 'urban pioneers' to join him in Downtown's revitalization. According to him:
"I don't think Albuquerque is going to move forward without an exciting and fun Downtown. And that really comes back to public safety and investment in Downtown. That’s kind of my passion at the moment — to bring Downtown back to life."
Down the street, Roadrunner Venture Studios is breathing new life into an industrial complex and setting their national headquarters in the heart of Downtown. Ground Up is proud to be leading the creative charge for this project. In describing New Mexico’s untapped potential, president Adam Hammer says:
“You have all the building blocks between the technical talent, the deep history of innovation and science, cutting-edge laboratories, phenomenal universities and a very supportive state government that I think has been quite opportunistic about leaning into frontier tech.”
When it comes to the future of Albuquerque’s downtown, the gorgeous watercolor sky is the limit.
Which other Sun Belt cities are you most excited about? Feel free to hit respond, would love to hear your thoughts!
//
MUST-READS
What to Read to Understand Cities // The Economist
Google’s New Sustainability Tools Help Cities Map Environmental Information // Google
The Stuff Of Cities: Materials // BusinessWeek + CityLab
The City Where People Aren’t Going Back to Offices // WSJ
The Future of Cities, According to the Experts // Vox
This City Removed Its Parking Mandates By Changing One Word // Next City
//
IDEA SPOTLIGHT
Metropolis Future 100
The Future100 program is back and open for submissions! Launched in 2021 by Metropolis, Future100 recognizes the top 100 graduating students from architecture and interior design programs in the United States and Canada and connects them with A&D firms across North America. This program is sponsored by Architecture and Design firms interested in recruiting a talented, diverse pool of candidates.
//
