Central Avenue projects signal main street rebirth

The rat-a-tat-tat of construction equipment last week signaled that progress is underway to economically uplift and beautify Albuquerque’s main street.

Demolition has started at Central and Broadway for Innovate ABQ and down the block at Central and 1st Street for a $40 million development project. And agreements were unveiled on plans for two old motels that have been longtime eyesores.

Innovate ABQ is a seven-acre research and development district planned by the University of New Mexico, the city, the county and private partners. UNM President Bob Frank and university and community leaders are pinning their hopes on Innovate ABQ creating a vibrant high-tech research and development hub that attracts innovators and boosts the university’s and city’s already healthy technology transfer efforts.

Nearby, the development project at 1st Street includes entertainment, retail and restaurant spaces, 60 residential units and a 429-space parking garage.

Later, two historic motels will be revived after sitting vacant for years. Thanks to a $20 million investment and agreements with private developers, boarded-up windows, crumbling walls and metal fences will be replaced with upscale travel accommodations and more. The city owns both the De Anza Motor Lodge in upper Nob Hill and El Vado Auto Court Motel near Old Town. It will contribute about $3.4 million in public money to help revitalize the 1930s-era motels.

Mayor Richard Berry said, “This is an absolutely fantastic day for historic Route 66.”

Indeed, the sound of construction bodes well for making the city core more vibrant and economically viable.

With an ambitious 12.5-acre project slated across the street from Presbyterian Hospital and the recent receipt of a letter of federal approval to start spending on ART, there is, for the first time in a long time, reason for real optimism about Albuquerque’s main drag.