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Mew Mexico
Historic ACBuqu&rqne 3{igfi School:
Inspiration for Weigfi6orfioocCRene'waC
In the heart of downtown Albuquerque sit five historic buildings with a tremendous senti-
mental value to the city's residents. Built between 1914 and 1940, these structures rep-
resented the city's only high school for more than 30 years. Although all five buildings
were designated as historic landmarks, they suffered severe deterioration beginning in
1974 and over the next 20 years from neglect—broken and missing windows, severe
water damage—and the need to tackle a potentially expensive asbestos abatement chal-
lenge.
While a number of redevelopment plans were proposed during this time, none came to
fruition until the city committed to a substantial investment project. An assessment
grant from EPA enabled a geophysical investigation which determined that heating
tanks formerly located underground at the site
had been removed, and an asbestos survey con-
ducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
through an agreement with EPA quantified the
extent of the asbestos containing material, al-
lowing for more effective budgetary planning for
site cleanup. Local neighborhood, historic dis-
trict, and merchant associations were invited
and heavily involved in the redevelopment plan-
ning. Design charrettes helped create a plan for
a vibrant, walkable mixed-use district, attractive
to investors while maintaining cultural and historic values. Cleanup of the old high
school library was assisted by a loan from the City of Albuquerque through its EPA
Brownfields Cleanup and Revolving Loan Fund grant.
Today, the redevelopment vision for all
five buildings is nearly realized. Three
now contain residential loft units, some
with the original walls, chalkboards,
floors, and 13-foot high ceilings left in
place where possible. The former gym-
nasium has been redeveloped into office
space and the old library will have a new
life as a restaurant. The former campus
grounds are now a city park.
Redevelopment of the Old Albuquerque High School has been a catalyst for the renais-
sance of this inner city neighborhood. A frenzy of remodeling and new construction fol-
lowed as private developers and investors recognized the area's growing potential. New
condos have been constructed north of the old high school. Once abandoned buildings
to the south have been redeveloped for commercial use and now house a laundry ser-
vice, architecture firm and realtor office. Mixed use development has occurred east and
west as well, including more residential units and two new restaurants. Implementing
Smart Growth concepts in the planning design has improved business in the area as well
as safety. For more information, contact Gabriel Rivera, City of Albuquerque, 505-924-
3479, orjgrivera@cabq.gov.
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