Albuquerque Development News - Page 4

505_SW · June 13th, 2007, 04:12 PM

Incredible news Nick, and sorry if I offended you. I can't wait to see these buildings added to our skyline. As for my assuming it was just a rumor, well hey it is ABQ!

Sorry again, great post. Let's hope they get built now!

ABQturkey · June 13th, 2007, 07:05 PM

Nick, you're my BFF now

I'm with 505 here, though. Such little development going on and now news of a massive tower before any other real development has taken off downtown.....it seems a bit on the crazy side. But I'm allllll for it, obviously!

Thanks Nick

505_SW · June 14th, 2007, 08:48 PM

As NickABQ mentioned Blue Dot Corp will (hopefully)build ABQ's new signature tower. Follow the link to see this gorgeous building. http://www.bluedotcorporation.com/de...ckardplace.htm And with a new 27 story tower along I-25 our skyline will be getting some much needed improvement!

NickABQ · June 14th, 2007, 10:41 PM

Thanks guys!

Also, there is news about the La Posada. Supposedly, the city has reached a deal with the owner (forgot the name), and more parking is to be added at a lot on the fringes of downtown. This allows for the construction of La Posadas SECOND tower. La Posada submitted a proposal to the city for a (26?) story tower on the parking lot at NYPD Pizza at Second and Central.

La Posada plans to reopen late this summer.

if the second tower is built, it will be directly accross from the loft/retail/hotel development in the arena complex. That would make that intersection very valuable, and i think that something big is gonna happen on the parking lot on south side of central in between second and third. the owner is just waiting for the right time.

505_SW · June 14th, 2007, 10:51 PM

Very exciting news Nick. Hopefully we'll see these projects come to fruition. Is the Blue Dot project a sure thing or still just a vision of theirs? My only concern now, is the city is having a hard time acquiring the building and land at the NE corner of 2nd & Central which would negatively impact the whole arena plan. Anyhow, it's sounds like our revitalization efforts are finally showing some teeth. Let's all hope this happens, it will truly make ABQ and even better place to live!!!!!!!

Keep us posted please.

Roswell · June 17th, 2007, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickABQ

Thanks guys!

...That would make that intersection very valuable, and i think that something big is gonna happen on the parking lot on south side of central in between second and third. the owner is just waiting for the right time.

What is your instinct telling you about what may be built here, Nick?

NickABQ · June 20th, 2007, 08:58 PM

@ 505SW,

The Blue Dot development (Packard) is a sure thing. The city has approved the development, the 8 lots have been consolidated and Blue Dot is just waiting for final drawings. I talked to a manager at Valiant Printing, and she said that the building had been sold by the owners and that she heard they were in talks with the buyer about renting space in "whatever they're gonna build here".

I agree about the land at 2nd and Central, the Big Bytes property. The owbner of that particular piece of property just wants more money ( I forgot her name, but she comes from a very rich family anyway). I hope that the city is able to strike a deal with the owner, eportedly, she is asking up to 4 times what the property has been valued at (1.5 million). Eminent domain?

I think it has thrown a wrench into the system, but hopefully it will all work itself out by this winter. the city seems to be waiting on final plans from the developer/architect.

@Roswell- I guess its just a guess/hope. But, as far as downtown development goes, that site is prime. If the city (and prospective developers that have been showing interest) are still serious about big things coming to downtown, that site would be perfect, because of its very centered location, its fronting alond Central Ave. and its location accross from the Bank Lofts, its adjacency from the arena and Westin, the Sunshine theater and Century theater, and the fact that the property is big enough to put something pretty tall there.

Has anyone seen the Anasazi site lately? On Monday they started putting in the steel beams for the tower construction. Already the vertical pylons and construction beams extend to about three stories. I expect that we should see something that looks sort of like a building in the next month or so.

And there is a HUGE crane on the La Posada site...whats that about? A staging site for it going to Anasazi...or something else?

PhillyintheDuke · June 21st, 2007, 03:44 AM

Nick, is the Packard development approved for the additional floors you mentioned in a past post, or for the original 35.

Any insight on the DT arena project?

The Chants are great for ABQ, and hope their mixuse high rise gets approved. ANy insight on this project as well?

You're right about the lot across form the Banq lofts, that is a PRIME piece of land. The owner would be smart to wait while the DT Arena, and possible hotel goes up accross the street. Talk about an investment! Hopefully a Grocery store is some how involved on the first floor.

Thanx in advance! Great info.

NickABQ · June 22nd, 2007, 03:27 AM

The Packard development is currenty only aproved for the initial 35 floors, but I dont see any reason the city would deny a request for additional floors....

I think the arena project will push through, there are already commitments from Westin, the developer and tenants for the retail space. Unfortunately, the Big Bytes property (and the owner) has delayed the speed of progress.....to me...it seems like there is no other option but to sell though.

I also think that the Chant property will get approved and built, the Chants seem like the Maloofs...they'll go gung-ho if they get the chance, so if its approved....they should make it happen pretty darn quick.

The core of Downtown does need a grocery store....however, downtown isnt without anything.

I live on Lead and 6th, and I can run to the 7-11 on Copper and Fourth if I'm in a pinch (not a great selection, but a few essentials). There is also a full fledged grocery store (Lowes). Its about a 15 minute walk from where I live, and I can get everything I need (as far as food).

However, there is talk of a major tenant (Albertsons, Smiths?) occupying the bottom floor of the last building under reconstruction at ABQ High School Lofts.

What does everyone think about the Downs moving to Moriarity?

pwalker · June 22nd, 2007, 04:36 AM

I will spend 24 hours in your fine city next week. What should I see? Actually, I'm into old highway architecture/motels, and I hear Central Avenue is still quite interesting. Anybody have any advice? Also, love old burger joints that still are doing it right...suggestion?

NickABQ · June 22nd, 2007, 05:03 AM

Hey! Welcome to Albuquerque!! 24 hours is not nearly enough time...but you must make the most of it! May I ask where you are staying?

pwalker · June 22nd, 2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickABQ

Hey! Welcome to Albuquerque!! 24 hours is not nearly enough time...but you must make the most of it! May I ask where you are staying?

I'll be in the downtown, (mid-town?) area.

NickABQ · June 23rd, 2007, 06:51 AM

Well depending on where you're at.....you should be pretty close to Central...which is pretty cool. If you're in Midtown youre pretty equidistant to both downtown and uptown.

Central from the river to about San Mateo is cool....and Nob Hill and Hiland areas both have relics from the old 66...

as far as old burger joints that kick ass.....I dunno......Hurricanes is on Lomas and something....pretty good....of course I'm a fan of Blakes myself.

Roswell · June 24th, 2007, 09:44 PM

Nick says the initial development from Blue Dot is for 35 floors. Their website says 30 and all of the media outlets report the same. Hmmmm, I wonder who is right! Nick, I hope!!

One of the tallest buildings in Denver is that strange signature mailbox building. The one with the curved top. Well, it's 698 feet...56 stories. Do the math.

That's 12.46 feet per floor.

If the Blue Dot construction is the same and they build it out to 50 stories...well hey, we've got a 623 foot tall building in downtown Albuquerque!

That's 90% as tall as one of Denver's tallest! Whoo hoo!

Is it all a dream? I can't believe it could really be happening. I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't get scaled back.

PhillyintheDuke · June 25th, 2007, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roswell

Nick says the initial development from Blue Dot is for 35 floors. Their website says 30 and all of the media outlets report the same. Hmmmm, I wonder who is right! Nick, I hope!!

One of the tallest buildings in Denver is that strange signature mailbox building. The one with the curved top. Well, it's 698 feet...56 stories. Do the math.

That's 12.46 feet per floor.

If the Blue Dot construction is the same and they build it out to 50 stories...well hey, we've got a 623 foot tall building in downtown Albuquerque!

That's 90% as tall as one of Denver's tallest! Whoo hoo!

Is it all a dream? I can't believe it could really be happening. I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't get scaled back.

Residential buildings usually have smaller sizes per floor the commercial, so 30-35 would be just above the Bank Of ABQ building DT.

Let's hop Nick is right, in that they get their approval for 10-15 floors from the city, on top of the original 30

I also saw a rendering of a bldg. in Boise that would be 35 floors, and it would be a shame to have a city half the size of ABQ grab more attention.

NickABQ · June 25th, 2007, 02:34 AM

Luckily this will be a mixed-use building....so perhaps the floors wont be too low....in the case of the Anasazi.....the buildings official height is 18o feet but is only 10 stories....

but those are lofts....not condos....

i think that packard will top out (excluding the spire) at...(for 35 floors) 410 feet....

but if the 15 floors are approved maybe..575 feet.

PhillyintheDuke · June 25th, 2007, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickABQ

Luckily this will be a mixed-use building....so perhaps the floors wont be too low....in the case of the Anasazi.....the buildings official height is 18o feet but is only 10 stories....

but those are lofts....not condos....

i think that packard will top out (excluding the spire) at...(for 35 floors) 410 feet....

but if the 15 floors are approved maybe..575 feet.

Is there a link, or something official that you have seen on the height of the Anasazi development Nick? at 9 floors, the same height as the Banque Lofts, I just can't see the Anasazi topping out at 180 ft.. that would be a bit higher then the Banque lofts at 140 soe ft. Thats great if it does though. Hopefully there will be a boom of buildings that height all up and down central, in order to have the density for a successful street car.

In the case of the Packard Place development, I would love for the building to top out at 575 feet. That would be HUGE for ABQ! It would shatter anything ever built in the whole state, and would set the bar for future developments. Not that all buildings would build to that height, but it definitely raises expectations of buildings, especially in DT. It could be a shot in the arm that DT revitalization would need to truly get people to work, play, and live DT. The DT Arena development, along with the Packard Place residences, along with future housing would really set a vibe that Duke City citizens have been striving for. The NIMBY's would go nuts!

Thanks again for your insight Nick!

Roswell · June 26th, 2007, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickABQ

Whoa guys! No need to get all in a tizzy. It's not a rumour. Its a development by Blue Dot Corporation.

Packerd Place is supposed to be the new tallest building in New Mexico. It actually has a set of twin towers with a skybridge connecting them. Apparently over 80 shops, ann indoor driving range, offices and lofts starting from $200,000.
.....

80 shops, Nick???? Wouldn't that be almost like an indoor mall? The site doesn't look large enough for something like that to work even unless the project were higher to provide more floors for shops.

505_SW · June 26th, 2007, 11:37 PM

80 shops would require considerable space, it would also seem a bit overdone. ABQ Uptown has had trouble filling their 48 store fronts since opening. I remember them saying the center would 95% leased at opening, which was a total fabrication. Here we are almost a year later and still only 80% occupied (although the stores that are there are performing incredibly well). Anyhow, the point is Blue Dot may want to scale back that number from 80 to 40 or 50 shops. This would still be an incredible step up for downtown. Besides, if they were planning on 80 stores on two floors, why not make one floor a Whole Foods, and the rest could be specialty retailers?

NickABQ · June 27th, 2007, 04:04 AM

80 shops does sound like a lot.....I'm thinking a better estimate is 35 shops plus kiosks? However, if Blue Dot cut back on the amenities like the driving range, spa, and running track.....perhaps more shops could be put in.

@Philly- Blue Dot has repeatedly stated that the height given by the architects was 180 feet, but when I asked my consultant friend, he said he didnt have a clue of the height.

But a few things I do know....

it is the tallest building on Central downtown...but shorter than the Bank of the West Building at San Mateo and Central.

and it is supposed to be close in height to Dennis Chavez Federal Bldg.

so taking this into account......shorter than BOW (213 feet)

taller than Banque (141 feet)...and comparable to Dennis Chavez (197 feet).

The floor to ceiling height on the 9th floor alone is 18 feet.

But I have to say......that from the renderings..it looks only 50 meters to me.

June 14th, 2007, 08:48 PM	#63
505_SW finmqa1 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 203 Likes (Received): 0	CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!! As NickABQ mentioned Blue Dot Corp will (hopefully)build ABQ's new signature tower. Follow the link to see this gorgeous building. http://www.bluedotcorporation.com/de...ckardplace.htm And with a new 27 story tower along I-25 our skyline will be getting some much needed improvement!

June 14th, 2007, 10:51 PM	#65
505_SW finmqa1 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 203 Likes (Received): 0	Woooohooooo!!!! Very exciting news Nick. Hopefully we'll see these projects come to fruition. Is the Blue Dot project a sure thing or still just a vision of theirs? My only concern now, is the city is having a hard time acquiring the building and land at the NE corner of 2nd & Central which would negatively impact the whole arena plan. Anyhow, it's sounds like our revitalization efforts are finally showing some teeth. Let's all hope this happens, it will truly make ABQ and even better place to live!!!!!!! Keep us posted please. Last edited by 505_SW; June 14th, 2007 at 11:00 PM.

June 22nd, 2007, 04:36 AM	#70
pwalker Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Native Seattleite Posts: 1,257 Likes (Received): 3	First time visit to next week! I will spend 24 hours in your fine city next week. What should I see? Actually, I'm into old highway architecture/motels, and I hear Central Avenue is still quite interesting. Anybody have any advice? Also, love old burger joints that still are doing it right...suggestion?

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June 13th, 2007, 04:12 PM	#61
505_SW finmqa1 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 203 Likes (Received): 0	Incredible news Nick, and sorry if I offended you. I can't wait to see these buildings added to our skyline. As for my assuming it was just a rumor, well hey it is ABQ! Sorry again, great post. Let's hope they get built now!

June 13th, 2007, 07:05 PM	#62
ABQturkey Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 211 Likes (Received): 10	Nick, you're my BFF now I'm with 505 here, though. Such little development going on and now news of a massive tower before any other real development has taken off downtown.....it seems a bit on the crazy side. But I'm allllll for it, obviously! Thanks Nick

June 14th, 2007, 10:41 PM	#64
NickABQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 449 Likes (Received): 4	Thanks guys! Also, there is news about the La Posada. Supposedly, the city has reached a deal with the owner (forgot the name), and more parking is to be added at a lot on the fringes of downtown. This allows for the construction of La Posadas SECOND tower. La Posada submitted a proposal to the city for a (26?) story tower on the parking lot at NYPD Pizza at Second and Central. La Posada plans to reopen late this summer. if the second tower is built, it will be directly accross from the loft/retail/hotel development in the arena complex. That would make that intersection very valuable, and i think that something big is gonna happen on the parking lot on south side of central in between second and third. the owner is just waiting for the right time.

June 20th, 2007, 08:58 PM	#67
NickABQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 449 Likes (Received): 4	@ 505SW, The Blue Dot development (Packard) is a sure thing. The city has approved the development, the 8 lots have been consolidated and Blue Dot is just waiting for final drawings. I talked to a manager at Valiant Printing, and she said that the building had been sold by the owners and that she heard they were in talks with the buyer about renting space in "whatever they're gonna build here". I agree about the land at 2nd and Central, the Big Bytes property. The owbner of that particular piece of property just wants more money ( I forgot her name, but she comes from a very rich family anyway). I hope that the city is able to strike a deal with the owner, eportedly, she is asking up to 4 times what the property has been valued at (1.5 million). Eminent domain? I think it has thrown a wrench into the system, but hopefully it will all work itself out by this winter. the city seems to be waiting on final plans from the developer/architect. @Roswell- I guess its just a guess/hope. But, as far as downtown development goes, that site is prime. If the city (and prospective developers that have been showing interest) are still serious about big things coming to downtown, that site would be perfect, because of its very centered location, its fronting alond Central Ave. and its location accross from the Bank Lofts, its adjacency from the arena and Westin, the Sunshine theater and Century theater, and the fact that the property is big enough to put something pretty tall there. Has anyone seen the Anasazi site lately? On Monday they started putting in the steel beams for the tower construction. Already the vertical pylons and construction beams extend to about three stories. I expect that we should see something that looks sort of like a building in the next month or so. And there is a HUGE crane on the La Posada site...whats that about? A staging site for it going to Anasazi...or something else?

June 21st, 2007, 03:44 AM	#68
PhillyintheDuke Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 146 Likes (Received): 0	Nick, is the Packard development approved for the additional floors you mentioned in a past post, or for the original 35. Any insight on the DT arena project? The Chants are great for ABQ, and hope their mixuse high rise gets approved. ANy insight on this project as well? You're right about the lot across form the Banq lofts, that is a PRIME piece of land. The owner would be smart to wait while the DT Arena, and possible hotel goes up accross the street. Talk about an investment! Hopefully a Grocery store is some how involved on the first floor. Thanx in advance! Great info.

June 22nd, 2007, 03:27 AM	#69
NickABQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 449 Likes (Received): 4	The Packard development is currenty only aproved for the initial 35 floors, but I dont see any reason the city would deny a request for additional floors.... I think the arena project will push through, there are already commitments from Westin, the developer and tenants for the retail space. Unfortunately, the Big Bytes property (and the owner) has delayed the speed of progress.....to me...it seems like there is no other option but to sell though. I also think that the Chant property will get approved and built, the Chants seem like the Maloofs...they'll go gung-ho if they get the chance, so if its approved....they should make it happen pretty darn quick. The core of Downtown does need a grocery store....however, downtown isnt without anything. I live on Lead and 6th, and I can run to the 7-11 on Copper and Fourth if I'm in a pinch (not a great selection, but a few essentials). There is also a full fledged grocery store (Lowes). Its about a 15 minute walk from where I live, and I can get everything I need (as far as food). However, there is talk of a major tenant (Albertsons, Smiths?) occupying the bottom floor of the last building under reconstruction at ABQ High School Lofts. What does everyone think about the Downs moving to Moriarity?

June 22nd, 2007, 05:03 AM	#71
NickABQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 449 Likes (Received): 4	Hey! Welcome to Albuquerque!! 24 hours is not nearly enough time...but you must make the most of it! May I ask where you are staying?

June 23rd, 2007, 06:51 AM	#73
NickABQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 449 Likes (Received): 4	Well depending on where you're at.....you should be pretty close to Central...which is pretty cool. If you're in Midtown youre pretty equidistant to both downtown and uptown. Central from the river to about San Mateo is cool....and Nob Hill and Hiland areas both have relics from the old 66... as far as old burger joints that kick ass.....I dunno......Hurricanes is on Lomas and something....pretty good....of course I'm a fan of Blakes myself.

June 24th, 2007, 09:44 PM	#74
Roswell Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Albuquerque/Denver Posts: 69 Likes (Received): 1	Nick says the initial development from Blue Dot is for 35 floors. Their website says 30 and all of the media outlets report the same. Hmmmm, I wonder who is right! Nick, I hope!! One of the tallest buildings in Denver is that strange signature mailbox building. The one with the curved top. Well, it's 698 feet...56 stories. Do the math. That's 12.46 feet per floor. If the Blue Dot construction is the same and they build it out to 50 stories...well hey, we've got a 623 foot tall building in downtown Albuquerque! That's 90% as tall as one of Denver's tallest! Whoo hoo! Is it all a dream? I can't believe it could really be happening. I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't get scaled back.

June 25th, 2007, 02:34 AM	#76
NickABQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 449 Likes (Received): 4	Luckily this will be a mixed-use building....so perhaps the floors wont be too low....in the case of the Anasazi.....the buildings official height is 18o feet but is only 10 stories.... but those are lofts....not condos.... i think that packard will top out (excluding the spire) at...(for 35 floors) 410 feet.... but if the 15 floors are approved maybe..575 feet.

June 26th, 2007, 11:37 PM	#79
505_SW finmqa1 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 203 Likes (Received): 0	80 shops would require considerable space, it would also seem a bit overdone. ABQ Uptown has had trouble filling their 48 store fronts since opening. I remember them saying the center would 95% leased at opening, which was a total fabrication. Here we are almost a year later and still only 80% occupied (although the stores that are there are performing incredibly well). Anyhow, the point is Blue Dot may want to scale back that number from 80 to 40 or 50 shops. This would still be an incredible step up for downtown. Besides, if they were planning on 80 stores on two floors, why not make one floor a Whole Foods, and the rest could be specialty retailers?

June 27th, 2007, 04:04 AM	#80
NickABQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 449 Likes (Received): 4	80 shops does sound like a lot.....I'm thinking a better estimate is 35 shops plus kiosks? However, if Blue Dot cut back on the amenities like the driving range, spa, and running track.....perhaps more shops could be put in. @Philly- Blue Dot has repeatedly stated that the height given by the architects was 180 feet, but when I asked my consultant friend, he said he didnt have a clue of the height. But a few things I do know.... it is the tallest building on Central downtown...but shorter than the Bank of the West Building at San Mateo and Central. and it is supposed to be close in height to Dennis Chavez Federal Bldg. so taking this into account......shorter than BOW (213 feet) taller than Banque (141 feet)...and comparable to Dennis Chavez (197 feet). The floor to ceiling height on the 9th floor alone is 18 feet. But I have to say......that from the renderings..it looks only 50 meters to me.