Albuquerque Development News - Page 5

Roswell · June 27th, 2007, 02:52 PM

Let's all hope that all of these fantastic new projects set the bar really high. It sure is time that many of the current taller buildings in Albuquerque get a MAJOR makeover!

I'm sure that many of you know of the Bank of the West tower at Central and San Mateo Blvd? I understand that the building was built in 1962 at the same time as an identical twin was built in Phoenix. Well, I don't know about you but I think that building has to rank as one of the ugliest around. It's way past it prime and in need of a major exterior renovation. The one in Phoenix was renovated many years ago and looks awesome. They even added a lattice pyramid to the top and a sweet night lighting scheme. Anyway, I think it's time that Albuquerque embrace new and higher standards.

If you take a look at the time frame for all of the major high-rise construction in Denver, you'll notice that all of their tallest towers went up right about the same time and transformed Denver's skyline literally overnight. It's possible that something similar could, and looks to be happening in Albuquerque.

505_SW · June 27th, 2007, 05:17 PM

Roswell - I couldn't agree more regarding the need for renovation on some of our older towers. The twin you are speaking of in Phoenix was renovated in 1989 and looks absolutely gorgeous! I wish we could do something similar to our tower as well, the link below from Emporis shows how that tower (Phoenix) looks today.
http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=...phoenix-az-usa

NickABQ · June 27th, 2007, 06:49 PM

I actually still like our Bank of the West Tower......I think its locations lends a great sense of height to the building! But it desperately needs a makeover! I think the base should be remodeled especially...right now access into the building seems harder than fuck!

I also want to see major renos of Gold Building and the Simms Building!

Actually, Hyatt Regency at Albuquerque Plaza just got the greenlight for a 4 million dollar room renovation, a half-million dollar renovation for the restaraunt McGraths (where I work) and a 250,000 renovation each for the seating lobby and Bolos....which they will turn into a swanky new nightclub.

Also the Hilton is currently undergoing a 14.5 million dollar renovation.......I think it includes a major facade facelift...it needs it!

ABQist · June 27th, 2007, 06:50 PM

Thanks for the link 505 -- that building looks great. I've been saying for some time that some of our buildings including BOW need a makeover. I'd like to see the BOW add about 5-7 floors as well, not sure if it's doable.

Buildings that are scheduled to do an external revamp this year include the Windham Airport Hotel and the 10 story Lovelace main hospital in EDo.

Anybody heard anything about ABQ phase III? I know they're supposed to include a hotel -- just wondering how tall it might be. Hilton owns the land just north of the 7 story Garden Inn going up -- they have said they intend to build another hotel with a parking structure there. No Idea as to when or how tall, but based on the geographics of the property and the need for a parking structure, it would appear it will have to be some kind of a tower.

Roswell · June 27th, 2007, 07:47 PM

I love this forum. I really had no idea that there were as many "Tall Buildings for Albuquerque" enthusiasts as me. Thanks to all of you!!!!

Now, do we have any graphic artists in the group that can render up a realistic portrait of downtown after all of these proposed projects are done?

505_SW · June 27th, 2007, 09:12 PM

I agree Roswell, it is nice to see more people behind projects such as these in ABQ. Myself, ABQTurkey, and Stupac have been here for a while so it is nice with you, Nick, and ABQist to talk with as well. It's also nice having more discussion since there are more ABQ forumers. There are post for ABQ on skyscraperpage.com forum as well, if you'd like to read through those. I generally go by finmqa1 over there.

ABQist · June 27th, 2007, 09:35 PM

Nice to talk with you guys as well. I have been a skyscraper enthusiast since I was a kid here in the 1960's. I just moved back here a year ago after 25 years in the SF Bay Area. I witnessed their boom of the 1980's and was truly inspired. More than ever I want to see ABQ have positive growth, including high-rises, landscaping, mass transit, roads, sports venues, etc. Just a word of caution, I (and my father) have seen our city leaders fight high-rises and positive growth for over 50 years. I am not persuaded this mentality is gone -- but with the current wave of projects -- we're going to find out. Packard and Chant would never have been permitted 20 years ago. We'll see what happens. Nice to meet others who share the vision.

ABQist · June 27th, 2007, 09:48 PM

Hey Nick,

A Journal article yesterday highlighted La Posada's redev into a posh Hollywood-style hotel -- but no mention of a second (26 story?) tower. Have you any new info? Please keep us posted on this. Thanks.

NickABQ · June 28th, 2007, 02:54 AM

Yeah it is nice to see more burquenos here! I was one of the original posters on the site several years ago....(2001), and one of the only people in ABQ, lol.....so its good to see a few of us on here.

It would be great to add some more floor to BOW.....I suppose after an add-on it might top out at 280 ft.....which would be awesome! However my only concern is the top floor of the BOW is a Penthouse with someone living in it....so I dont know what they would do about that.

@Roswell- Ive been working on a dtn image.......should be done in awhile I hope!.......maybe we should enlist the help of Culwulla!

as far as the La Posada article...I think its great that ANY info was finally released! They are working hard on it now....I went in yesterday and its starting to look decent again. Maybe I'll ditch McGraths and head over to Conrads.....

The second la Posada tower is in the city's list of proposed projects.....it was proposed about 4 months ago....but I think only submitted to the city perhaps a month ago....I dont expect we'll hear anything about it for awhile......but maybe by late fall?

NickABQ · June 28th, 2007, 02:57 AM

ABQist- a reno for the Wyndham? do you know what this will include? I thought the lobby still looked pretty good...maybe a facade facelift? they should paint it bright orange.

PhillyintheDuke · June 28th, 2007, 04:57 AM

Add me as another High-rise fan who lives the Duke City!

Born and raised!

Roswell · June 28th, 2007, 05:17 AM

I did this rendering several years ago. Thought all of you might get a kick out of it.

ABQist · June 28th, 2007, 08:13 AM

Nick,

The Wyndham is under new ownership and will be undergoing a $6.5M "top to bottom" reno, at which time it will ugraded to a 4-star Sheraton. I thought this included the facade, but not so sure now. 4 acres are avaiable at the site which the city has desinated for another hotel.

Doubletree's 16 story DT hotel is also undergoing a $6M reno, but that is strictly interior work.

Let's hope La Pasada's new tower comes through -- at present it would be ABQ's second tallest.

NickABQ · June 28th, 2007, 05:22 PM

More interior work for Doubletree? They putting alot into that hotel i think....

I wonder what hotel would come to that 4 acre site near the airport...

We need a sticky thread for ABQ developments....especially sinice there are tons of developments we havent even gotten around to discussing....all the projects going on in dtns west end, Paseo Nuevo, Silver Tree, the revamp at Copper Pointe etc...

and by 2010, if everything went ahead as planned...the lineup of the tallest in the city could be-

Packard Place
Chant Place
Westin
La Posada Tower Two
Albuquerque Plaza
Hyatt Regency
Compass Bank
Petroleum Building
Bank of the West Tower
Gold Building
Dennis Chavez Federal Building
Anasazi Downtown

Roswell · June 28th, 2007, 07:08 PM

Speaking of ABQ development, the Sunport master plan shows over 1 billion dollars of construction to the airport with a majority of the work happening between now and 2010. It looks like a MAJOR expansion is in the works very soon now. I'm talking about a new parking garage, new terminal, three to four new concourses (looks like around 40 new gates), new roadways and even a light rail terminal. Here are a couple of images of the proposed alternatives:

Here is a link directly to these PDF documents on the City of Albuquerque website.

http://www.cabq.gov/airport/news.html

505_SW · June 28th, 2007, 07:55 PM

WOW, that is also news to me. I didn't think this was going to happen until at least 2020. What is the time frame for new concourse construction. How cool is this!!!!!!!!!!!!

ABQturkey · June 28th, 2007, 07:58 PM

woohoo! I need to check this site more often! Finally, more ABQ development geeks

It's great to see everyone here.

Roswell · June 28th, 2007, 08:21 PM

I'm quite the high-rise and airport geek. I follow and try to find as much info as possible regarding them in ABQ. The airport master plan is broken out into three phases. Short Term (2002 - 2005), Intermediate (2006 - 2010) and Long Term (2011 - 2025).

The first phase of concourse construction is in the Intermediate phase. Of course, construction schedules could be moved closer because the Sunport is breaking passenger volume records every month. Did you hear that Southwest is now offering new flights to Denver and more flights to Dallas and Salt Lake City? It won't be long before we start seeing international flights. That happens when corporations (ie: Tesla, Tempurpedic, Intel, Piper, Eclispe and others) begin to move in.

Has anyone heard any more on the Chant and Packard developments? I'm dying to get some news on the building heights!!

ABQist · June 28th, 2007, 10:04 PM

I had no Idea the aiport was ready for a major expansion. I wonder how they're planning to pay for it. I like Alternatives 1A or 2B. I get the impression they're leaning towards 2B. Either way, WAY COOL!

If you view the Double Eagle Master Plan, there is mention (and a map) of a n/s West Mesa expressway from I-40 to 550. They need to get going on it and it needs to be a true limited access 6-8 lane facility. Unlike Paseo which can't make up its mind -- a freeway with railroad crossings and stop lights?

Here's what I would like to see for the mixed-used Chant Tower:
http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=542772
(Just me dreaming -- but hey, who knows?)

Roswell · June 28th, 2007, 10:19 PM

Nice! That tower is 430 ft high and counts 35 stories. What's your take on a comparable height for Chant and Packard? Taller? Shorter? Do you even think either of them will happen?

Yeah, I noticed a reference to the loop some time back. It's gonna have to happen...especially with SunCal buying up 58,000 acres (the original Atrisco Land Grant).

June 27th, 2007, 02:52 PM	#81
Roswell Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Albuquerque/Denver Posts: 69 Likes (Received): 1	Revitalization Race Let's all hope that all of these fantastic new projects set the bar really high. It sure is time that many of the current taller buildings in Albuquerque get a MAJOR makeover! I'm sure that many of you know of the Bank of the West tower at Central and San Mateo Blvd? I understand that the building was built in 1962 at the same time as an identical twin was built in Phoenix. Well, I don't know about you but I think that building has to rank as one of the ugliest around. It's way past it prime and in need of a major exterior renovation. The one in Phoenix was renovated many years ago and looks awesome. They even added a lattice pyramid to the top and a sweet night lighting scheme. Anyway, I think it's time that Albuquerque embrace new and higher standards. If you take a look at the time frame for all of the major high-rise construction in Denver, you'll notice that all of their tallest towers went up right about the same time and transformed Denver's skyline literally overnight. It's possible that something similar could, and looks to be happening in Albuquerque.

June 28th, 2007, 05:17 AM	#92
Roswell Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Albuquerque/Denver Posts: 69 Likes (Received): 1	I did this rendering several years ago. Thought all of you might get a kick out of it. Last edited by Roswell; June 28th, 2007 at 05:58 AM.

June 28th, 2007, 08:13 AM	#93
ABQist Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 687 Likes (Received): 13	Nick, The Wyndham is under new ownership and will be undergoing a $6.5M "top to bottom" reno, at which time it will ugraded to a 4-star Sheraton. I thought this included the facade, but not so sure now. 4 acres are avaiable at the site which the city has desinated for another hotel. Doubletree's 16 story DT hotel is also undergoing a $6M reno, but that is strictly interior work. Let's hope La Pasada's new tower comes through -- at present it would be ABQ's second tallest. Last edited by ABQist; June 28th, 2007 at 08:16 AM. Reason: typo

June 28th, 2007, 07:08 PM	#95
Roswell Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Albuquerque/Denver Posts: 69 Likes (Received): 1	Speaking of ABQ development, the Sunport master plan shows over 1 billion dollars of construction to the airport with a majority of the work happening between now and 2010. It looks like a MAJOR expansion is in the works very soon now. I'm talking about a new parking garage, new terminal, three to four new concourses (looks like around 40 new gates), new roadways and even a light rail terminal. Here are a couple of images of the proposed alternatives: Here is a link directly to these PDF documents on the City of Albuquerque website. http://www.cabq.gov/airport/news.html Last edited by Roswell; June 28th, 2007 at 07:13 PM.

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June 27th, 2007, 05:17 PM	#82
505_SW finmqa1 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 203 Likes (Received): 0	Roswell - I couldn't agree more regarding the need for renovation on some of our older towers. The twin you are speaking of in Phoenix was renovated in 1989 and looks absolutely gorgeous! I wish we could do something similar to our tower as well, the link below from Emporis shows how that tower (Phoenix) looks today. http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=...phoenix-az-usa

June 27th, 2007, 06:49 PM	#83
NickABQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 449 Likes (Received): 4	I actually still like our Bank of the West Tower......I think its locations lends a great sense of height to the building! But it desperately needs a makeover! I think the base should be remodeled especially...right now access into the building seems harder than fuck! I also want to see major renos of Gold Building and the Simms Building! Actually, Hyatt Regency at Albuquerque Plaza just got the greenlight for a 4 million dollar room renovation, a half-million dollar renovation for the restaraunt McGraths (where I work) and a 250,000 renovation each for the seating lobby and Bolos....which they will turn into a swanky new nightclub. Also the Hilton is currently undergoing a 14.5 million dollar renovation.......I think it includes a major facade facelift...it needs it!

June 27th, 2007, 06:50 PM	#84
ABQist Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 687 Likes (Received): 13	Thanks for the link 505 -- that building looks great. I've been saying for some time that some of our buildings including BOW need a makeover. I'd like to see the BOW add about 5-7 floors as well, not sure if it's doable. Buildings that are scheduled to do an external revamp this year include the Windham Airport Hotel and the 10 story Lovelace main hospital in EDo. Anybody heard anything about ABQ phase III? I know they're supposed to include a hotel -- just wondering how tall it might be. Hilton owns the land just north of the 7 story Garden Inn going up -- they have said they intend to build another hotel with a parking structure there. No Idea as to when or how tall, but based on the geographics of the property and the need for a parking structure, it would appear it will have to be some kind of a tower.

June 27th, 2007, 07:47 PM	#85
Roswell Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Albuquerque/Denver Posts: 69 Likes (Received): 1	I love this forum. I really had no idea that there were as many "Tall Buildings for Albuquerque" enthusiasts as me. Thanks to all of you!!!! Now, do we have any graphic artists in the group that can render up a realistic portrait of downtown after all of these proposed projects are done?

June 27th, 2007, 09:12 PM	#86
505_SW finmqa1 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 203 Likes (Received): 0	I agree Roswell, it is nice to see more people behind projects such as these in ABQ. Myself, ABQTurkey, and Stupac have been here for a while so it is nice with you, Nick, and ABQist to talk with as well. It's also nice having more discussion since there are more ABQ forumers. There are post for ABQ on skyscraperpage.com forum as well, if you'd like to read through those. I generally go by finmqa1 over there.

June 27th, 2007, 09:35 PM	#87
ABQist Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 687 Likes (Received): 13	Nice to talk with you guys as well. I have been a skyscraper enthusiast since I was a kid here in the 1960's. I just moved back here a year ago after 25 years in the SF Bay Area. I witnessed their boom of the 1980's and was truly inspired. More than ever I want to see ABQ have positive growth, including high-rises, landscaping, mass transit, roads, sports venues, etc. Just a word of caution, I (and my father) have seen our city leaders fight high-rises and positive growth for over 50 years. I am not persuaded this mentality is gone -- but with the current wave of projects -- we're going to find out. Packard and Chant would never have been permitted 20 years ago. We'll see what happens. Nice to meet others who share the vision.

June 27th, 2007, 09:48 PM	#88
ABQist Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 687 Likes (Received): 13	Hey Nick, A Journal article yesterday highlighted La Posada's redev into a posh Hollywood-style hotel -- but no mention of a second (26 story?) tower. Have you any new info? Please keep us posted on this. Thanks.

June 28th, 2007, 02:54 AM	#89
NickABQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 449 Likes (Received): 4	Yeah it is nice to see more burquenos here! I was one of the original posters on the site several years ago....(2001), and one of the only people in ABQ, lol.....so its good to see a few of us on here. It would be great to add some more floor to BOW.....I suppose after an add-on it might top out at 280 ft.....which would be awesome! However my only concern is the top floor of the BOW is a Penthouse with someone living in it....so I dont know what they would do about that. @Roswell- Ive been working on a dtn image.......should be done in awhile I hope!.......maybe we should enlist the help of Culwulla! as far as the La Posada article...I think its great that ANY info was finally released! They are working hard on it now....I went in yesterday and its starting to look decent again. Maybe I'll ditch McGraths and head over to Conrads..... The second la Posada tower is in the city's list of proposed projects.....it was proposed about 4 months ago....but I think only submitted to the city perhaps a month ago....I dont expect we'll hear anything about it for awhile......but maybe by late fall?

June 28th, 2007, 02:57 AM	#90
NickABQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 449 Likes (Received): 4	ABQist- a reno for the Wyndham? do you know what this will include? I thought the lobby still looked pretty good...maybe a facade facelift? they should paint it bright orange.

June 28th, 2007, 04:57 AM	#91
PhillyintheDuke Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 146 Likes (Received): 0	Add me as another High-rise fan who lives the Duke City! Born and raised!

June 28th, 2007, 05:22 PM	#94
NickABQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 449 Likes (Received): 4	More interior work for Doubletree? They putting alot into that hotel i think.... I wonder what hotel would come to that 4 acre site near the airport... We need a sticky thread for ABQ developments....especially sinice there are tons of developments we havent even gotten around to discussing....all the projects going on in dtns west end, Paseo Nuevo, Silver Tree, the revamp at Copper Pointe etc... and by 2010, if everything went ahead as planned...the lineup of the tallest in the city could be- Packard Place Chant Place Westin La Posada Tower Two Albuquerque Plaza Hyatt Regency Compass Bank Petroleum Building Bank of the West Tower Gold Building Dennis Chavez Federal Building Anasazi Downtown

June 28th, 2007, 07:55 PM	#96
505_SW finmqa1 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 203 Likes (Received): 0	WOW, that is also news to me. I didn't think this was going to happen until at least 2020. What is the time frame for new concourse construction. How cool is this!!!!!!!!!!!!

June 28th, 2007, 07:58 PM	#97
ABQturkey Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 211 Likes (Received): 10	woohoo! I need to check this site more often! Finally, more ABQ development geeks It's great to see everyone here.

June 28th, 2007, 08:21 PM	#98
Roswell Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Albuquerque/Denver Posts: 69 Likes (Received): 1	I'm quite the high-rise and airport geek. I follow and try to find as much info as possible regarding them in ABQ. The airport master plan is broken out into three phases. Short Term (2002 - 2005), Intermediate (2006 - 2010) and Long Term (2011 - 2025). The first phase of concourse construction is in the Intermediate phase. Of course, construction schedules could be moved closer because the Sunport is breaking passenger volume records every month. Did you hear that Southwest is now offering new flights to Denver and more flights to Dallas and Salt Lake City? It won't be long before we start seeing international flights. That happens when corporations (ie: Tesla, Tempurpedic, Intel, Piper, Eclispe and others) begin to move in. Has anyone heard any more on the Chant and Packard developments? I'm dying to get some news on the building heights!!

June 28th, 2007, 10:04 PM	#99
ABQist Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 687 Likes (Received): 13	I had no Idea the aiport was ready for a major expansion. I wonder how they're planning to pay for it. I like Alternatives 1A or 2B. I get the impression they're leaning towards 2B. Either way, WAY COOL! If you view the Double Eagle Master Plan, there is mention (and a map) of a n/s West Mesa expressway from I-40 to 550. They need to get going on it and it needs to be a true limited access 6-8 lane facility. Unlike Paseo which can't make up its mind -- a freeway with railroad crossings and stop lights? Here's what I would like to see for the mixed-used Chant Tower: http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=542772 (Just me dreaming -- but hey, who knows?)

June 28th, 2007, 10:19 PM	#100
Roswell Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Albuquerque/Denver Posts: 69 Likes (Received): 1	Nice! That tower is 430 ft high and counts 35 stories. What's your take on a comparable height for Chant and Packard? Taller? Shorter? Do you even think either of them will happen? Yeah, I noticed a reference to the loop some time back. It's gonna have to happen...especially with SunCal buying up 58,000 acres (the original Atrisco Land Grant).