Albuquerque Plans $20M Facelift for Convention Center

By Camelia Bulea, Associate Editor

Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry recently unveiled a $20 million plan to redesign the exterior of the Albuquerque Convention Center.

Twenty-one years have passed since the Convention Center, built in 1972, received a fresh look, according to Cvent Blog. The redesign will focus on the center’s west end and will turn it into a space that represents Albuquerque and New Mexico, much like the Albuquerque International Sunport, reported New Mexico Business Weekly.

The current design relies mainly on concrete with a small amount of windows. The changes are intended to bring a new look that better represents the architectural elements of the region. The redesign plans, which include a new exterior facade, a new entertainment deck in the ballroom, massive windows with panoramic views and complete remodeling of the ballroom, were developed by local architecture firm Dekker/Perich/Sabatini. Additionally, Cvent Blog reports that the west building lower level atrium will include a fireplace and a lower-level food court.

Redesign works are planned to begin by mid-2013 with completion set for the end of 2014.

In other news, PNM Resources’ Alvarado Square was listed for sale for $11.1 million. The 250,000-square-foot office campus is being marketed by Grubb & Ellis | New Mexico, according to the New Mexico Business Weekly. The seller is Albuquerque Plaza Associates LP, an affiliate of Minneapolis’ Hunter Keith Industries.

Built in 1981, the building is priced at $45 a square foot, which is considered to be a bargain price. The eight-story office building is considered to be unique in Albuquerque as it might be the only building Downtown that has an airspace agreement with the city.

Photo credits: LoopNet