Plans are now proceeding for the transformation of a sprawling 120,000 square foot former Kmart store on the upper northeast side of Albuquerque.
The building, which for years was both a department and grocery store, was opened in the fall of 1966 during a time when the Kmart Corporation was rapidly expanding its locations nationally, ending up eventually with more than 2,300 outlets.
The store’s location at 2100 Carlisle Boulevard NE was aided by the advent of another 1960s expansion: the building of the adjacent Interstate 40.
After five decades in business, the Carlisle store was one of nearly one hundred outlets closed in the fall of 2018 by the owner Sears Holding Corporation as that company entered into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Now, after months of planning and study, Albuquerque-based Modulus Architects & Land Use Planning has announced plans to transform the old site, which sits on some 10 acres, into a new shopping center called the Carlisle Crossing.
As part of that transformation, a portion of the rectangular-shaped structure will be demolished to make way for a new Whole Foods Market store.
It was earlier reported that the Whole Foods outlet would measure around 45,000 square feet, in line with the chain’s average 25,000 to 50,000 square foot size.
Modulus specializes in retail design projects, and has been an integral part of the big Winrock Town Center development.
Overall, Carlisle Crossing will encompass some 130,000 square feet of retail space. Work on the site is expected to begin later this year, with an anticipated early 2022 completion date.
By Garry Boulard
