Exactly when the City of Albuquerque is going to decide what to do with a parking lot located at 4th Street and Marquette Avenue remains anyone’s guess.
In the fall of 2017 then-Mayor Richard Berry targeted that site as where he would like to see a new skyscraper built, noting that the last such structure, at 22 floors, was put up in 1990.
That structure is the Albuquerque Plaza Office Tower at 201 Third Street NW, which was originally known as the Bank of America Tower.
“I believe it’s about time to add to our skyline another building that will further spur economic opportunity in the heart of our city,” Berry commented.
Although the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency shortly thereafter hosted a competition for ides for the site, the project was temporarily abandoned when new Mayor Tim Keller, in early 2018, halted the process, remarking, “I don’t think it’s important to have a tallest building.”
Keller, instead, said his vision for the site was “something that actually helps rejuvenate and re-energize downtown in all sorts of ways.”
In response to Keller asking for developers to come up with different ideas, three bids were submitted, with projects that would include everything from the construction of condominiums and hotels to a theater, restaurants, and retail space.
The least costly proposal calls for the construction of 34 stories of condos and hotel rooms. What is being called The Duke carries with it a $116 million price tag.
The proposed New Mexico Performing Arts Center project would see the construction of a multi-use space complete with a theater and combination of both restaurants and retail at an estimated cost of $201 million.
The third entry is called the Reunion Center, and will also feature a hotel and theater as well as residential and restaurant space, at $300 million.
When exactly a decision will be made on which one of these projects will be the city’s final choice has not yet been announced.
By Garry Boulard
