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Mikus - you broke the news before me! I wrote about this on skyscraper forum. It seems the link calls for a 30 story tower, however, somone close to the project said it may end up between 35 to 50 stories! The demand in it has already exceeded expectations so ABQ may finally get a real skyscraper, hopefully it won't get voted down by the NIMBY's!!!!!!!!!!!
That is one cool looking building!!
It would really create a skyline for Albuquerque if it is built with 50 floors, thats twice the size of the tallest one now.
Nick over at skyscrapercity.com said it looks like La Posada is moving forward with the renovation and the owner Gary Goodman wants to add another 26 story hotel behind La Posada at 2nd & Central. If the Hotel/Arena/Retail/Condo project take off we could be looking at 3-5 new skyscrapers downtown.
I'm completely for tasteful construction of skyscrapers in our downtown, as this building appears to be. That being said, I think a new skyscraper such as that one would really make downtown look lopsided, and would appear quite out of place. As the article mentions, the tallest building downtown and in the entire state is only 22 stories, and a lot of the larger buildings downtown are only around 10-15 stories high. A 30 story building, with a contemporary design no less, would really just make the rest of downtown look dated and somewhat pitiful. The only way to realistically create a unique and attractive skyline in downtown ABQ would be to either tear down some of the "boxier" buildings (e.g. the Bank of New Mexico building), or construct a number of new, well designed skyscrapers, or both. Could happen, but obviously time and money are factors here, as well as attracting companies and builders that even want to tackle such projects in Albuquerque in the first place. It's one thing to dream big; it's quite another to actually accomplish it.
I'm completely for tasteful construction of skyscrapers in our downtown, as this building appears to be. That being said, I think a new skyscraper such as that one would really make downtown look lopsided, and would appear quite out of place. As the article mentions, the tallest building downtown and in the entire state is only 22 stories, and a lot of the larger buildings downtown are only around 10-15 stories high. A 30 story building, with a contemporary design no less, would really just make the rest of downtown look dated and somewhat pitiful. The only way to realistically create a unique and attractive skyline in downtown ABQ would be to either tear down some of the "boxier" buildings (e.g. the Bank of New Mexico building), or construct a number of new, well designed skyscrapers, or both. Could happen, but obviously time and money are factors here, as well as attracting companies and builders that even want to tackle such projects in Albuquerque in the first place. It's one thing to dream big; it's quite another to actually accomplish it.
Yes the building will make the others look old, however it will force them to renovate the other buildings. And don't be too surprised if it starts a building frenzy with others of simular size and style to follow.
Yes the building will make the others look old, however it will force them to renovate the other buildings. And don't be too surprised if it starts a building frenzy with others of simular size and style to follow.
That's what I'm hoping for, it would really set a precedent for other developers to come in and build similar skyscrapers. With any luck, our downtown will some day reflect those of perhaps Seattle or Vancouver, in terms of how unique and attractive it is. Personally, I think building high-rise condos and residences like the aforementioned building is key to sprucing up the downtown corridor of our city, at least until companies moving in jumpstart a trend in the building of corporate edifices.
Vesper - If you are coming from either SoCal or the Bay area, I guarantee ABQ will feel quite laid back. However, Albuquerque is by no means a small community; it's experiencing rapid growth that doesn't seem to have any end in sight for the immediate future. A "smallish" atmosphere describes any number of towns in New Mexico including communities near the city, just not Albuquerque itself.
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 1965 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. I live in Minneapolis now and just went home to Albuquerque last week. Although I was extremely impressed with everything that had changed, there were aspects of it that just looked dated and untidy...almost third-world in a way. It is, without a doubt, heading in the right direction. I'm extremely proud to see what my hometown has done while I've been away.
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The demand in it has already exceeded expectations so ABQ may finally get a real skyscraper, hopefully it won't get voted down by the NIMBY's!!!!!!!!!!!
