Downtown Albuquerque is now lined up to receive a $24 million investment toward three main projects that are expected to further revitalize the corridor.
The funds, approved unanimously by the Albuquerque City Council Monday night, will be used for further renovations to the Albuquerque Convention Center, upgrades at Civic Plaza and a new city-owned parking garage.
The $24 million will come from bonds leveraged against the city’s lodgers’ tax. Mayor Richard Berry first proposed plans for the three projects in November.
The majority of the money — $15.5 million — will be spent on a 400-space parking structure on the northeast corner of First Street and Central Avenue. The parking garage is part of a proposed Downtown entertainment district and multifamily living project called One Central.
Civic Plaza would get $2 million to replace an its existing fountain and add new shade structures. And $5 million would go towards a retractable, convertible-style arena in the east area of the convention center. The retractable arena would be able to seat up to 10,000 spectators. In addition, Downtown parking meters would receive a $1 million upgrade.
City Councilor Isaac Benton, whose district includes the Downtown corridor, said approval of the fund is an important investment in Downtown. He said he’s heard concerns about the proposed parking garage and how it would affect Downtown walkability efforts, but said it would be an important amenity for the convention center, employers and Downtown visitors.
City Councilor Ken Sanchez asked whether the idea of a brand new Downtown event center had been considered by Mayor Berry. He said he liked the idea of creating the retractable arena in the Convention Center, but wanted to keep other options open, too.
Benton said the retractable arena is a short-term fix that would allow the convention center to book more events in the near term.
Becky Ellis, director of sales at the convention center, agreed that the flexible arena space would allow her to attract more groups.
Damian Lopez-Gaston, director of event services at the convention center, voiced support for the proposed improvements at Civic Plaza, located just west of the convention center. He said his department has taken over booking events at Civic Plaza and has helped to organize a free family-friendly movie series, festivals, pop-up happy hour socials and other events. He said the response has been positive, but the plaza could “use a little help to make it more user friendly and softer.”
“The timing feels just right because there’s so much attention on what’s happening in Civic Plaza,” Lopez-Gaston said. “It would also increase the viability of everything we’re doing out there.”
By: Stephanie Guzman (Albuquerque Business First)
Click here to view source article.
