March 2025 | Issue No. 58

Hello and welcome to my March 2025 newsletter. I realize it's been awhile since I highlighted a favorite neighborhood in Albuquerque. So this month I wanted to combine a neighborhood + architectural style + celebration of one of my personal favorites--Mid-Century Modern. Characterized by a neutral palette with pops of color, clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic focused on function and simplicity, you'll often find natural materials such as stone, metal, wood and glass incorporated. One of my favorite aspects of this design style is the idea of blurring the lines between outdoor and indoor spaces. Did you know that Albuquerque actually has an impressive Mid-Century architectural presence, and is even recognized on the National Register of Historic Places? 

The Vista Larga Mid Century Modern Residential Historic District is located within the Indian School Road, Princeton Ave, Hannett Ave and UNM Golf Course corridor and contains 112 contributing homes. It is recognized as an example of post-war suburban development featuring modernist house styles. Homes in this historic district began construction in 1948, building peaked in 1956, and was completed in 1967. The area includes Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, Cornell, Vista Larga and Harvard streets. The district's street layout and housing pattern remains unchanged from the developer's (R.B. Waggoman) original 1947 plat and 1956 replat. At its essence, it retains the feeling of a 1950s subdivision. Within this district, Mid-Century Modern homes are abundant, most of which have been minimally changed, or lovingly restored to maintain their original materials, workmanship, and design. 

The Vista Larga Historic District Walking Tour features 32 homes, complete with addresses and architectural/historical highlights of each. Click on the photo above for access to the complete guide, funded by the City of Albuquerque's Urban Enhancement Trust Fund and the New Mexico Architectural Foundation, with additional support provided by the Albuquerque Historical Society. This is an excellent way to experience the neighborhood from an entirely “new” perspective, through a visit into its past. 

While this specific neighborhood is designated and recognized, it is far from the only destination in town where you'll find a strong identity and legacy of Mid-Century design. Some of the same architects who designed residences in this area were also responsible for prominent commercial properties located elsewhere around the city. Max Flatow designed the former First National Bank Tower East at Central/San Mateo and the Simms Building downtown; William Ellison was the architect of the Kistler-Collister building-now Ace Hardware-at the corner of Lomas and San Mateo; and James Liberty was the creator of the City-County Office Building at Fifth and Marquette. If we take a moment to stop and look around the city, there are honestly a remarkable number of fascinating and historically significant structures, many of which have been restored and repurposed. So many cities, in the rush of new construction and “improvement," lose important pieces of their history. Albuquerque is a city rich in culture, art and architecture. These elements of our identity should be celebrated and enjoyed for years to come. 

One of my favorite parts of being a Realtor is visiting, and being inspired by people's homes, decor choices and the varieties of architecture and design. A home tour is always a yes for me, and one focused on MCM homes is a triple YES! Did you think that was only something they do in Palm Springs? Well, Albuquerque is home to the ABQ Mid Mod Tour of Homes, now an annual experience. The first tour was offered in 2019, then put on hold for a few years, but was back last year, and better than ever. The 2024 self-guided tour featured seven homes and one church. In addition to the homeowners, there were knowledgeable and passionate docents/volunteers at each property. This year's tour is scheduled for Fall 2025. Be sure to visit their website for more information on the upcoming schedule and to purchase tickets for this exciting event. Stay tuned, I'm hoping to go a bit more in depth about this year's tour in a future newsletter. The organizers are planning an event this year that will provide a truly unique and authentic look into Albuquerque Mid-Century Modern that's sure to be worth the wait.

If you love all things vintage, there's another annual event you'll need to add to your calendar for NEXT month. The Modish Market is happening April 26, 2025 from 10am-3pm at Winrock Town Center. Deemed a Mid-Century culture festival, this is the largest Mid-Mod Festival in New Mexico. There will be live surf music by White Sands Band, a bar hosted by Mission Winery, 100 design/fashion/artisan vendors, food trucks, a car show and pinup contest. This event is hosted by CLAY + CODA in collaboration with Visit ABQ. Their full website will be available on April 1st, but you can click on the flier above to sign up to receive updates. If you are interested in vending at this exciting event celebrating Albuquerque's unique contribution to the MCM community, you can apply to be a vendor now!

March Offer!

Have you been wondering how much your WEALTH has grown?

Speaking of homes in Albuquerque, did you know that the Albuquerque area has seen a significant increase in home prices over the last 5 years? I am offering a FREE home equity report so you can see how your wealth has grown. Reach out and let me know if you would like this done for you and I will send it over to you! 

The real estate market in Albuquerque is heating up as the Spring market is officially underway. Inventory is up, and so are pending sales from last year. Prices are continuing to climb. If you've been wanting to buy but sitting on the sidelines, mortgage interest rates are the lowest of the year, so NOW could be your time. Don't pay more for your house in 6 months! Give me a call, I'm here to help you achieve your real estate goals this year. 

You may remember that I shared the exciting news last year that I am partnering with WESST as a Visionary Sponsor. I am also so happy to share that I will be offering a free training class with my trusted associate, Jeree Hindi Tomasi who is a Senior Loan Officer with New Mexico Mortgage Advisors. We are both passionate about working with New Mexican families to achieve their homeownership goals. The small business community is truly the backbone of our local community, so this class will focus on the unique circumstances and challenges entrepreneurs may face on the journey toward realizing the dream of owning a home. 

This free training will be available in-person or virtually, if you can't join us there, on Wednesday, March 26 from 12pm-1pm at their Enterprise Center in Albuquerque. If this training is something that will benefit you, or someone you know, please click the photo above to register to attend the class. We are so excited to give back to our beloved community. If you are not familiar with the work that WESST does in and for our local Albuquerque businesses, I invite you to visit their site to learn more or find out ways to get involved.

Thanks for joining me here again this month. Now that the weather is warming up and we are entering into the busy market and event season here in New Mexico, I'd love for you to share what's on your calendar for the spring/summer season. I'm always on the lookout for events to attend, and also to share. Send me a message! And don't forget to let me know if you'd like for me to prepare a complimentary home equity report for your Albuquerque home.

 

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