New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller launched demolition of an abandoned auto shop building on Wednesday as part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the East Central Avenue corridor.
The former Bill’s Auto building at 10408 Central Ave. SE sits on state trust land and has been vacant for years. The State Land Office contracted with Grancor Environmental last month to handle demolition and cleanup of the property.
“The East Central corridor has long been impacted by vacant, deteriorating properties,” Garcia Richard said in a statement. “I’m grateful that the State Land Office can play a key role in helping to revitalize this beloved corridor.”
The building, constructed in 1952, housed various businesses over the decades before being abandoned. Its removal will clear the way for future development on the state-owned parcel.
Keller said the area had been “frustrating Albuquerque for decades” until Garcia Richard took on the challenge as land commissioner.
“This place has been a longstanding eyesore and a community concern for decades,” Keller said. “This is really the last critical piece” in transforming the intersection.
The officials have previously collaborated on area revitalization, partnering with Sol Housing to develop two residential communities on adjacent state trust land parcels. The Luminaria and Farolito developments provide approximately 180 affordable housing units for senior citizens.
The State Land Office conducted a historic review and determined the building was not eligible for preservation under the National Register of Historic Places or the State Register of Cultural Properties. The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs’ Historic Preservation Division concurred with that assessment.