Albuquerque Development Thread

[ABQalex]

KRQE has a story and update about Mark Baker's Keleher project in Downtown Albuquerque.

https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-me...ntown-albuquerque-building-into-housing/

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Preserving history and bringing new life into downtown Albuquerque, that’s the mission for one local architect and developer.

A cloud of dust form as architect and developer Mark Baker opens the blinds. What may look like an old, run down, dilapidated building, battered by age, to Baker is canvas full of opportunity.

“You’re really seeing this at an exciting time because this is as raw as it gets right here,” said Baker as he walked through the building. Pointing to one of the rooms inside, he says, “Isn’t that going to be a beautiful? That’s going to be a beautiful–you might not have the vision, but I can see it.”

Rich in history, he calls the adobe buildings on the property in downtown Albuquerque, the Keleher project. Which is a nod to the late 18-hundreds name for the building and the name of the street it sits on, just down the road from Robinson Park where the popular Grower’s Market is held.

“When I see an empty building that’s vacant that’s going unused, the first thing I think as an architect is let’s bring that back to life,” said Baker.

Baker has transformed other historic buildings like 505 Central Food Hall that used to be a Sears department store. And again, with the old saint Mary’s convent, which is now full of apartments. Last year, Baker bought the Keleher property after it sat vacant for several years. Amid a housing shortage in the city, Baker aims to build 10 apartments while preserving the historic character of the building.

“This is a beautiful old detail that we’re saving. This is an original fireplace, brick fireplace,” said Baker.

After conquering an asbestos problem and adding new roofing, Baker says remodeling old buildings is costly and can feel like a roller coaster, “You wonder why you did it and then you know at the end you finally see the payoff and and you say, ‘Okay, I’m going to do it again’. But about halfway through, you’re like, why do I spend my time doing this? But it is so important for Albuquerque to rebuild these old buildings. And I’m happy to be a part of it.”

And even though Baker is in the trenches now, with much more work to be done on the property, he says, “It’s a wonderful feeling when you go through all of the time and the effort and you can look back and the building’s occupied and people are living there and it’s a positive space, you know, in the neighborhood.”

Baker hopes to have the project completed by the end of next summer.