Latest Rendering of Downtown ABQ Sheraton and Arena Project

[finmqa1]

Follow the link to see the latest renderings for the proposed Downtown Sheraton and Arena Project. The hotel is proposed at 35 stories, and 550 rooms. It will replace the Hyatt Regency as the convention center headquarters hotel. The project will create a new platform for our commuter train the Rail Runner to give direct access to the project. This will shift the current station one block north. It will include Lofts, Condos, and retail/restaurant space as well. The city is having a special election sometime in the spring so I hope the residents back the project.

http://www.abqfuture.com/getdoc/76d6...-11-10-08.aspx

[PLANSIT]

Wow, looks great. Love the commuter rail access/grade separation.

[wrendog]

Way to go ABQ!

[vertex]

Glad to see ABQ checking in. Long-time, no-see...

I like how they've incorporated the commuter rail into the project.

[ltsmotorsport]

Nice looking project. Good to see Abq doing things even with this economy.

[PHX31]

Nice looking project. Is that a new tallest?

[Wasatch_One]

Wow! I like this idea! Is that a convention center hotel associated with the arena?

Would it be the new tallest? It looks to be around 30-32 stories.

[finmqa1]

Yeah, the thread at skyscrapercity gets all of the attention, but I like to stay connected with the Mountain West brethren. I just hope the residents will get behind this in the upcoming vote. I think there is finally enough support from our City Council and Mayor that it has a chance. I'll keep you all posted.

The hotel would become the city's new tallest and I'll be able to enjoy seeing it everyday from my office window (it will be at least 30 stories).

[vertex]

^^^ Well, what are the chances that it will pass?

And btw, if you guys aren't participating in SSP, then you're just dead to us...

[Classical in Phoenix]

Great renderings, I hope it passes. I grew up in an Eastern Arizona town and went to ABQ quite a bit, always liked it. What will the arena be used for?

[finmqa1]

Originally Posted by vertex

^^^ Well, what are the chances that it will pass?

And btw, if you guys aren't participating in SSP, then you're just dead to us...

I've tried to get them to move over here, but they are not willing to make the jump.

I'm guessing the chances are good, but with the current state of the economy people might think the money could be spent better elsewhere. I'm hearing the hotel piece would probably get built either way. The good news is we are still adding jobs to the local economy so the recession hasn't been felt here. Schott Solar is in the middle of constructing their manufacturing site at Mesa Del Sol, as is Fidelity. Hewlett Packard is building in Rio Rancho and plans to hire 1200-1500 workers. There are about six other firms who've identified ABQ as finalist for new jobs as well. If we can keep our economy moving in the right direction the entire project should get built as planned.

The old Winrock Mall is being redeveloped into a mixed use urban center as well, and recently signed a deal with Regal Cinemas to bring ABQ its first IMAX theater. Nob Hill is getting ready to open several new Condo Projects that added some density right on Central Avenue. Many retailers have opened in the last few months with more coming shortly (Urban Outfitters, Lucky Brand, American Apparel, etc.) that makes me think we are in pretty good shape right now.

[finmqa1]

Originally Posted by Classical in Phoenix

Great renderings, I hope it passes. I grew up in an Eastern Arizona town and went to ABQ quite a bit, always liked it. What will the arena be used for?

Mainly concerts, rodeos, and other events. But the CHL (minor league hockey) will move there, the WNBA guarantees a team if built, and Brian Urlacher has bought into the AF2 and plans to bring a team if built. It will also help the convention center bring bigger events as well.

[IFtowner]

fantastic!!

[NorthScottsdale]

hell of a lot better than the sheraton tower we just had built in phoenix!!!!

[bcp]

great looking project...hotel, trains and stadium at once?

[finmqa1]

Originally Posted by bcp

great looking project...hotel, trains and stadium at once?

The Rail Runner Commuter Train has been running for almost two years, this is just an updated station one block north of the existing one. The commuter line is being expanded to Santa Fe though. That phase begins operation in February after the final track and stations are built. Santa Fe recently completed their mixed-use development dubbed The Railyards which has their first REI store, and several other retailers and restaurants on site with offices to boot. This new leg will be great for both ABQ and Santa Fe's tourism industries. And with the updates to the Convention Center, and the Arena Hotel project things are getting exciting. The last hurdle is getting a yes vote this spring. I hope other residents here are as excited as I am for creating a truly urban Downtown here, and making it more of a destination not just a place to work and go home.

[skyline]

Excellent! Sure hope it gets built, always loved going to ALB. The views from Sandia are awesome, etc...
Keep us informed!

[glowrock]

Always glad to see one of Denver's "sisters" get something good going! Congrats, ABQ!

And yes, I really, really like the city! Central Ave. is teeming with people (or at least teeming by Mountain West standards!), and the Old Town is still wonderful. The RailRunner looks like it's nearly completed all the way to Santa Fe, too! Never realized so much of the ROW was right in the middle of I-25, though!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[Boiseguy]

looks f-in sweet.... wish we had that in boise,

[oliveurban]

Wow, very nice.