The volcanic escarpment along Albuquerque’s western edge is a unique geologic landform and high desert mesa landscape sacred to Native Americans for millennium. In the 1960’s, this area was prematurely subdivided into 1-acre lots and sold to 4000 individuals. The Development Plan balances market demand for new housing and employment with preserving views of the cliffs, critical wildlife corridors, fragile archeological areas and active Native American ritual and healing sites by creating transfer development rights for districts and mixed-use nodes. Intensifying development into transit villages and a mixed-use town center reduces the initial infrastructure requirements and potential traffic bottlenecks into downtown.

 

Urban design and architectural guidelines seek to create walkable, enjoyable neighborhoods with sustainable practices and building performance. These buildings and related open spaces will continue Albuquerque’s architectural traditions and unique sense of place