Albuquerque gives Santa Fe the snake eye

Friday, 12 Jul, 2012 0

Sante Fe tourists arriving at Albuquerque’s International Sunport often consider that city a drive-by. But Albuquerque, and an ambitious $20 million plan to revive its Convention Center, is making a play to keep more of those visitors in town.

The Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau has just announced a $20 million makeover of the West Complex of the Albuquerque Convention Center. The pricey makeover, designed by local architecture firm, Dekker/Perich/Sabatini, will be in keeping with the city’s unique history, art, culture and environment.

The center will sport a completely remodeled ballroom, a new entertainment deck with panoramic views and a lower level atrium makeover that features a fireplace and lower level food court/café. The exterior façade of the center will be totally re-done to exude a tastefully modern New Mexican style.

More than $200 million has been invested in upgrades and renovations at hotel and meeting facilities in the city in recent years, but no matter how sleek or sophisticated it gets, locals say it will never lose its quirky charm. Albuquerque’s version of cool nerd, Southwestern style and a reputation for less expensive price points have long positioned it as a friendly rival to nearby Santa Fe.

The city’s main plaza in the Old Town, for instance, boasts the American Rattlesnake Museum home to the world’s largest collection of live species.

Photo: Courtesy of American Rattlesnake Museum

Albuquerque’s closeness to Santa Fe (just over an hour by car), and connections with eight US carriers at Albuquerque International Sunport, have also made the city a lure with MICE planners.

The project will be phased to allow for ongoing convention and meeting business. Construction is slated to start by mid-2013 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

by Gretchen Kelly

Gretchen Kelly

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