ABQ Uptown opened in 2006 as an open air lifestyle center, and was developed by Dekker/Perich/Sabatini, a local architecture firm that specializes in southwest and green design.
History
The brownfield site was a vacant 20 acre lot between Coronado and Winrock Malls, originally the site of St. Pius X High School. The school was razed in the late 1980s to make room for an ambitious mixed-use development called The Commons, which would have included two 22-story office towers and a 14-story hotel. However, this project fell apart and the land remained vacant. The lot was purchased and designed as a mixed-use development zone by Hunt Building Corporation, including a lifestyle center, housing, offices, and a grocery store. In November 2006, ABQ Uptown was opened, and brought more retail chains to the area, including several stores that previously did not serve Albuquerque or New Mexico, such as the state's only Apple Store. Below the infill site, a three level, 300 space parking garage was built to facilitate extra parking.
Along with creating a new shopping center with popular and brand name shops, part of the areas efforts to uplift this uptown area, apartments were added across the street from the ABQ Uptown shopping center. The 198 unit building opened in 2008. These efficient apartments come with several amenities. These amenities include; Energy efficient lighting, energy efficient windows, expansive 9' to 12' ceilings, full sized washer and dryer, granite countertops, modern track lighting, personal balconies and patios, stainless steel appliances, spacious walk-in closets, stained concrete and wood style floor, and wired for technology. The apartments and the area also come with community amenities that include; a fitness center, pool and wellness center, cafe and lounge, recycling program, and wifi. The pricing and availability of these apartments are subject to change depending on the sized added amenities. There are many different sizes of apartments at the ABQ Uptown Village including number of bedrooms and type of apartments such as studios. These apartments allow pets depending not their size. These apartments are a convenient distance to the ABQ uptown shopping center.
Events
Taste of ABQ- A food festival which follows the trend across the U.S. featuring local cuisine. Restaurants based at ABQ Uptown as well as other local restaurants participate in the event, which lasts for one day in early August.
Christmas Tree Lighting- Each year, the mall holds an annual Christmas tree lighting with live music and entertainment as well as many sales throughout stores in the mall. The lighting usually takes place in early December each year. This Christmas tree lighting includes a 45-foot Christmas tree in the middle of all the shops that make a huge attraction for the holidays. This event also includes various performances for entertainment.
Holiday Stroll- The mall also holds a yearly holiday stroll the same night as the Christmas tree lighting. The stroll usually includes free hot chocolate, fondue, and baked goods provided by nearly every store in the mall. Toni and Guys famous "mini manicures" are also given out at various locations around the mall.