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The Possibilities 5

This site, just south of Central on Broadway, is actually two buildings. The Storehouse next door is part of the lot, but this amazing brick building is where I focused my attention. I envision some sort of art center like Harwood. It would be big enough to have art studios, a gallery, a performing arts space and maybe even a cafe. The windows are huge and would let lot's of light in. There is a parking lot across the street for visitors. The back portion of the roof is flat and could house a rooftop garden. I think East Downtown/Huning Highlands could really use a community art site like this. And it just bugs me that such amazing properties sit vacant, where are the wealthy investors who care about art? There must be a few here in Albuquerque...

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Comment by Kenny on March 9, 2008 at 5:48pm: I used to walk by that building every day on my way to Albuquerque High School. I used to know what it was, a long time ago when I knew that area intimately.

Comment by Paula Manning-Lewis on March 9, 2008 at 6:24pm: I would love to see that happen! Unfortunately, I just care about art, I'm not a wealthy investor!

Comment by vashti on March 9, 2008 at 6:26pm: ooooo, yay Brendisimo, you did an art center! Love it guy, love it.

Comment by Phil_0 on March 9, 2008 at 8:21pm: RR - it's a big building. Not sure it's anywhere near on the market either.

Comment by Kevin Murray on March 10, 2008 at 12:01am: Phil_0 and Roadrunner Lady: Last time I heard and I do not think anything has changed, the building was owned by the Storehouse. Also if I remember right, the building can not be occupied cus of structrual issues.

And brendisimo, not trying to hate, but I do not see why would would want to paint the bottom part green.

Comment by Chris on March 10, 2008 at 7:31am: I agree with Kevin about the green.

Comment by Mainoffender on March 10, 2008 at 8:46am: Both the Storehouse and the old church building next to it have been up for sale in the past. The Storehouse simply wants too much for it. There's an investor standing by for a fair price. Both building are an abomination that does nothing but hurt the neighborhood. The sooner they are gone, the better.

Comment by Kevin Murray on March 10, 2008 at 10:08am: Mainoffender,

I really must disagree with you about hurting the neighborhood. I am not sure if you know what the Storehouse does, they provide food and clothing for low income and no-income familys.

I am not sure if you think they hurt the neighborhood beacuse it might casue you to break out of your middle class lifestyle, but I would encourge you to go spend a day helping out there (something I have done many times) and then in the end see if you still think it hurts the neighborhood.

Comment by brendisimo on March 10, 2008 at 10:59am: Although the storehouse does still provide goods and services to low/no income people, I'm pretty sure both buildings are up for sale as one lot. I think the brick building is beautiful and should be renovated and turned into something useful, like a community art center. I painted the bottom part green because I wanted to brighten up the site and green seemed to go well with the bricks...and yes, a crosswalk is in order.

Comment by Kevin Murray on March 10, 2008 at 3:22pm: Brendisimo,

Yes, both buildings are up for "sale" but they are looking for a better price then what a lot of people have offered. Mainly cus most people think they can lowball a group like the Storehouse. Also, they need the money to move to a better / bigger place so that they can expand their operation. The building they are currently in has out lived its use a long time ago, and has undergone many different renovations to try and make better use of the space.

and I 100% agree that a crosswalk is needed. I've played chicken crossing the street there one too many times my self.

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