What do you think Albuquerque needs to make it look like a real city (Gallup: lawyer)

[Steve-o]

Thats what I enjoy the most about Chicago, it was planned perfectly from the get-go. Trains in abundance, buses in abundance, easily-navigated streets, elevated trains, subways. You want to get around in the city, its easy and cheap. Most people who live downtown dont even own cars!

ABQ has a gorgeous natural setting, right at the base of the Sandia Mts. You couldnt ask for more! I say accentuate that with a thriving downtown and people will leave Vegas and Phoenix in mass, to a more beautiful place with 4 seasons (not so harsh ones too). You guys sit on prime real estate, but since the downtown is virtually non-existant, Im sure thats one of the big reasons people havent massed there. Look at NY, Chicago, Boston, etc. Cities with charming skylines and good economy brought forth by tourists, people whove relocated, etc. But look at the weather in those states, nice summers, cruddy winters, yet still millions upon millions upon millions upon millions call these places home because theyre special. Attract people with a nice city and theyll bring life, $$$, business with them. Thats what you need to attract if you want your city to thrive.

[LLD]

I'm not talking about density or amenities -- just the skyline. I think you can have lots of vibrance without gigantic buildings. There are other architetural elements besides height that are attractive IMNSHO.

I think there are many beautiful skylines in various cities but I don't think that is the only thing that makes the city beautiful and I don't think skyscrapers equates to vibrancy in culture and amenities either. You can have museums and the theater and nightlife etc etc without skyscrapers.

I'm not talking about blocking views -- I'm in Rio Rancho so skyscrapers don't block my views and besides skyscrapers won't be as high as the Sandias anyway so not much block there either.

I'm just saying that Albuqueque could choose something different or more unique than just more skycrapers via archictecture and maybe building decorations etc... and form maybe a medicum skyline that was different than other places. I'm saying think outside the box -- instead of the same thing as other cities.

[finmqa1]

I can agree with many of your points. I think density is the key as well and that can be accomplished without 1000ft skyscrapers. However, I really don't see a problem with adding a few 400 and 500 ft tall buildings. I think our skyline is so small and dull looking that people are not attracted to downtown area. Adding a few well designed skyscrapers will give downtown the boost it so desperately needs. And with the hopeful addition of a downtown arena and hotel, the retail will soon follow. This type of development will surely add to the vibrancy of Downtown ABQ.

[ArrowThruTheMoon]

Well, they say a picture is worth a thousand words... so here is a mix of ABQ and Dallas with a London Eye I made in Photoshop. To help make your mind up.

[_yb]

Let Rio Rancho handle it.

[LLD]

Let Rio Rancho handle it.

???? flippant comment or personal? Guess I don't get that.

Rio Ranch city planners certainly have their own issues -- lousy transportation planning being one of them - although I think this is endemic in all of New Mexico myself.

Anyway.... I don't pesonally care for that skyline pic only because it hides way too much of the mountains. (Love the colors though). I like whoever suggested the medium tall buildings but not the huge skyscrapers and I think some unusual architectural elements that evoke the culture and spirit of New Mexico and its mix of cultures would be the ticket.

BTW, I know Londoners who HATE "the eye" LOL... and plenty of Dubliners who think the spire is ugly and a total waste of money. Some bit tall "element' is not aways aesthetically pleasing.

[AndyJ]

That picture is hilarious. At any rate, does Albuquerque really have any businesses or companies that warrant large skyscrapers to house their operations? I guess a hotel would be more of a legitimate addition to our skyline than anything else, IMO. That being said, I think downtown probably would look better with a few taller buildings, on the whole. I'm not quite sure whose view would be blocked, as a lot of the neighborhoods downtown, such as the country club area, have large cottonwoods and other trees that would block any views they might potentially have of the mountains anyway. And the neighborhoods on the eastern edge of downtown don't really seem to have a whole lot to look at (I could be mistaken, but I don't think it's possible to see Mt. Taylor or the volcanos from that part of town, is it?)

Even with explosive growth, it will still be awhile before Albuquerque really feels like a "big" city. I'm not sure what is meant by a "real" city - somewhere like Chicago or New York or L.A.? Never. Somewhere like Phoenix? Well, maybe, and if that does happen, let's hope ABQ's city planners aren't as short-sighted...

[_yb]

Just saying. They are building a new down town area on the west side of Rio Rancho. Maybe they can attract some companies that have a need for tall buildings.
It would be sad to see Albuquerque look like the above photo.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by ArrowThruTheMoon

Well, they say a picture is worth a thousand words... so here is a mix of ABQ and Dallas with a London Eye I made in Photoshop. To help make your mind up.

Thats hideous! LOL Im in favor of getting some nice tall buildings in the area, but you cant just photoshop in some buildings from Dallas and London and expect them to work in ABQ. Architects draw up several plans for each concept building and then usually decide which one blends in the best, looks most natural, etc. For instance, think how out of place the Empire State building would look in Chicago, or how the Sears Tower would look in Phoenix. YUCK!!!!

Dont think that the skyline would look like that, its carefully planned by architects before anything gets built.

[catman]

I live close to Dallas. If I want to see Dallas, I'll go there, but it's usually not worth it. I like Albuquerque's skyline the way it is. If you want to go up high, take the tramway! Tall buildings don't impress me, but mountains do.