Located at Broadway & MLK in EDo, this newly constructed 54-home project is centered around 5 interior courtyards and fountains.  In addition to 8 different floor plans, the project has almost 5,000 square feet of commercial storefront space on Broadway that will soon be under construction for new office and retail uses coming to EDo.  The homes were over 90 percent occupied within 60 days of completion.

“The Urban Revitalization Award is one of the more important awards we give out each year,” says Jim Folkman, Executive Director of the Homebuilders Association of Central New Mexico.”It has become a soundly accepted idea that well-done and imaginative infill projects near our urban core have great market appeal and offer a housing alternative that is becoming increasingly popular.  It seems particularly fitting that Rob Dickson and his team should win this prestigious award, given the significant contribution they have made to the revitalization of our downtown area.”

When told of the award, BelVedere resident Greg Gaillard commented:  “BelVedere represents a vision that 21st century Albuquerque is a diverse, creative and connected city for every lifestyle.” while fellow resident John Williams had this to say:  “It’s a growing, modern neighborhood – walkable, bike-able, and very livable – that still feels connected to NM’s history and culture.”

BelVedere is the fourth and final phase of the 7-year redevelopment of The Lofts at Albuquerque High, which added 234 homes to the EDo and Huning Highland neighborhoods.  Rob Dickson and his team are in search of the next project, which not surprisingly will be centered around new homes and retail services for the neighborhood.

Picture this. One of Central Avenue’s landmark buildings transformed into an artisan restaurant where original tinroof ceilings and brick walls compliment a sleek urban ambiance that features glass mosaic tile and custom woodwork.

Whiff this. A mildly smokey aroma floating off a 12-inch Napoli-style pizza made from hand-mixed dough, homemade mozzarella, local farmer’s market produce, and imported Italian meats and cheeses.

Sip this. Local microbrew on tap, imported beer in a bottle, Italian wines in 10 red or white varieties and premium espresso drinks.

Taste this. Besides eight seasonal pizzas, a menu complete with salads, pasta dishes, antipasti and Italian desserts such as cannolli, budino and gelato.

It’s called Farina Pizzeria & Wine Bar, located at Edith and Central, and is brought to you by Terry and Pat Keene, owners of the Artichoke Café, Chef Richard Winters and wine director Stew Doris.

Terry Keene calls it a “casual, less-pricey alternative to the Artichoke.” The microbrews will come from the local Marble Brewery, priced around $4.50 for a pint, and Farina also plans to sell slices of pizza during the late afternoon and late evening hours.

The EDo Neighborhood Association Board has voted unanimously to support the issuance of $14 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds to help finance the conversion of historic Memorial Hospital into a 74 room, limited service boutique hotel, to be called (at this time) Hotel Parq Central.

IRBs are issued by the City of Albuquerque, but are the exclusive liability of the hotel ownership, and not the taxpayers.  EDo support was conditioned upon keeping the taxpayers “off the hook”.  A decision will be made by the Development Commission and the City Council over the next few months.

A revitalized Memorial Hospital, with beautiful grounds, a welcoming lobby, a great place to stay for visitors to our City and to EDo, and a rooftop bar overlooking the neighborhood and Highland Park, would be a most welcome addition!  We wish David Oberstein and Mark Bertram all success in trying to get underway by Spring 2009.