MetroABQ Blog

The Altura Park area, generally situated between Carlisle & San Mateo, and Indian School & Constitution, encompasses some very diverse neighborhoods (see Altura Historic Districts Map)is also adjacent to the Sandia Ridge neighborhood, which abuts Indian School to the north.

Classic Mid-Century Modern in East Altura

According to the MetroABQs Survey of Mid-Century Modernist Architectural Resources, two sections of the Altura neighborhood could become designated as Residential Historic Districts (see Map on page 3). Thats big news in a city with only five historic districts. Mid-Century Modern homes encompass a percentage in Altura. A great example is directly above, at 1108 Quincy NE (1961)a property contributing to the neighborhoods Historic Character in Altura East. 1108 Quincy St NE is for sale: click to view the 3-D Virtual Walking Tour.

Mid-Century Modern aside, numerous other architectural styles live in the greater Altura area: Ranch style, Spanish Pueblo Revival, Territorial, Mediterranean, Italianate, Post Modern & Mid-Century Revival style.

Above is an Altura Park modernist interpretation of the Spanish Pueblo Revival style: no vigas, but very organic forms & undulating lines, including the unique semi-obscured circular living area; below is a classic John Gaw Meem-inspired Pueblo Revival, with the vigas & formal lines. Both of these properties live across from Altura Park.

The two images below are Italianate style residence. As you can imagine, there are very few in existence here in the desert southwest. I had to look it up to understand the features; from architecturestyles.org:

Italianate style is very similar to Mediterranean, and is often two or three stories; low-pitched roof, widely overhanging eaves; ornamental cornices; tall, narrow windows, commonly arched or curved above; an occasional square cupola or tower, elaborate wrap-around porch, or smaller entry porch, with decorative Italianate double columns.

Below is a great Mediterranean style residence across from Altura Park.