WHAT'S NEW IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

Coming Soon To ABQ

New Hotels & Renovations

Renovations Continue at Hotel Andaluz

Renovations are continuing in 2025 at Hotel Andaluz. The remodel includes an updated lobby, sleeping rooms, corridors, meeting space, second-level mezzanine and gift shop. The restaurant and bar were both renovated with new concepts. The restaurant is called Char, with a focus on live-fire cooking. G. Toti is a speakeasy-inspired rooftop bar. Renovations are expected to be finished by the end of summer 2025.

Historic Nob Hill Motel to Get a Revamp

Titan Development has purchased the Hiway House Motel in Nob Hill with plans to turn it into a boutique hotel. The vacant motel was originally built in 1959, and will be demolished with a new building in its place. Plans include about 100 guest room, a rooftop bar and meeting spaces. There are also plans to revitalize the motel's original neon sign.

Culinary News

Laguna Burger Opening in UNM Area

Laguna Burger will open in winter 2025 in the Bricklight District near the University of New Mexico. There will be 95 seats indoors and outdoors and will feature a menu similar to its other locations.

Wells Park Warehouse to House New Food Spots

An old Wells Park Warehouse has been remodeled, and will soon host more restaurants. Burning Daylight Coffee Company and Cultura Cocina will join Kosmos Restaurant as tenants.

In-n-Out is Coming to Albuquerque

The popular burger chain In-n-Out is expanding to Albuquerque. A location is expected to be open by 2027.

Attractions & Facilities

Route 66 Motel Turning Into Food Court and Shopping Center

The Hacienda Motel is being transformed into the Hacienda Shopping Center. The project will include a food court, a live music space and fountain. There will be eight retail locations, seven restaurants and two bars. It is expected to open in 2025.

 New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Closed for Renovations

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is closed for renovations including new skylights, replaced sewer lines, updated exhibits to the Jurassic Hall and a new exhibit on mammal species. The renovations are expected to be completed by spring 2026.

My Furry Godmothers To Take Over Former Coffee Shop Location

My Furry Godmothers, a gourmet pet treat company, will open in the former location of Dawn Patrol Coffee. The spot in Nob Hill will feature cakes, cookies, pies and other savory treats for your cat or dog. The patio will also be used for dog-specific events. The grand opening is expected Oct. 1.

Development

Rail Trail Will Link ABQ Neighborhoods and Cultural Attractions

By connecting many of Albuquerque’s popular entertainment districts, cultural attractions and busy convention corridor, the Albuquerque Rail Trail will transform the way residents and visitors experience the city. The pedestrian- and bike-friendly trail will feature colorful art installations, storytelling through historical markers, and inviting public spaces with bike racks, benches and shady spots to relax. In addition, small plazas along the trail will be programmed with music, local food vendors and community events.

Linking the Downtown, Wells Park, Sawmill, Barelas and Old Town neighborhoods, the 7-mile loop will provide an easy and safe way for people to access the city’s key cultural attractions without using a vehicle. Major stops along the trail will include the Historic Rail Yards, the Albuquerque Convention Center, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, historic Old Town, the National Hispanic Cultural Center, and the ABQ BioPark’s Aquarium, Botanic Garden and Zoo.

Construction began on the first section of the Rail Trail in 2025, and the City of Albuquerque estimates the entire trail will be open by the end of 2028. For more information about the trail’s plans and progress, visit abqrailtrail.org.

UNM Building Arts and Technology Center

The University of New Mexico is building a new $80 million center for the College of Fine Arts. The 60,000-square-foot center is called the Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology. The new space includes a soundstage, 600-seat performance hall, exhibition space and an arts, research, technology and science lab. The center is expected to open by summer 2026.

New Commercial Soundstage Production Facility Under Construction

Rio Bravo Studios is building a new commercial soundstage facility in the South Valley. It will include four 20,000-square-foot sound stages near the intersection of Rio Bravo Boulevard and Second Street. It is set to open sometime in 2025.

New Aquatics Center Under Construction

A new aquatic center is being built at North Domingo Baca Park. The center will feature a 50-meter indoor competition pool, a diving pool, a heated therapy pool and a recreational play area with two slides. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

Dream of Flight: Albuquerque International Sunport’s “Once in a Lifetime” Renovation

Visitors to the Land of Enchantment will soon be able to experience a real taste of Albuquerque as soon as they deplane, thanks to an ambitious modernization project now underway at the Sunport. The new TSA screening checkpoint opened in late 2023. Future updates will include a new “mini shopping mall” highlighting made-in-New Mexico products, fresh local art installations, as well as updated carpeting and seating throughout the Sunport. Three new restaurants will be coming to the Sunport. National burger chain Smashburger will become the company's first location in New Mexico. Next to it will be Frank's Famous Chicken & Waffles, a popular Nob Hill Restaurant. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center's eatery Indian Pueblo Kitchen will also have a location in the new food hall. The folks behind the renovation hope fans of the Sunport’s current Burqueño vibe will appreciate the updates to come. “We are maintaining our incomparable sense of place, the look and feel of the Sunport as we know it, by enhancing it. We’re bringing in more traditional colors of New Mexico—drawing out the turquoise and dark red hues—and offering more local flavors in both dining and shopping,” according to Manriquez.

New Retail Hub Planned in Northwest Albuquerque

A new retail hub is being planned near the Petroglyph National Monument on the southwest corner of Paseo del Norte and Kimmick Drive. The development will include a mix of retail, medical, restaurant, grocery and early childhood learning tenants. A groundbreaking is expected in 2025.

Legacy Development & Management Plans for Sunport Hotel

While it remains in the planning stages with the City of Albuquerque, Legacy has plans for a five-story hotel that will encompass 112 rooms across 73,595 square feet near the Albuquerque International Sunport. The project remains conceptual at this point, Kassam said. The hotel would be located off Sunport and University boulevards at 1500 Sunport Ave. SE, down the street from Interstate 25.

Cinelease Studios to Expand in Albuquerque

Cinelease Studios is investing $95 million to expand its studio space in Albuquerque. The expansion includes five soundstages and three ancillary buildings. It is expected to be completed in two phases, and finished by 2029.

Anniversaries

Route 66 Turns 100 in 2026

Route 66 will turn a century old in 2026. The highway was commissioned in 1926 and connects Chicago with Los Angeles. The first route ran north to south through Albuquerque as part of a curve that connected Santa Rosa, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Los Lunas and several Native American reservations. By 1937, the road had straightened out and ran in a more east-west direction along the route we’re more familiar with today. Today, the route runs through the heart of Albuquerque along Central Avenue, leading travelers through some of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods and still serves as a jumping off point for transportation. 

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Turns 50 in 2026

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will be celebrating its 50th birthday in 2026. The IPCC works to preserve Pueblo culture, and provides a place to discover and learn more about Pueblo culture. It is owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico.

ABQ BioPark Zoo Turns 100 in 2027

The ABQ BioPark Zoo will celebrate its centennial birthday in 2027. The 64-acre Zoo has been offering guests close encounters with exotic and native animals since 1927.

KiMo Theatre Turns 100 in 2027

The historic KiMo Theatre in downtown Albuquerque turns 100 in 1927. It is a tribute to "Pueblo Deco" architecture and hosts theatrical performances, concerts and more.

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