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Mayor Tim Keller to Give Artists Access to the Rail Yards

Mayor Keller announces Artists Days and outlines next steps for the site as redevelopment begins.

September 21, 2018

Today, Mayor Tim Keller announced a project to give the Albuquerque Rail Yards back to the community with Artists Days, and outlined plans to keep up the momentum on project improvements.

Mayor Keller has made a commitment to the redevelopment of the Rail Yards and recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the property to the entire community.

“After a six-year stalemate, we are making progress on the Rail Yards. I tore up the contract with the out-of-state developer last Sunday, and now we are pressing on to preserve the heart of the site while redeveloping it as a hub for the community,” stated Mayor Tim Keller.  “We’re opening the doors to artists in our city to document where the Rail Yards is today, to show the history of the site to future generations.”

Local artists are being allowed access to the property Friday and Saturday, with their supplies and equipment to document the Rail Yard’s current place in history.

Planning Department Director David Campbell used the saying, “If you don’t know where you’ve been, you can’t know where you’re going” in both English and Spanish to explain the purpose of Artists Days.

The City’s next immediate steps for the Rail Yards redevelopment include security and preparation of the site.

  • Increase security with 24-hour protection
  • Clean the site and improve access
  • Repair roofs and install utilities
  • Prepare for demolition of small buildings

The site has always served as a backdrop for innovation and as the City moves forward on the project, preservation is also a key component.