City Councilor Joaquín Baca Announces over $1.3 Million in State and local funding to Transform Downtown’s Historic GIZMO Building Into Transitional Housing Hub

Albuquerque, NM – Today, Albuquerque City Councilor Joaquín Baca, proudly announced that over $1.3 million in State appropriations has awarded for the major renovation of the historic downtown building at 410 Central Ave NW. The multi-use facility, widely known as the “GIZMO ARTS” will be completely transformed into a vibrant reentry support hub and transitional housing space.

The funding appropriation for the renovation comes from the Department of Workforce Solutions Office of Housing, whih oversees the distribution of $140 million appropriated from the general fund, Government Results and Opportunity (GRO) Fund, and capital outlay over the past two years for housing and homelessness. In August 2025, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the allocation of $120 million based on goals established in the appropriation, and the legislative intent to direct the money to projects in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, Las Cruces, and Doña Ana County. 

The renovation project officially moves forward after GOLDEN FORWARD, INC, the nonprofit heading up the housing in the GIZMO ARTS facility, successfully navigated strict eligibility and procedural requirements to be designated a "Qualifying Grantee." This official status allows public resources to be fully utilized to revitalize the three-story building, which will feature five dedicated re-entry housing units alongside integrated therapeutic and workforce development components.

On August 4, 2025, the City Council adopted R-25-177 sponsored by Councilor Baca, which authorized and approved $7,562,000 appropriation, subject to the State’s requirements for affordable housing uses in the Downtown and Barelas Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas in Council District 2. GIZMO is one of the three projects funded with this appropriation.

"Investing in our youth and providing real, tangible pathways for reentry is how we build a safer, more resilient Albuquerque," said Councilor Joaquín Baca. "The GIZMO project is a perfect example of what happens when we combine community vision with public resources. By transforming this historic downtown anchor into a space of healing, housing, and opportunity, we aren't just restoring a building—we are investing in the futures of people who deserve a real second chance. I am incredibly proud to support this project and see this landmark serve a profound new purpose."

Located at 4th and Central, the building has long been a visual anchor in the city’s landscape. Built in 1951, it historically housed light industrial and commercial operations, including a JCPenney department store—before becoming widely known as the home of The Gizmo Store. The beloved local department store earned a permanent place in local lore, fondly remembered for the iconic skateboarding dinosaur that greeted visitors outside its doors.

GIZMO ARTS was founded and is directed by Sheri Crider, a social practice artist whose vision for the space is centered on solace, respite, magic, and belonging. With this funding, Crider and the local arts community are significantly expanding their mission, continuing the equity-centered, community-grounded work that began years ago.

"My journey as an artist has been deeply informed by my personal experiences," said Sheri Crider, Founder and Director of GIZMO. "Homelessness, addiction, and incarceration are experiences that have helped shape many artists' practice and mission, including my own. With Gizmo, we can create spaces that help those in transition to reimagine their lives."

By centering local artists, inviting risk and experimentation, and staying fiercely grounded in the needs of the neighborhood, GIZMO ARTS will bridge the gap between creative expression and critical human services, breathing new life into the heart of Downtown Albuquerque.