A Brief History
Nestled in Albuquerque, New Mexico, ABQ Uptown was established in November 2006 by Hunt Development Group. Simon Property Group owns and manages this open-air luxury shopping mall with 50 stores across 230,000 square feet.
ABQ Uptown’s anchor tenants include The North Face, J.Crew, Lush, and the only Apple Store in New Mexico. Music, lights, and seasonal decorations complement the mall’s outdoor atmosphere.
The land where ABQ Uptown now stands was once a vacant 20-acre lot between Coronado and Winrock Malls, originally home to St. Pius X High School. In the late 1980s, the school was torn down to make way for a creative mixed-use development known as The Commons; however, the project ultimately failed, leaving the land unused.
Hunt Building Corporation purchased the lot and designed it as a mixed-use development zone, including offices, housing, a lifestyle center, and a grocery store.
ABQ Uptown was opened in November 2006, bringing more retail chains to the area and even attracting some that previously did not serve Albuquerque or New Mexico.
Shopping Experience
ABQ Uptown’s collection of shops and eateries has made it a popular destination for locals and visitors. The mall currently hosts a variety of businesses, including:
| Apple | Tech retailer offering a range of Apple products, accessories, and tech support. |
| Banana Republic | High-end clothing retailer featuring modern, refined styles for men and women. |
| J. Crew | Apparel and accessories brand offering stylish, classic designs for all ages. |
| Lululemon Athletica | Athletic apparel company focused on yoga, running, and other fitness activities. |
| Michael Kors | Luxury designer brand offering clothing, accessories, and footwear. |
| Pottery Barn | Upscale home furnishings and decor retailer with stylish, high-quality products. |
| Starbucks | Global coffeehouse chain serving a variety of beverages and light fare. |
| The North Face | Outdoor clothing and equipment retailer specializing in adventure gear. |
| White House Black Market | Women’s clothing retailer featuring stylish workwear and elegant casual wear. |
| Williams Sonoma | High-end retailer offering kitchenware, gourmet foods, and home accessories. |
Revitalization of Uptown Albuquerque
Real estate owners Goodman Realty Group, Brookfield Properties, and Simon Property Group have been trying to revitalize the uptown area, as demonstrated by the success of ABQ Uptown, Coronado Center, and Winrock Center.
Recent developments involve the demolition of the old Winrock Inn and Winrock 6 theater, followed by the construction of a new theater featuring the city’s inaugural IMAX screen. In addition, various new stores and eateries, such as H&M, Dave & Busters, California Pizza Kitchen, BJ’s Restaurant, and Pottery Barn, have debuted in Albuquerque.
Other stores like Banana Republic, The Gap, and local jeweler Mati have relocated from other malls to ABQ Uptown to boost business and visibility.
ABQ Uptown Village Apartments
To further uplift the uptown area, a 198-unit apartment building was constructed across the street from the ABQ Uptown shopping center in 2008.
These modern and efficient apartments have numerous amenities, including energy-efficient lighting and windows, expansive 9′ to 12′ ceilings, full-sized washers and dryers, personal balconies and patios, spacious walk-in closets, and wood-style floors, and being wired for technology.
The apartment complex also offers community amenities such as a fitness center, pool and wellness center, café and lounge, recycling program, and Wi-Fi access. The cost and availability of these apartments may vary based on the unit’s size and the additional amenities provided.
ABQ Uptown Village provides various apartment options, including studios and different numbers of bedrooms. Pets are allowed depending on their size. The apartments are conveniently located within walking distance of ABQ Uptown shopping center.
Events at ABQ Uptown
ABQ Uptown is more than just a shopping destination; it also hosts a variety of events throughout the year to engage and entertain the community:
- Taste of ABQ: This food festival showcases local cuisine and features restaurants from ABQ Uptown and other local eateries. The event takes place for one day in early August.
- Christmas Tree Lighting: ABQ Uptown holds an annual Christmas tree lighting event in early December, featuring live music, entertainment, and sales throughout the mall. The centerpiece of the event is a 45-foot Christmas tree.
- Holiday Stroll: Coinciding with the Christmas tree lighting, the yearly Holiday Stroll treats visitors to complimentary hot chocolate, fondue, and baked goods offered by nearly all the stores within the mall. Toni and Guy also offer their famous “mini manicures” at various locations around the mall.
ABQ Uptown is the ultimate destination for upscale shopping, home furnishings, entertainment, and dining, all in a pedestrian-friendly, open-air environment.
Located at the intersection of Uptown Boulevard and Q Street, ABQ Uptown boasts approximately 230,000 square feet of retail shops and restaurants, providing a unique mix of stores that create a refreshing shopping experience for the community and its citizens.