Davis House

a.k.a. "House Beautiful"

704 Parkland Circle, SE, Albuquerque, NM
The "House Beautiful" at 704 Parkland Circle la an excellent example of building technology and a popular building style of the year 1928. According to a contemporary report "the home represents the combined skills of Albuquerque's leading builders and artisans and when completed—will prove to be one of the show places of the Southwest.... It Is probably the most carefully constructed homes In Albuquerque." (Albu­querque Journal. February 5, 1928). The home was designed by A. W. Boehning, a local architect who first worked with the Albuquerque office of Trost and Trost, and then opened his own office. City buildings he designed Include St. Charles church, the Skinner Building at 8th and Central and the Valliant Printing Co. building.

The house was a Joint venture of the real estate firm of Anderman, Balcomb and Glasebrook, then developing the Parkland Hills Addition, and the Albu­querque Journal.which covered to the last detail the construction and opening of their "House Beautiful."Bach aspect of Its construction from the Chamberlin Metal Weatherstripping to the Lesher Mohair wall hangings was handled by an Individual firm, each carefully listed In the newspaper reports. The finished house, complete with an "orthophonic” In the radio room, an official automobile (a Buick) and a special hostess chosen In a widely publicized contest,was opened in late May, 1928. Thousands of people toured the house during the next eight days. Then the house was put up for sale; It was advertised as being worth $30,000 completely furnished.It was bought by Dr. C. C. Davis, a specialist In diseases of the chest. The Davises lived there until 1937, although by that year Mrs. Davis, the former Anna Shannon, widow of a Forest Service employee, was living there by herself. Dr. Davis had died the previous year. Mrs. Davis had two daughters by her first marriage, Betty and Phyllis. She was a teacher at John Marshall Elementary School.

The house had a succession of residents until the early 1940's when It was bought by Otto Beck, the manager of the Coca Cola bottling company. The Becks lived there until the mid-60's: the present owners bought the house In 1968.

The house was been well maintained. A few changes have been made to the exterior but It Is essentially the 1928 House Beautiful In appearance and construction.

Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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New Mexico was one of the last territories to become a state, gaining statehood in 1912. Before that, it had been part of the Spanish Empire, Mexico, and the United States Territory of New Mexico.
Bernalillo County, located in the central part of the U.S. state of New Mexico, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tiwa and Tanoan people, who lived off the land and established settlements along the Rio Grande.

In 1540, Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expedition into what is now Bernalillo County. The Spanish established several missions and settlements in the region, including the Alameda Mission and the village of Alburquerque (later renamed Albuquerque). These early settlements laid the foundation for the region's future development.

During the 19th century, Bernalillo County experienced significant growth with the arrival of American pioneers and traders. The region became an important trading post along the historic Santa Fe Trail, further connecting it to the expanding western frontier. In 1851, Bernalillo County was officially established as one of the original nine counties in the newly formed New Mexico Territory.

Bernalillo County played a significant role during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. It served as a strategic location for both sides, as the Rio Grande acted as a natural barrier. The county saw battles, skirmishes, and military engagements, leaving a lasting impact on the region.

In the 20th century, Bernalillo County continued to grow and develop, becoming an important center for government, commerce, and culture in New Mexico. Today, the county is home to the vibrant city of Albuquerque, which is the state's largest city and the cultural, economic, and political hub of the region. Bernalillo County's rich history can be seen through its diverse architectural styles, cultural traditions, and landmarks that reflect the people who have called this area home throughout the centuries.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bernalillo County, New Mexico.

  • 1692: Bernalillo County established as part of New Spain's Santa Ana Pueblo land grant.
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Bernalillo County becomes part of the Republic of Mexico.
  • 1848: Bernalillo County is ceded to the United States as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War.
  • 1852: Bernalillo County officially organized as a county within the New Mexico Territory.
  • 1880: Completion of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line through Bernalillo County stimulates growth and development in the region.
  • 1902: The county seat is moved from Albuquerque to nearby Los Ranchos.
  • 1930: The county seat is moved back to Albuquerque due to the city's rapid growth and importance.
  • 1960s: Bernalillo County experiences significant population growth as a result of urbanization and suburban development.
  • 2000s: Bernalillo County implements various initiatives to promote economic development, community engagement, and sustainable growth.