Skinner Building
722--724 Central Ave. and 108 8th St., SW, Albuquerque, NMThe Skinner Building is significant for Albuquerque as one of the very few examples of Art Deco design in the city; the other notable example is a larger federal building, the U.S. Indian Hospital. The Nationally Registered (5-2-77) KiMo Theater shows a strong influence from Art Deco, but with a heavy mixture of the Spanish-Pueblo style and an eclectic use of Indian motifs. The crispness and lightness of the Skinner Building ornamentation make it a good pocket-sized version of the style. The siting of the Skinner Building is also important; at the west end of the downtown core, it announces and anchors the commercial area of Central Avenue. The work of Albuquerque architect A.W. Boehning, Sr., the Skinner - Building is typical of his design in attention to detail and interest in geometric forms.
The Skinner Building was designed as the main store of a chain of family-owned groceries. The downtown lots were purchased by Mary Skinner in August 1930, and the building continued in family ownership through 1970. The Skinner family chose A.W. Boehning as the building's architect; Boehning, a native of Indiana, moved to Albuquerque to recover from tuberculosis after the First World War, working first with the local branch of the El Paso firm of Trost and Trost and setting up his own company by 1925. Other Boehning designs include the Davis House (nominated to the National Register) - an English cottage built as a demonstration house, the International Style Valliant Company Building downtown, St. Charles Church in the Mediterranean style, and a number of Spanish-Pueblo Revival buildings.
The Skinner Building housed the J.A. Skinner Stores and Markets from its 1931 opening through 1942; from 1944 through 1947, it was the local Pepsi-Cola headquarters. Later tenants included a liquor store, Dial Finance, and Del Norte Records. In 1970, the Skinner family sold the building to Invesco Holding Company, which sold in turn to Central Land Company (1972); in 1977, the Skinner Building was purchased by the City of Albuquerque as part of a downtown revitalization project. The City has continued to rent the west half of the building to Dial Finance and has rented the east half as an artist's studio. The City now contemplates the sale of the Skinner Building, with stipulations that the north and west facades and important interior elements be preserved, for use as a restaurant.
Significant for its architecture and siting, the Skinner Building can play an important role in the revitalization of Albuquerque's Central Business District. Its attractiveness makes the building a local landmark of interest to many, and its small scale encourages creative and effective recycling.
Local significance of the building:
The Skinner Building was designed as the main store of a chain of family-owned groceries. The downtown lots were purchased by Mary Skinner in August 1930, and the building continued in family ownership through 1970. The Skinner family chose A.W. Boehning as the building's architect; Boehning, a native of Indiana, moved to Albuquerque to recover from tuberculosis after the First World War, working first with the local branch of the El Paso firm of Trost and Trost and setting up his own company by 1925. Other Boehning designs include the Davis House (nominated to the National Register) - an English cottage built as a demonstration house, the International Style Valliant Company Building downtown, St. Charles Church in the Mediterranean style, and a number of Spanish-Pueblo Revival buildings.
The Skinner Building housed the J.A. Skinner Stores and Markets from its 1931 opening through 1942; from 1944 through 1947, it was the local Pepsi-Cola headquarters. Later tenants included a liquor store, Dial Finance, and Del Norte Records. In 1970, the Skinner family sold the building to Invesco Holding Company, which sold in turn to Central Land Company (1972); in 1977, the Skinner Building was purchased by the City of Albuquerque as part of a downtown revitalization project. The City has continued to rent the west half of the building to Dial Finance and has rented the east half as an artist's studio. The City now contemplates the sale of the Skinner Building, with stipulations that the north and west facades and important interior elements be preserved, for use as a restaurant.
Significant for its architecture and siting, the Skinner Building can play an important role in the revitalization of Albuquerque's Central Business District. Its attractiveness makes the building a local landmark of interest to many, and its small scale encourages creative and effective recycling.
Commerce; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
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.
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.
About Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County Timeline
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.
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.
Bernalillo County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history 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.