National Register Listing

Southern Union Gas Company Building

723 Silver Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM
The Southern Union Gas Company Building is eligible at the local level of significance for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C as an important design by John Gaw Meem--an acknowledged master architect--and as one of the foremost manifestations of early Modernist design in Albuquerque. The building satisfies the three registration requirements for the Public and Institutional Buildings Property Type of the National Register Multiple Property Context, "Buildings Designed by John Gaw Meem." First, it possesses a high degree of architectural integrity as detailed in the description section. Second, it conveys clear associations with Meem's work as a designer by possessing seven of eight characteristics of his modernist institutional buildings: cubic, flat-roofed forms, doors, and windows punched in solid masses, a sensitivity to solar orientation, floor-to-ceiling windows, and overall asymmetric composition with a classical undercurrent in its symmetrical entry facade, and A/B/A window compositions. In addition, its flat roof, solid masses, and gray-cream, unglazed terra cotta exterior walls hint at traditional regional architecture but are executed with crisp lines reflecting modernistic aesthetics. And, third, formal aspects of the design, and documents in the Meem office archives establish Meem's substantial participation in the design. In addition, the Southern Union Gas Company Building, which the company occupied from 1951 to 1976, is the most significant, and arguably the best International Style structure erected in Albuquerque.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

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.

architecture
Audiobooks about the history of New Mexico.
The state's landscape is diverse and includes deserts, mountains, and forests. It is home to several national parks and monuments, including Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the White Sands National Monument.
New Mexico random facts
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.