Skinner Building (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

Skinner Building
Skinner Building, May 2010
Location 722 Central Avenue SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Coordinates 35°5′6″N 106°39′22.5″W / 35.08500°N 106.656250°WCoordinates: 35°5′6″N 106°39′22.5″W / 35.08500°N 106.656250°W
Built 1931
Architect A.W. Boehning
Architectural style Art Deco[1]
Governing body Private
NRHP Reference # 80004485[2]
NMSRCP # 784
Significant dates
Added to NRHP November 22, 1980
Designated NMSRCP September 16, 1980[3]

The Skinner Building is a historic building in Albuquerque, New Mexico, considered to be one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in the city.[1][4] Originally a grocery store owned by J.A. Skinner, it was designed by local architect A.W. Boehning and built in 1931. The building is of brick construction, with a street facade of white terra cotta tile on the north and west sides. Its exterior features a variety of decorative details including fluted towers, grill work, stained glass, and geometric patterns.[1] The Skinner Building was added to the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties[5] and the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.[2]

A controversial balcony was added to the building in 2001 after being narrowly approved by the city Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission, with one commissioner resigning in protest over the decision. As required by the city, the balcony is freestanding and does not actually touch the building.[4]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Skinner Building". City of Albuquerque Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2009-03-13.
  3. "New Mexico State and National Registers". New Mexico Historic Preservation Commission. Retrieved 2013-03-13.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Sanchez, Isabel (April 24, 2001). "Controversial Balcony To Be Built". Albuquerque Journal (NM). p. B1.
  5. "Properties by County". New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. Retrieved 29 April 2011.