San Pedro MainStreet:
A History of Community and Growth
Roots in Collaboration
The Revitalize San Pedro Partnership’s journey began over a decade ago with a coalition of four neighboring associations and local business leaders united to address challenges and embrace opportunities along San Pedro Drive. This vibrant stretch of Albuquerque, spanning from I-40 to Central Avenue, has become a focal point for revitalization and community pride.
But the area is so much more than modern revitalization efforts.
Historic Placemaking
Once home to thriving neighborhoods built in the 1950s for young families and professionals, the San Pedro Corridor holds deep historical roots. Iconic local businesses like Christy Mae’s restaurant and ABC Cakes bakery have been staples for decades, offering a glimpse into the area’s enduring charm and entrepreneurial spirit. The Corridor also boasts significant landmarks, such as one of Albuquerque’s first McDonald’s and a long-standing Smith’s grocery store.
Early Roots and Development
Pre-1950s: The area that would become the San Pedro Corridor was largely undeveloped until Albuquerque’s post-war expansion. The neighborhoods and businesses along the corridor were designed to cater to young families, employees at Sandia National Laboratories, and professionals seeking modern homes in a suburban setting.
1959: The second McDonald’s in Albuquerque opened on San Pedro, becoming a neighborhood landmark.
Community and Cultural Foundations
1970s-1980s: The corridor’s character began to shift with the growth of small businesses, including barber shops, bakeries, and family-run restaurants. However, the rise of automobile-oriented development and the construction of I-40 shifted traffic patterns, impacting the area’s economic vitality.
The Birth of Modern Revitalization Efforts
Revitalization formally began in the 2010s when residents and business owners initiated strategic planning, asset mapping, and collaborative efforts to restore the corridor’s vibrancy. These early efforts laid the groundwork for significant milestones, including the formation of the Revitalize San Pedro Partnership (RSPP). In 2021, RSPP became a New Mexico MainStreet Accelerator Project, amplifying its capacity to address the community’s needs.
Planning for Revitalization
2007-2011: Initial community planning began, with workshops focused on improving walkability, accessibility, and aesthetics. The Fair Heights Neighborhood Association (officially renamed Mile Hi Neighborhood Association in 2016) organized early discussions and secured grants to explore lighting improvements. These grants funded the installation of traffic calming measures and additional street lighting along the corridor, addressing critical safety concerns while laying the groundwork for broader revitalization efforts. The success of this initiative demonstrated the potential of coordinated advocacy and became a turning point for the San Pedro Corridor.
2014: The City and neighborhood associations collaborated to establish the “Mile-Hi District,” installing signage, enhancing street lighting, and launching the Mile Hi San Pedro Farmers Market in Alvarado Park, which remained active until 2023.
2017: The San Pedro Coalition was formed, uniting four neighborhood associations to address shared concerns, including crime prevention, public safety, and economic development.
2018: Community meetings focused on asset mapping and strategic planning, identifying key improvements such as addressing vacant properties, enhancing safety, and improving aesthetics.
Formalized Revitalization and MainStreet Efforts
2021: San Pedro was designated a New Mexico MainStreet Urban Neighborhood Commercial Corridor Initiative (UNCCI) project, marking a significant milestone in the formalization of revitalization efforts.
2022: RSPP hosted the Creative Placemaking Contest, engaging businesses and residents in reimagining the corridor’s identity and promoting local pride.
2023: The 18-month Action Plan was initiated, establishing goals for organizational development, physical improvements, and economic growth, while advancing RSPP’s path to MainStreet America designation.
2024: RSPP was formally recognized as a MainStreet Accelerator Program by NMMS, and is well on its way to completing required benchmarks by the end of 2024 to achieve MainStreet Affiliate status.
A Hub of Diversity and Innovation
The corridor serves as a bridge between the historic Route 66 and Albuquerque’s Uptown, connecting eclectic local businesses, residential neighborhoods, and key cultural landmarks like the State Fairgrounds. It reflects the city’s diversity, with vibrant communities, small businesses, and public spaces that foster a sense of belonging and collaboration.
A Vision for the Future
Today, the San Pedro Corridor continues to evolve, blending its rich history with a vision for a vibrant, walkable, and inclusive community. With ongoing support from the City of Albuquerque, neighborhood coalitions, and local businesses, the corridor is positioned to remain a cornerstone of Albuquerque’s cultural and economic identity.