Albuquerque Council reviews firehouse restoration plans for Railyards Campus

The Albuquerque City Council convened for its thirtieth meeting on April 21, 2025, with all councilors present, except for Councilor Lewis, who arrived shortly after the meeting began. The session commenced with a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance in both English and Spanish.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an executive session, where councilors discussed matters related to ongoing litigation involving Mayor Tim Keller and the Albuquerque City Council. Following this closed discussion, the council returned to public proceedings.

Councilor Baca presented an update on the restoration of the historic firehouse located at the Railyards Campus. Nathan Martinez from the General Services Department outlined plans to utilize a $250,000 grant from the New Mexico State Cultural Properties Restoration Fund for stabilization efforts. This funding aims to address necessary improvements to the firehouse, which is a key structure within the Railyards, a site with historical significance dating back to the early 1900s.

Martinez detailed the stabilization plans, which include exterior improvements, re-roofing, insulation upgrades, and repairs to the building's walls. He emphasized the importance of these efforts to ensure the firehouse remains structurally sound for future generations. The councilors engaged in a brief Q&A session, seeking clarification on the specifics of the stabilization work, particularly regarding the building's foundation and drainage issues.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to preserving the Railyards Firehouse, reflecting the council's ongoing efforts to maintain Albuquerque's historical landmarks. Further updates on the project are expected as the council moves forward with the necessary approvals.