City study finds Sheridan Avenue lacks historic integrity for National Register district

City preservation staff presented a streetscape and historic‑map study of Sheridan Avenue during the Feb. 11 Historic Districts Review Board meeting and reported that the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division concurred: Sheridan Avenue does not retain the historic integrity required to be treated as a contributing structure in the Santa Fe Historic District.

Nicole (Historic Preservation staff) walked the board through archival maps and aerial photos showing Sheridan’s evolution from a narrow footpath behind properties to a utilitarian service street. The staff analysis evaluated integrity factors—location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, feeling and association—and concluded Sheridan Avenue “does not retain any integrity as it pertains to the National Register District and neighborhood” and therefore is not a contributing structure. Nicole said the review arose from Section 106 requirements for a federally funded transit hub improvement and that the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division requested an APE (area of potential effect) and analysis.

The study reviewed maps from the territorial period, Sanborn maps and historic aerial photos and noted Sheridan historically functioned as the back of properties, not primary frontage, and that it has no preserved historic materials or workmanship that convey district significance. The board received the study and staff said the conclusion will inform review of Sheridan Avenue public‑realm projects tied to federal funding.

Nicole also reviewed other preservation work (app walking tour, endangered properties grant) later in the meeting and said staff will circulate final reports when complete.