Commission approves demolition order for damaged commercial building at 9035 Alameda; staff says property is non‑contributing in Isleta Historic District

The Building and Standards Commission on Feb. 19 approved staff recommendations that the city designate the commercial building at 9035 Alameda Avenue a dangerous structure and issue an order to secure, clean and pursue demolition within 30 days.

Jessica Castillo, a property maintenance and housing inspector with the Department of Code Enforcement, told the commission the building — built around 1918 and roughly 6,146 square feet of occupiable area — was found in severe disrepair with fire-damaged beams, collapsed roof sections, cracked exterior walls allowing light to enter, exposed wiring and unauthorized entry. Castillo said the property had been the subject of multiple code and maintenance cases and that, at the time of inspection, no water, electricity or gas service was connected.

Castillo summarized the department recommendation: revoke the certificate of occupancy, secure the structure within 30 days and demolish it within 30 days. She also noted an asbestos report will be required for a commercial demolition.

“Several fires have damaged the structure to further disrepair,” Castillo said. “The building is filled with combustible materials, trash, rubbish and debris. It is unsecure and open to unwanted entry.”

Anna Rodriguez, who identified herself as representing the property owners, said she purchased the building in 2023 and has repeatedly secured and cleaned the site, filed criminal trespass reports, and sought permission from the historic department to address hazards. Rodriguez said she had not received earlier notices that were mailed to a partner’s address and asked for clarity on how to proceed.

Commission staff explained the property is located in the Isleta Historic District along the Alameda corridor but said it is a non‑contributing resource on the city map. Tony, a city staff member, told commissioners that the Building and Standards Commission has authority to issue a demolition order on a historic property and described the next steps for obtaining demolition permits, including submitting a structural-engineer assessment, plans to protect adjacent party walls, and an asbestos report. He said the applicant would be responsible for associated costs.

“This commission does have the authority to issue a demolition order on a historic property,” the staff member said during the discussion.

A motion to approve the staff recommendation (30 days to secure, clean and proceed with demolition-related permitting) was moved, seconded and approved by an 'Aye' vote. Staff told the owner that if she submits required engineer documentation and necessary reports in a timely fashion, the city would allow demolition permitting to proceed without separate historic-commission approval.

Next steps: the owner has 30 days to comply with securing, cleaning and permitting steps; required documents include a structural-engineer assessment and an asbestos report for this commercial building. If the owner fails to act, staff can pursue city enforcement and a lien to recover costs.