CABQ Public Art Program & Albuquerque Community Safety Division

Owner: City of Albuquerque
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Architect: Studio Southwest

Project

Franken Construction undertook a comprehensive remodel of the 1st Floor Lobby, Corridors, and the conversion/tenant improvement for the City of Albuquerque Public Art Program, City of Albuquerque ACS Division, and City of Albuquerque Metropolitan Security. The project involved demolishing all floors, lights, mechanical systems, and completely revamping the first floor lobby and corridor space. Remarkably, this was achieved while keeping the area fully accessible to the public without any interruptions.

Key improvements included:

  • Replacement of Ceilings and Lights: Upgrading the ceilings and installing modern lighting systems throughout the lobby and corridors.

  • Mechanical and Fire Alarm Systems: Updating mechanical units and fire alarm systems to enhance safety and efficiency.

  • Art Light Fixture Installation: Adding a unique light fixture in the main lobby, symbolizing the downtown district, as part of the city's public art initiative.

  • Storefront Upgrade: Replacing the outdated storefront on the west side with automatic bronze sliding doors, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

  • Won Doors for Fire Protection: Installing new Won Doors for enhanced fire protection, ensuring the safety of the building’s occupants.

  • Gallery One: Constructing a fully functioning art gallery and exhibit space. This included converting an old documents vault into an interactive art exhibition space, allowing visitors to enjoy immersive art experiences.

  • Office Suite Build-Out: Developing the office suite for the Public Art Department's permanent home on the 1st floor of Civic Plaza. This tenant improvement also included a shared conference space and reception area for the ACS team, who also had their office spaces improved.

  • Metropolitan Security Enhancements: Building a new office for Metropolitan Security's help desk and their new surveillance office, providing them with upgraded facilities to better serve the public.


    • Overall, Franken Construction successfully transformed the space, providing modern amenities and improved functionality while maintaining uninterrupted public access.

    PER CABQ WEBSITE
    Gallery One is a light and bright art gallery space. The goals and mission of Gallery One is to foster an intersection between Albuquerque artists, the community and City government that engages and draws new, diverse audiences and provides more exhibition opportunities to local emerging artists. The space will serve as an educational resource with exhibitions that complement and support existing Public Art Urban Enhancement Division programming.
    The Public Art Urban Enhancement Division Team brings the best in local art and artists to showcase Albuquerque's position as a true art mecca. The Division's professional arts management team members have decades of combined experience in gallery curation and management, museum exhibitions, education and outreach, artists professional development and arts programming.