Recent Nob Hill Neighborhood Newsletters reported on architecture students scouring Nob Hill for a course at UNM School of Architecture + Planning.
Professor Steven Moffson, who is also with the NM Historic Preservation Division, assigned them the research to determine if a neighborhood qualifies for listing as a historic district in the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
He kicked off the work with a community meeting last May. Students then collected reams of data for a nomination. This is a great favor to Nob Hilleņos as it would otherwise be very costly. In an October 12 community zoom meeting he reported that the 1925 Granada Heights and 1945 Broadmoor Addition have been found to qualify for listing. The community can now explore the next steps in listing one or both neighborhoods in the registers. If listed they would join the Monte Vista and College View district listed in the state register in 1998 and national register in 2001. The 1916 University Heights was studied but needs additional work due to its size.
Steven notes that listing is “all carrot and no stick”. It is a distinction denoting a district that has been professionally evaluated and found worthy of preservation. It does not restrict owners from doing what they wish with their property inside or out. It raises awareness and can inspire property owners to be good stewards, voluntarily maintaining the architectural principles of the original development on the outside of the house.
Nominations list all properties and whether each contributes to the historic character of the district. If a district is listed in the NM Register owners of contributing properties can claim New Mexico tax credits for qualifying pre-approved renovation and can purchase a plaque noting their house’s contribution.
Prof. Moffson announced details in the attached ad in the Albuquerque Journal on Dec. 14. (Open it and then enlarge to see details.) Nominations are posted at http://www.nmhistoricpreservation.org/cprc/pending-nominations.html
Steven and staff of the NM Historic Preservation Division will hold a public information meeting to discuss the findings and possible listing of the districts at 6:30 pm on January 18 by zoom. Consult the Nob Hill Neighborhood Association events calendar and subscribe to the email list at www.NobHill-NM.com to stay informed and participate.
Reach out to Steven with questions at Steven.Moffson@state.nm.us
Gary Eyster
President, Nob Hill Neighborhood Association
(505)991-1388
