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La Luz del Oeste, designed by Antoine Predock, named to National Register of Historic Places
Predock鈥檚 La Luz del Oeste, an sa国际传媒官网网页入口 housing development, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Oct. 27.
La Luz del Oeste, a townhouse development on the West Side, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
It was planned and developed by internationally renowned architect and New Mexico resident Antoine Predock between 1967 and 1974.
The property was added to the National Register on Oct. 27.
The nomination recognizes La Luz del Oeste as worthy of historic preservation because it stands as an excellent example of planning during the New Town movement, while taking a unique approach to incorporating its surrounding landscape.
鈥淣ew Mexico鈥檚 architectural heritage is one of the nation鈥檚 most unique, and properties like La Luz del Oeste exemplify that history,鈥� said Debra Garcia y Griego, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs Secretary. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud of (New Mexico Historic Preservation Division) NMHPD for helping ensure that this culturally significant property is protected for future generations.鈥�
Spanning 24 acres off Coors Boulevard on the banks of the Rio Grande, La Luz del Oeste weaves together blocks of townhouses with tennis courts, fountains, a pool, paths, and public spaces, creating a cohesive development that emphasizes pedestrian access. The development embraces nature and follows the natural contours of the land, with townhouse blocks nestled into the hillside. The development features sweeping views of the riverside bosque and the Sandia Mountains.
Predock explained, 鈥淭he concept of La Luz involves a basic attitude toward the land: An urban environment and large open natural areas should exist together 鈥� especially in New Mexico.鈥�
La Luz del Oeste was also designed to meet the needs created by sa国际传媒官网网页入口鈥檚 post-war growth, becoming one of the city鈥檚 first multifamily developments aimed at middle-income buyers.
Early units that came on the market during the late-1960鈥檚 ranged from $29,000 to $40,000.
The original Arco Street townhouses offer floor plans and sufficient space for families with children. Subsequent single-story Berm Street units featured floor plans that were ideal for couples or singles.
鈥淣ot only is La Luz del Oeste鈥檚 architecture and use of nature remarkable, but it also stands out as one of sa国际传媒官网网页入口鈥檚 earliest examples of affordable middle-income housing,鈥� said Jeff Pappas, State Historic Preservation officer. 鈥淭his was a development designed to meet the needs of a growing city, while providing an alternative to post-war suburban growth.鈥�
