Transformed motel site embraced by EDo residents, businesses
Feb. 5—An east downtown motel, once known for its criminal activity rather than its hospitality, has been reborn.
The redevelopment project for the Imperial Inn has been completed and the space has reemerged as The Imperial. The rejuvenated property, 701 Central Ave. NE, features a motel with 17 extended-stay suites and 37 standard guest rooms for nightly stays. Guests can choose a room with a king size bed or opt for two queen size beds.
Two impressive suites are located above MOJO Rising, a local coffee shop on the property.
"(They) may be extended stay or may be nightly, depending on demand," said Westin Glass, director of development at Palindrome Communities LLC. "Those two are my favorites. They are under that iconic V-shaped roof and have high sloping ceilings."
In addition to the guest rooms, there are eight apartments, with four located upstairs and four downstairs, according to Glass. They will be located in the middle building of the property that faces Copper Avenue. The apartments are unfurnished and feature a living area, sleeping area and kitchen.
"This neighborhood, especially this particular property, had issues with crime over the years," Glass said. "Having a long-term resident on Central Avenue and eyes on the street makes it a safe place to live. We are also trying to help the housing crisis and provide long-term apartments for rent, more housing for the city."
Palindrome Communities LLC restored the original pool and the iconic butterfly sun flap roof over the front lobby, which was designed by architectural firm Palmer and Krisel in 1959, according to a city of Albuquerque news release.
Retail and food vendors also will be part of The Imperial.
"It's called The Dive," Glass said. "It has food pods and a cocktail bar on the property. The Imperial, we are calling it, originally opened in 1964 as The Imperial 400. All the property, supposedly there were 400 of them, went to separate ownership. It went from Imperial 400 to the Imperial Inn. Now we're just calling it The Imperial."
The Imperial 400 chain launched five years prior to the Imperial 400 Motel. The chain's motels were recognizable with their butterfly roof designs.
"The Imperial's transformation is more than just a physical renovation," said Terry Brunner, director of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency, or MRA. "The project will provide much needed housing in the area, serve as a destination for Albuquerque residents and visitors, and foster a thriving network of businesses."
Nearby residents and business owners are pleased with The Imperial's transformation.
"It brings more people into the neighborhood," said Damon Maddox, owner and broker at Maddox & Co. Realtors. "I would love to see more of this happen in Albuquerque, specifically in this neighborhood, with some of these vacant lots and these older building that are not being used. The more people we have walking around, the better and safer our neighborhoods are."
Stewart Dorris, who owns Farina Pizzeria & Wine Bar and resides close to The Imperial, said he has noticed more foot traffic in the area.
"I think it's great," Dorris said of The Imperial. "I didn't realize until the other day that there's actually going to be some residents in there. Putting residents in there should help the neighborhood, too."
The project is the result of a public-private partnership between MRA and Palindrome Communities LLC, supported by $700,000 in gap financing from MRA, according to the city news release. Palindrome is also responsible for the renovated El Vado Motel and The Monterey Motel located further west on Central Avenue.
"I've been watching it since the project has been unfolding," Maddox said of The Imperial. "It's been a great renovation. ... They did a beautiful job. As a Realtor and business owner in Albuquerque, I'm always happy to see new construction and growth in our city. I am even happier when it happens in our own neighborhood."
Parties interested in commercial and residential leasing should call 505-514-2311.