ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A historic fixture in downtown Albuquerque that’s been vacant for years is finally getting new life. An artist gallery and studio has bought the old Gizmo building on Central Ave. and is already starting renovations. The building has remained vacant for years and has become an eyesore, but now, that property is in new hands with an ambitious vision.
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“Historic spaces like this one have held so much life in the history of a community, and to renovate them and bring new life to them is super important for multiple reasons,” said sheri crider, founder & director of Sanitary Tortilla Factory.
Sheri crider is the founder and director of Sanitary Tortilla Factory, a downtown gallery and studio focused on giving artists opportunities. She bought the four-floor building, which used to be a JCPenney before turning into the Gizmo clothing store, which closed in 2018. Crider said the building will soon house print manufacturing, a gallery, and exhibition space.
“It will give artists a place to make work, it’ll give artists a place to show work, and hopefully will also have an art supply store,” said crider.
She’s also planning for re-entry housing for previously incarcerated artists getting back on their feet. “We’ll have five or six apartments, communal dining living space, along with studio apartments, and we’ll have on-site counseling,” said crider.
Albuquerque City Councilor Joaquin Baca said he hopes the project can help start a domino effect for more revitalization downtown.”It being such a big prominent property, it’ll have a much bigger effect than some of these other homes, like you will know that things are changing downtown,” said Baca.
Crider is also a contractor and said she will oversee most of the work needed. She hopes to open the building sometime in fall.