Summary of Albuquerque’s Tallest Buildings
Exploring Albuquerque
Albuquerque’s skyline may not be known for its tall skyscrapers, but it boasts a distinctive downtown core featuring notable high-rise buildings. Prominent structures such as the Albuquerque Plaza and the Hyatt showcase the city’s architectural identity, pointing their pinkish triangles towards the sky. The highest buildings are primarily located downtown, with others like the Bank of the West tower in midtown presenting an interesting contrast. Most of these structures date back to the 1980s and 1990s, reflecting a modern style within the city’s architectural landscape.
Albuquerque Plaza
As Albuquerque’s tallest building, the pinkish Plaza building stands as a true skyscraper. It reigns as the highest structure not only in the city but also in the state of New Mexico. Also referred to as the Bank of Albuquerque Tower, the building features a vibrant ground floor retail space. With a total of 22 floors, elevators ascend at varying speeds to accommodate the needs of its occupants.
Location: 201 Third Street NW
Built: 1990
Height: 351 feet
Floors: 22
Elevators: 8
Architect: Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum
Hyatt Regency Albuquerque
The Hyatt Regency, located adjacent to the Plaza, mirrors the architectural style of its neighbor. This impressive high-rise hotel reaches 21 stories, making it the tallest hotel in both Albuquerque and the state. Its design and location make it a significant fixture in the skyline.
Location: 330 Tijeras Street NW
Built: 1990
Height: 256 feet
Floors: 21
Architect: Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum
Compass Bank Building
The striking white facade of the Compass Bank Building establishes a distinctive presence in downtown Albuquerque. Upon its completion in 1968, it claimed the title of the tallest building in both the city and the state. With a rooftop antenna, the building reaches a total height of 272 feet and consists of 12 office floors situated on top of a six-story parking garage.
Location: 505 Marquette NW
Built: 1968
Height: 238 feet
Floors: 18
Albuquerque Petroleum Building
Addressing significant needs for commercial office space, the high-rise Petroleum Building stands across from the Compass Bank. Designed in a modernist style, it was once home to the Petroleum Club, an exclusive social club that operated until 2007.
Location: 500 Marquette NW
Built: 1986
Height: 235 feet
Floors: 15
Architect: Dwayne Lewis Architects
Bank of the West Tower
The Bank of the West Tower contributes to Albuquerque’s skyline, situated just south and west of Uptown. When completed, it was the tallest structure in both the city and state, previously known as the First National Bank Building East. This tower is unique as it’s the tallest building located outside the traditional downtown area.
Location: 5301 Central NE
Built: 1963
Height: 213 feet
Floors: 17
Architects: Flatow, Moore, Bryan, and Fairburn
Gold Building
Renowned for its distinctive dark glass facade, the Gold Building (formerly New Mexico Bank and Trust) elegantly reflects its surroundings. Its architectural features include a protruding brick-faced elevator on the south facade.
Location: 320 Gold Avenue SW
Built: 1967
Height: 203 feet
Floors: 14
Architects: W.C. Kruger & Associates
Dennis Chavez Federal Building
This federal office building in downtown Albuquerque was constructed to host the U.S. District Court and various federal services. The polished granite and marble detailing on the ground floor impart a clean and modern aesthetic. Although the courthouse has relocated, the building still accommodates several federal agencies.
Location: 500 Gold Avenue SW
Built: 1972
Height: 197 feet
Floors: 13
Architects: Flatow, Moore, Bryan, and Fairburn
Public Service Company of New Mexico
Part of the Alvarado Square complex, the PNM Building connects to an adjacent structure across the street, contributing significantly to the urban experience in downtown Albuquerque.
Location: 415 Silver Avenue SW
Built: 1974
Height: 184 feet
Floors: 12
Simms Building
Recognized as Albuquerque’s first modern high-rise, the Simms Building introduced a contemporary, international feel to the city’s skyline. It was the tallest building until the Gold Building was constructed seven years later. Today, it stands as a historic landmark and was featured in the television series “Breaking Bad” as the office for DEA character Hank Schrader.
Location: 400 Gold SW
Built: 1954
Height: 180 feet
Floors: 13
Architects: Flatow, Moore, Bryan, and Fairburn
United States Courthouse
The United States Courthouse, named in honor of Senator Pete Domenici in 2004, serves as a critical part of Albuquerque’s legal infrastructure along with two additional courthouses in the vicinity.
Location: 333 Lomas NW
Built: 1997
Height: 176 feet
Floors: 7
Architects: Flatow Moore Schaffer McCabe
