Grand opening of THE BLOCK pushed back to Sept.

After nearly two years of excitement, anticipation and headaches caused by construction delays, THE BLOCK was finally set to open this month.

Not so fast, my friend.

Tiffany Gravelle, chief operations officer for THE BLOCK, announced in June that the 18,000-square-foot venue, originally slated to open last fall, would open its doors Aug. 11.

Gravelle announced Thursday that even more obstacles have pushed the highly anticipated grand opening back to Sept. 13.

The opening of THE BLOCK “has been rescheduled due to unforeseen construction and tenant build-out delays. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the community’s patience,” Gravelle said.

Opening day will now begin at 10 a.m. Sept. 13 followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce and several community leaders at noon Sept. 15.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone alongside the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce, local dignitaries and our valued neighbors,” Gravelle said.

THE BLOCK, a shipping container complex featuring a high-end bar, boutiques and an interior food hall, is located on 1.3 acres of vacant land at the northwest corner of the Plaza at Enchanted Hills shopping center in Rio Rancho.

After breaking ground on the complex in November 2022, THE BLOCK was planned to open in fall 2023.

Now, THE BLOCK is finally scheduled to open in Enchanted Hills after months of delays.

THE BLOCK will feature indoor and outdoor spaces for food vendors, a designated food truck alley, retail space for businesses, a bar overlooking the Sandia Mountains and an outdoor stage that sits on a turf and concrete courtyard.

It is designed to enhance the existing shopping center experience and offer a place for the community to shop, eat and gather.

The venue can house up to 22 vendors. As of now, visitors can expect to see the following food and drink options when THE BLOCK opens: Stackers, Thicc Pizza Co., KuKri, Los Tacos del Rey, Umami, The Boba Lounge, Top of THE BLOCK and Mint Noodle Bowl.

Recently added tenants include local sweet shop Suga Suga, New Nuevo, which offers curated goods featuring only New Mexican makers and artisans, and Link Link, a jewelry wholesaler.