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PHOTOS: THE BLOCK is ready to go as grand opening nears
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After nearly two years of excitement, anticipation and headaches caused by construction delays, THE BLOCK is finally set to open in September.
THE BLOCK, a brand-new venue in Enchanted Hills, will hold its grand opening for the public on Sept. 13 with a VIP soft opening celebration set for Sept. 12. The open-air shipping container complex which features a high-end bar, boutiques and an interior food hall, hosted its first event Aug. 27, a private event hosted by Albuquerque Business First.
Tiffany Gravelle, acting chief operations officer for THE BLOCK, welcomed a large crowd to the event and boasted about the new venue, which includes 35,000 square feet of new business space and 22 tenants, creating jobs and economic development in Rio Rancho. THE BLOCK will feature 14 food and retail locations, rotating food trucks and a signature bar called “The Top of THE BLOCK.”
THE BLOCK will host a variety of events daily, including live music, yoga classes, magicians and trivia, aiming to create a family-friendly space for community engagement beyond just eating and shopping.
“We really want this to be a community hub and a family-friendly space that you come to spend time in and not just eat and shop,” Gravelle said.
Despite encountering numerous setbacks such as construction delays, material shortages and tenant relocation issues, Gravelle is grateful for the support from the city of Rio Rancho and Mayor Gregg Hull for helping the venue overcome the challenges and stay on track for the new opening date.
“We were really lucky that through those challenging times, the vision was shared by Mayor Gregg Hull and the city of Rio Rancho,” Gravelle said. “They quickly got behind us and lent us their unwavering support and resources to bring THE BLOCK to reality.”
THE BLOCK 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 plan was for THE BLOCK to open in fall 2023.
Now, THE BLOCK is finally scheduled to open in Enchanted Hills after months of delays.
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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.
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.
“Our signature bar, The Top of THE BLOCK, is going to open October 1, with the best views of the Balloon Fiesta in the state,” Gravelle said. “What truly sets THE BLOCK apart is our heavy event schedule. We're dedicated to bringing the best that New Mexico has to offer to this stage with everything from live music several nights a week to free outdoor yoga, movie nights, trivia and entertainment, making it a community spot where people can come and spend time in addition to shopping and eating.”
