Journal Center evolves into Albuquerque’s go-to destination for work, dining, and living

The Journal Center in Albuquerque began as a hub for business and over the years, it’s evolved into something far more dynamic — an all-in-one community where people can work, live and play without ever leaving the park.

What started as a visionary office space development has grown into a multiuse environment that blends commercial, retail and residential spaces.

With its recent additions, including retail options at The Market Place and The Legacy Shops, as well as residential developments like The Allaso Journal Center apartments, the Journal Center is emerging as one of Albuquerque’s most exciting, walkable areas.

From vision to reality

The Journal Center’s journey began in the early 1980s when a California-based land-use planner was brought in to design a space that would be more than just a business district. The vision was clear: create a place where work, convenience and lifestyle could coexist.

“People who come to Journal Center to do business can now enjoy the same services at both The Market Place and The Legacy Shops. With the addition of apartments, people visiting friends who live there can get food without ever leaving Journal Center,” said Lowell Hare, chairman and CEO of the Journal Center Corporation.

Over the decades, this foresight has come to life, with each development phase staying true to the original design principles of balancing business with community.

A hub for work, retail and residential living

What sets the Journal Center apart from other developments in Albuquerque is its intentional prioritization of office space. While other areas of the city may emphasize retail as their main draw, the Journal Center focuses on offering a strong base of commercial and office space, enhanced by retail and residential developments.

Here’s a look at a few of the businesses who call Journal Center home:

Office space: There are a host of different businesses from financial to medical. For example, Mirau Capital Management Inc. offers clients a comprehensive strategy to help them address their financial needs and concerns. Upright MRI of New Mexico, a leading diagnostic imaging center, features two advanced MRI machines, one being the patient-friendly Upright MRI model.

Restaurants: Dining options are varied, with a selection of restaurants and cafes serving different cuisines, including Marigold Cafe, Restoration Pizza, Ramona’s Mexican Cafe and Hello Deli. For coffee lovers, Satellite Coffee offers the perfect spot to grab a quick cup on-the-go or to relax and enjoy a more leisurely coffee experience in the cafe.

Housing: The addition of residential spaces, including the Allaso Journal Center apartments and the soon-to-be-completed The Senary by Allaso apartments, marks a significant milestone in the center's transformation.

“With 10,000 or more people working at Journal Center, adding 210 apartments seemed like a no-brainer,” Hare explains. “It gives people the opportunity to live where they work.”

The Journal Center is designed to be a walkable, accessible environment. With traffic lights, pedestrian paths and plenty of green spaces, it’s easy for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the full spectrum of offerings without ever having to leave.

Growth and future potential

As the Journal Center continues to grow, there have been some unexpected developments along the way.

“I never thought we’d have two charter schools. That wasn’t in the plan back then, but we’re delighted to have them in the park,” says Hare.

Looking to the future, there’s more in store for the Journal Center. Plans for additional retail development, particularly near the Cabela’s store, will continue to enhance the community's offerings.

After decades of thoughtful development, the Journal Center is becoming the bustling, all-inclusive neighborhood its creators envisioned from the very beginning.

“We envision more retail development in Legacy, especially near Cabela’s. That’s the last remaining undeveloped land in Journal Center,” Hare says. ““It’s finally coming together as we envisioned from day one. Now you can work, live, and play — all without leaving Journal Center.”

With more office space, retail options and now a growing residential presence, the center has fully embraced the idea of a community where you can work, live and play — all within the same space.

For more information on the Journal Center, visit https://thejournalcenter.com/.

This is a paid post written by The Journal's branded content team for The Journal Center.