Today: Listed Historic Districts
City of Albuquerque planning work identified Nob Hill as a significant historic resource. In 1995, the City hired UNM architecture professor Chris Wilson to inventory Nob Hill buildings and evaluate potential historic districts. His survey found that:
- Over 90% of homes were built before WWII.
- Most houses had not been significantly remodeled, preserving original character.
- Incremental remodeling was beginning to erode historic qualities in both residential and commercial areas.
- More sympathetic design choices could easily preserve neighborhood character.
- Public education, including architectural walking tours, would support preservation.
- Monte Vista and College View Additions should be nominated for state and national historic registers.
Register Listings
- October 12, 2023: Moffson presented Granada Heights and Broadmoor Addition to the NM HPD Cultural Properties Review Committee. Both were unanimously approved for the NM Register and forwarded to the National Park Service.
- June 6, 2025: He presented 1906 University Heights, which was also unanimously approved and forwarded for national listing.
- All three districts were subsequently listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
What Register Listing Means
- A district is professionally evaluated and recognized as worthy of preservation.
- Listing does not regulate private property—owners may modify their homes as they choose.
- NM Register listing provides a 50% state tax credit for renovation of contributing properties.
- Owners may purchase and display NM Register plaques identifying contributing historic homes.
Many Nob Hill homeowners have begun using the tax credit and displaying plaques.
Is my house contributing? Consult these nominations to see which houses were determined to contribute.
1906 University Heights Historic District
1925 Granada Heights Historic District
1926 Monte Vista and College View Historic District
1947 Broadmoor Addition Historic District
See all the structures in Nob Hill with NM Register plaques
See lots more about Nob Hill and its fascinating story at reDiscoverNobHill.com
NHNA’s Role in Preservation
Nob Hill residents value historic character as a cultural resource that enriches daily life—much like art or music. Preserving original architecture helps maintain the neighborhood’s identity.
NHNA supports this through:
- Community planning advocacy
- Educational outreach, including annual architectural walks
- Helping residents understand and use NM’s 50% tax credit
- Sharing updates via the neighborhood email list
Zoning & Planning Context
Albuquerque’s zoning ordinances, first enacted in 1955, were amended piecemeal for decades. In 2015, the City undertook a comprehensive update, resulting in the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO), which now governs land use citywide.
The IDO provides guidance for:
- Remodeling
- Landscaping
- Front‑yard design
- Compatible development within historic neighborhoods
An Interactive Zoning Map is also available for residents
Stay Involved
NHNA welcomes questions, ideas, and participation. Residents can attend board meetings or email theboard@nobhill-nm.com to engage with ongoing preservation and planning work.