The 18th-Century settlers really knew their stuff

We’re creating a series of town centers in Mesa del Sol that will serve their surrounding neighborhoods just as the Colonial-era plazas served theirs. Each town center will give residents a convenient place to pick up groceries and other everyday essentials. And when we say “convenient,” we mean within easy walking or biking distance.

As with the Colonial plazas, we expect these town centers will also result in people spending more time getting to know their neighbors. After all, you can have a nice chat whether you’re standing in line at the movie rental store or waiting for the blacksmith to finish shoeing your horse.

We’re not embarrassed to say that we “borrowed” part of the Mesa del Sol community plan from some people who lived here a long time ago. The Spanish colonials established a development pattern you still see in older parts of Albuquerque. The pattern is simple and practical: establish an urban plaza where people come together to trade for the things they need, like food, then build homes within walking distance of the plaza.

To view the Aperture Center brochure, click here.