New Mexico city may be a model for Provo

PROVO — The tale of two cities separated by 600 miles is mostly a story about their differences.

The Southwest flavor of Albuquerque's desert scenery seems to engulf the 450,000 residents who have made this New Mexico city their home.

The landscape looks different a state away in Utah, however, where Provo's population of 105,000 stands in awe of the majestic mountains that once greeted the city's early pioneer settlers.

But Provo and Albuquerque do share a common quandary.

Each has a downtown area that once thrived as a city center but has since spiraled into disrepair. Streets once lined with local shops are often vacant — the victims of suburban sprawl.

Or so it once was in Albuquerque before an improvement group put its historic downtown back on the map — a feat that required a partnership of the private and public sectors and a "new urbanism" approach to revitalization.

Local officials wonder if the same strategy could work for Provo.

"The responsible thing to do is to invest in your downtown . . . It will be the center of your community and something you can be proud of," said Christopher Leinberger, managing partner of the Historic District Improvement Co., responsible for the renovation of downtown Albuquerque.

Leinberger, who spoke to a group of Provo officials and residents Tuesday night, pointed out the similarities between Provo's plight and Albuquerque's recent attempts to revitalize its downtown.

Like Provo, Albuquerque watched as its 12-block downtown area slowly lost business and prestige over a 40-year period.

In recent years, by relying on Leinberger's "mixed-use urban" approach, the area has slowly transformed and now boasts a multiplex movie theater and 13 popular restaurants — the largest restaurant collection in New Mexico.

Construction also is under way for a $60 million sports and entertainment arena, as well as luxury lofts and apartments that will sit atop national retail shops.

And the entire area is scheduled to undergo a makeover to create a fun-to-look-at gathering spot that is pedestrian friendly.

"A large percentage of households want an urban experience," Leinberger said. "They want to be able to walk to work. They want to walk to restaurants. And they don't want to mess with their lawn."

In Provo, ongoing attempts to revitalize its downtown have netted minimal results. The city invited Leinberger in hopes that he could explain the "financial tools" necessary to undergo a similar venture in Provo.