City of Albuquerque purchases old Unser family home, seeks input on what to do with it
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It's a piece of history along Route 66 that the city just couldn't pass up. The property on Central Ave. and Unser Blvd. might not look like much at first, but it houses Albuquerque's history. 'The Central and Unser property is, was the former home of Bobby Unser, who was, you know, part of the Unser racing family, legends of Albuquerque,' said Shelle Sanchez, Director of the City of Albuquerque's Arts and Culture Department.
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Three-time Indy 500 champion and racing legend, Bobby Unser, died at 87 years old in 2021. It was the Unser family who then offered the at least four-acre property to the city. 'It was important to the Unser family that this property really benefit the city,' said Sanchez. The city bought the property for $2.2 million, calling it a major investment.
'Because of the really important cultural history, you know, the racing history in New Mexico, our car culture, also the location is really important for the city and hour we develop,' said Sanchez.
'The Unser family's impact on racing is legendary and their story deeply rooted in Albuquerque,' said District 3 City Councilor Klarissa Peña in a news release. 'For generations, the Unser legacy and racing history called our city home. Purchase of the Unser property provides a perfect opportunity for us to commemorate and honor the Unser spirit of innovation.'
'We're creating more spaces where future generations can connect to our city's unique history, vibrant culture, and families like the Unsers who shaped it,' said Mayor Tim Keller in a news release. 'This project is about honoring our roots and working hand in hand with the community to carry that legacy forward.'
Right now, the city does not have a master plan for the space, but is committed to preserving certain parts of it. 'There's a very important piece of history right there, which is the Unser's family garage and kind of repair shop that sits right there on Route 66,' said Sanchez. The city is now looking to the public for their ideas on how to utilize the space.
'We don't want to rush into anything. When you have such a big opportunity, you need to make the most of it,' said Sanchez.
A public input session is scheduled for June 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Central & Unser Library, where residents can share ideas on what to do with the site. People can RSVP here. Additional input sessions will be announced later.
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