CITY of ALBUQUERQUE
TWENTY SIXTH COUNCIL
COUNCIL BILL NO. O-24-38 ENACTMENT NO. ________________________
SPONSORED BY: Joaquín Baca, by request
ORDINANCE
title
Designation Of The Aldo Leopold House As A City Landmark (Baca, by request)
body
DESIGNATION OF THE ALDO LEOPOLD HOUSE AS A CITY LANDMARK.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 3-22-3 NMSA 1978 of the Historic District and Landmark Act the City Council, the governing body of the City of Albuquerque, has the authority to adopt zoning districts designating certain areas as historical areas and to adopt and enforce regulations and restrictions within such districts relating to the erection, alterations and destruction of those exterior features of buildings and other structures subject to public view from any public street, way or other public place; and
WHEREAS, the authority conferred by the Historic District and Landmark Act is consistent with the authority of the City Council to amend the zone map for the physical development of the areas within the planning and platting jurisdiction of the City as authorized by Section 3-19-5 NMSA 1978, and by the City of Albuquerque’s home rule powers; and
WHEREAS, the protection, reuse, and enhancement of significant buildings, districts, and sites is a goal of the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the property owner, consents to the designation of the property as a City of Albuquerque Landmark; and
WHEREAS, The Aldo Leopold House already holds significance as a contributing property to the Aldo Leopold Neighborhood Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Additionally, the house itself is recognized on both the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties and the National Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, the Landmarks Commission, in its advisory role on historic preservation matters has recommended City Council approval of the landmark designation; and
WHEREAS, the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) Subsection 14-16-6-7(C) provides for designation of landmark sites and structures; and
WHEREAS, the Landmarks Commission, on June 10, 2024, recommended that the City Council approve a designation of City Landmark Site at 135 14th Street SW, between Central and Los Alamos Avenues SW; and
WHEREAS, Aldo Leopold’s importance to New Mexico lies in his profound influence on conservation ethics and land management practices, which have had lasting impacts on the state’s environment and culture. The Leopold family lived in the house for nearly a decade; and
WHEREAS, the house embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of significance with its period of significance being 1916-1959. Its intricate features highlight the craftsmanship and characteristic elements of its era and construction methods. Reflective of the prevalent trend in Albuquerque's suburban landscape during the 1910s and 20s, the house incorporates various elements synonymous with the Bungalow Style, seamlessly integrating with neighboring bungalows along South Fourteenth Street.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE:
SECTION 1: That the Aldo Leopold House Site, located at 135 14th Street SW, between Central and Los Alamos Avenues SW be designated a City Landmark.
SECTION 2: SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. If any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, word or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this ordinance. The Council hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance and each section, paragraph, sentence, clause, word or phrase thereof irrespective of any provision being declared unconstitutional or otherwise invalid.
SECTION 3: COMPILATION. This ordinance shall not be incorporated in and made part of the Revised Ordinances of Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1994.
SECTION 4: OFFICIAL ZONING MAP. The City Planning Department shall update the official Zoning Map to reflect the adopted City Landmark designation for the Aldo Leopold house located at 135 14th Street SW, between Central and Los Alamos Avenues SW.
SECTION 5: EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall take effect five days after publication by title and general summary.
X:\CL\SHARE\CL-Staff\_Legislative Staff\Legislation\26 Council\O-38final.docx