The 27.3 acre site was designed and constructed by the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF) as one of four repair and maintenance facilities for its fleet of steam locomotives. Built between 1880 and 1930, the facility contains approximately 18 historically significant structures that have been abandoned since the 1980’s. At one point during its history, the Rail Yards employed over 20% of the population of the City of Albuquerque, becoming both. The site and buildings are currently under consideration for National Registry status.

Eric Owen Moss Architects were responsible for the Master Plan design in conjunction with selected Master Developer, Samitaur Constructs, and the City of Albuquerque who currently own the site. The approved Master Plan includes the adaptive reuse of a large majority of the historic structures combined with new infill development, providing a total development envelope of approximately 880,000gsf. Allowable uses include High-Tech and Creative Office, Research and Development Laboratories, Light Industrial, Cultural Facilities, Retail, Workforce Housing and Public Open Space. When complete, the redevelopment of the Rail Yards will be a model of adaptive reuse, historic preservation and sustainable design.