A Streamline Moderne commercial building in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill neighborhood, completed in 1946 as one of architect T. Charles Gaastra’s final works.
At a glance
The Hendren Building stands as a striking example of post-war commercial architecture in the American Southwest. Its design reflects the optimism and forward momentum of the 1940s, when automobile culture was reshaping American towns and cities.
History
Completed in 1946, the Hendren Building emerged during a period of rapid commercial expansion in Albuquerque. The structure represents one of the last commissions of architect T. Charles Gaastra, whose career spanned the development of modernist design in the region. The building was recognized for its historical and architectural significance when it was added to the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties in 1999, followed by inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
What you see
The building exemplifies Streamline Moderne, an architectural style that borrowed from Art Deco while embracing the curved forms and horizontal lines associated with speed and motion. This aesthetic was particularly suited to automobile-oriented commercial development, where the design conveyed progress and efficiency to passing motorists.
Cultural significance
The Hendren Building documents a crucial moment in Albuquerque’s urban history, when the post-war boom transformed the city’s commercial landscape. It remains one of the city’s most notable expressions of Streamline Moderne design and offers insight into how architectural style responded to new patterns of commerce and transportation.
Key facts
- Built 1946
- Architect: T. Charles Gaastra
- Style: Streamline Moderne
- Location: Nob Hill neighborhood, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
- Coordinates: 35.0833°N, 106.6119°W
- Added to New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties: 1999
- Added to National Register of Historic Places: 2000
Practical information & getting there
The Hendren Building is located in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill neighborhood, a walkable commercial district. The building remains in use and is visible from the street.
Sources & resources
- Hendren Building – Wikipedia
- Cultural Heritage Online
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