When discussions about density and housing reform arise in Albuquerque, a common argument emerges: “Density doesn’t belong in the Southwest. It’s not how we’ve historically built.” But this belief misunderstands our region’s past.

Far from being an alien concept, compact, walkable communities are deeply rooted in the Southwest’s history and culture. The way we built for centuries—through Indigenous pueblos, Spanish plazas, and territorial town centers—reflects a tradition of efficient, community-centered living that modern zoning and suburban sprawl have largely erased.

Now, as Albuquerque faces a housing crisis, we have an opportunity to reclaim this tradition—not as a relic of the past, but as a path forward for a more sustainable, livable city.

A Legacy of Compact Development in the Southwest

1. Indigenous Pueblo Housing: The Original Compact Communities

For over a thousand years, Indigenous communities in New Mexico have demonstrated that compact, resource-efficient development is not foreign to this region—it is foundational.

• Taos Pueblo (over 1,000 years old) is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S. Its stacked, multi-story homes are designed for shared resources, resilience, and social cohesion.

• Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon housed over 600 rooms, proving that density was key to survival and prosperity in the arid Southwest.

🔹 The Lesson? Compact, community-centered living is not new to this region—it is embedded in our history.

2. Spanish & Territorial-Era Development: Walkability and Mixed-Use

The Spanish colonial and territorial periods further refined this pattern of dense, mixed-use development, creating some of New Mexico’s most cherished places.

• Plazas as Community Hubs – Santa Fe Plaza and Old Town Albuquerque were built as centers of commerce, culture, and social life. These areas remain dense, walkable, and highly desirable today.

• New Mexico Territorial Architecture – Thick adobe walls and small footprints kept homes cool while maximizing shade, efficiency, and social ties.

🔹 The Takeaway? Density isn’t new to the Southwest—it built our most beloved places.

Modern Resistance to Density: A Misguided Fear

Despite this strong historical precedent, many still associate compact development with big-city high-rises or worry that it will erase Albuquerque’s character.

But the truth is: 

✔ Density doesn’t mean high-rises. It can mean townhomes, courtyard apartments, and casitas that blend seamlessly into existing neighborhoods.
✔ Density isn’t ugly. New Mexico’s local architectural styles support dense, beautiful, and context-sensitive development.
✔ Density enriches neighborhoods. It supports local businesses, makes transit viable, and reduces infrastructure costs.

If we can build large, multi-story buildings in Pueblo and Spanish Revival styles (like the Loretto Hotel in Santa Fe or UNM’s Zimmerman Library), then we can also build homes that fit our cultural identity while embracing compact, sustainable design.

What Compact Development Unlocks for Albuquerque

A major benefit of gentle density is that it unlocks key amenities that make neighborhoods more livable:

• 6 homes per acre → Supports a corner store.

• 8 homes per acre → Supports a frequent bus route.

• 12 homes per acre → Supports a full grocery store.

• 15 homes per acre → Supports rapid transit (like ART).

🔹 The Reality? Many Albuquerque neighborhoods don’t look “dense” but could be thickened up with duplexes, casitas, and corner apartments—allowing more amenities without drastically changing neighborhood character.

Examples of Gentle, Context-Sensitive Density

We don’t need to build massive apartment towers to add density. Examples of compact, blended development that work in Albuquerque include:

🏡 Plexes & Casitas – Small-scale density that fits naturally into existing neighborhoods.
🏠 Townhomes – A balance between affordability and homeownership.
🏘 Courtyard Apartments – Small clusters of homes built around shared greenspace.
🏚 The "Big House" Model – Large homes converted into multi-unit housing while maintaining historic character.

The Path Forward: Compact Development as an Investment in Our Future

If Albuquerque wants to reduce sprawl, improve affordability, and build stronger communities, we must embrace incremental, small-scale density.

Here’s how:
✅ Legalize duplexes, casitas, and townhomes citywide – Let neighborhoods evolve naturally.
✅ Encourage infill development – Focus on existing infrastructure rather than sprawl.
✅ Prioritize walkability & transit – Higher densities support better transportation and vibrant streets.
✅ Retrofit outdated zoning – Stop forcing neighborhoods into single-use, car-dependent sprawl.

By reconnecting with our region’s traditions, Albuquerque can blend modern housing needs with cultural preservation, ensuring that our neighborhoods remain affordable, livable, and economically strong.

Compact Development is Our Past—and Our Future

The Southwest was built on compact, resource-efficient communities long before modern zoning outlawed them. The real question isn’t “Should we allow density?” but “Why did we ever ban it in the first place?”

To build a resilient, affordable, and vibrant Albuquerque, we must return to the principles that have guided Southwest living for centuries—not as an exercise in nostalgia, but as a blueprint for a stronger future.