History
1920’s-The automobile allowed the city to expand beyond its downtown limits.
1930’s-The great depression paradoxically accelerated the expansion of the Near Heights and hasted the realignment of the city’s axis toward the east.
1930’s-Central was paved from Downtown to the State Fairgrounds using WPA funding.
1030’s-The Depression was the impetus behind the Veterans Administration Hospital. The streetscape from this project is the one defining characteristic of the Southeast Heights neighborhood.
1950’s – The city’s population tripled from 1940 levels with the growth of Kirtland Field, Sandia Laboratories, and related defense activities.
1960’s-Continued growth led to the approval of vast areas of high-density housing with inadequate parking, landscaping, and management.
1980s-Social and aesthetic problems cause the established neighborhoods nearby to push for rezoning, amenities, and city services for the highly mobile population.
1990’s-Recent upgrades to Presbyterian, Lovelace, Sunport, and the Fairgrounds have secured their place in this community.