SHNA - History of the Silver Hill Neighborhood

SHNA - History of Silver Hill

"The coming aristocratic section of Albuquerque" is how a promotional brochure described the University Heights Addition in 1906. That is how the University Heights and Silver Hill areas developed during the 1920s and 1930s - perhaps not as 'aristocratic' sections, but certainly as desirable, middle-class neighborhoods comprised mostly of single family houses with a sprinkling of duplexes. Craftsman builders constructed most of the houses in the neighborhood, usually at the rate of two or three per year. Silver Avenue was considered a desirable street, especially since it was enhanced with curbs and gutters, a median, and the planting of elm trees in 1926. During the Great Depression, WPA projects in Silver Hill included the construction of the Heights Community Center, now a City of Albuquerque Landmark, and the Roosevelt Park. Today Silver Hill reflects this heritage and is the location of many historically significant houses, including the former home of Mayor Clyde and Carrie Tingley.

1932 Photo of the Home of Clyde and Carrie Tingley

The Tingley Home in 1932

"Lead Avenue Trees" Karl Koenig - 1984

The Tingley Home at 1623 Silver Avenue SE today

The Bourne "Tingley" Home today

Click here for information on our new DESIGN REGULATION TASK FORCE

The Methodist Deaconess Hospital used to be on the north side of Central between Ash and Pine. It was torn down in the 1950's.

Tax Incentives for Registered Properties
Owners of private properties or properties in neighborhoods listed in the State Register of Cultural Properties are eligible for a state income tax credit against expenses of restoration, rehabilitation, or preservation projects that have been approved by the Cultural Properties Review Committee. The credit is 50% of approved eligible expenditures, up to a maximum credit of $25,000 per project over 5 years. Approval must be granted prior to the start of the work. Income-producing and private residential properties, as well as archaeological sites are eligible for the credit.

Serving Silver Hill Since 1976

The Silver Hill Neighborhood Association, in existence for almost 30 years, is an active force in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in Silver Hill. With an average of more than 50 dues paying members, SHNA participates in city-sponsored civic improvement events each year. SHNA also sponsors decoration of the Silver median and parkways throughout the neighborhood on Christmas Eve. The Association holds regular get-togethers at neighbors' homes as a way of getting to know one another better. An annual fiesta is held each August to facilitate residents' obtaining their parking permits. SHNA participates with the Albuquerque Youth Advisory Council in an effort to provide "youth space" for constructive activities for teenagers after school at the Heights Community Center. Other civic projects include our tree adoption and trash can adoption programs. By far our greatest achievement has been the successful execution of the Reforestation Project, one of the largest urban reforestation projects in the country and one that will serve as a model for years to come.

A ongoing effort is underway to obtain funding for completing the design and implementation of our reforestation program in Silver Hill. Now that the Silver median phase of the project is finished, the plan is to gradually restore the landscaping on all other parkways in the neighborhood by replacing dead and aging trees with planting appropriate to the character of the neighborhood. Residents can expect phase two on Gold Avenue to begin within the next year. Anyone who is interested or wants to help in the process is encouraged to attend the regular monthly neighborhood association meetings. Plans also include the establishment of a non-profit corporation to carry on the reforestation efforts and to spearhead other civic improvement projects. SHNA also works closely with elected officials at the City, County, State, and Federal levels to ensure that our needs and concerns are understood and addressed.