ALBUQUERQUE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
CHAMPION BUILDING
Albuquerque, New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Champion Building renovation is a story of preservation, philanthropy, and adaptive reuse. Built in 1904 as the Lommori and Matteucci Grocery, the building served as a cornerstone for Albuquerque’s early Italian-American community, later becoming Champion Grocery. Like many neighborhood groceries of its time, the store provided goods on the ground floor with family residences above. Through successive expansions and decades of use, the building became a true community landmark.
In 2010, Paul and Patty Marianetti donated the property to the Albuquerque Community Foundation (ACF), with the stipulation that it be restored as the Foundation’s permanent home. This gift provided not only a headquarters, but also an opportunity for ACF to embody its mission as stewards of both community philanthropy and historic preservation.
SMPC Architects led the restoration and adaptive reuse, balancing the preservation of historic character with the introduction of modern infrastructure. An exterior elevator tower and accessible entry were sensitively integrated, ensuring universal access while respecting the historic fabric. The first floor was reimagined to host community rooms and galleries, while the upper level now provides offices for Foundation staff and partner nonprofits.
Design challenges were significant. Structural assessments revealed deficiencies in the roof and floor framing, requiring careful intervention with new structural systems woven into the historic shell. Exterior restoration included repointing masonry, restoring original openings, and replacing doors and windows with energy-efficient units that honor the building’s historic appearance. Inside, “truth windows” were introduced to showcase original details, allowing visitors to glimpse the story of the building’s past while engaging in its new purpose.
The project’s success lies not only in the restored architecture, but also in its enduring role as a hub for philanthropy. More than 65% of construction costs were covered through community donations, making the Champion Building both a home for giving and a product of generosity. Today, the Foundation annually awards more than $2.5 million in grants to over 500 nonprofit organizations, continuing a legacy of impact that resonates throughout New Mexico.
Photography by: Kirk Gittings Photography
“When I attend meetings in our conference rooms, tour guests through the many sunny spaces and watch my staff work in our new home, I am struck by how fortunate we are to have collaborated with the finest professionals in their respective fields to restore the Champion Building into the community landmark it is today.”
– Randy Royster, President & CEO, Albuquerque Community Foundation
Project Highlights
- Sensitive renovation of a historic 1904 grocery building into a philanthropic headquarters
- 65% of construction costs contributed by community donors
- Addition of an exterior elevator and accessible entry to support universal access
- Preservation of original materials with “truth windows” showcasing historic details
- Functional community meeting rooms and office space for ACF and nonprofit partners
- ACF continues to award over $2.5M in grants annually to more than 500 organizations
Accolades
- 2013 Associated General Contractors – Best Buildings Under $2.5M
- 2012 Associated General Contractors – Best Building Award for Long Lasting Community Impact
- 2012 NAIOP Awards of Excellence Eagle Award – Historic Renovation Category
Project Team
