NBC/Universal Studios – Soundstage at 1601 Commercial

Constructed in 1975 on a four-acre lot along the railroad tracks north of downtown Albuquerque, the building at 1601 Commercial Street NE was a liquor distribution warehouse. SMPC worked with the owner/developer, Garcia Realty, on multiple renovation projects and efforts to revitalize the urban warehouse district.

 With added financial incentives and infrastructure support from the State of New Mexico Economic Development Department and the City of Albuquerque, the team began redevelopment of the 78,000 sf warehouse that had been vacant since 2017.

The location and free span high bay structure with loading docks provided a perfect framework for a television and film studio. Building improvements included exterior transformation of the façade and interior renovations to provide office and studio support spaces for two 20,000 sf sound stages with two-story high ceilings, light grids and appropriate sound-proofing. There are an 18,000 sf of flex space for mill work, production and storage.

SMPC collaborated with a sound stage consultant on layout and technical aspects. In 2019 the adaptive reuse of this building resulted in a 10-year lease with NBC/Universal Studios.