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Mark Baker, owner of 505 Central, stands at a recently resined bar top. (Anthony Jackson/ Albuquerque Journal)

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — One of Downtown Albuquerque’s most-anticipated developments is opening its doors to the public this weekend.

On Saturday, 505 Central, a 13,000-square-foot food hall with food and drink offerings from nine local vendors, is planning a grand opening event complete with appearances from Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and several New Mexico United players, according to owner and architect Mark Baker.

Baker told the Journal he’s encouraged by the success that other recently opened food halls around Albuquerque have had, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It turns out that food halls do really well in this kind of environment,” Baker said.

Over the past year, Baker has worked to transform the ground floor of the historic brick building at 505 Central Ave. NW into a unique dining experience with an open floor plan and a range of local options.

“It’s like a food court, but there’s no mall, and it’s better food,” Baker said.