Expanding Pueblo Culture: IPCC has several developments underway

It is an exciting time for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Campus with several projects in the works that will expand its reach and increase its footprint in the community.

In the next 18 months, IPCC will be building Tesla charging stations and overflow parking, opening a grocery store, redeveloping its convenience store and opening a commercial kitchen.

Tesla is in the process of building 36 charging stations near the Avanyu Plaza. Twenty-four chargers will be Level 3 chargers, also known as DC Fast Charging or Superchargers, and 12 chargers will be Level 2 chargers with 240-volt outlets. The project, which is expected to be completed by the end of September, also will include additional parking at Avanyu Plaza. Drivers can dine, shop or go to the spa on the cultural center campus while they wait for their vehicles to charge.

Also in the fall, La Montañita Food Co-op will open its flagship store on the IPCC Campus. The Co-op signed a lease with IPCC in May 2022 and an official groundbreaking was held in September 2023. IPCC is working on building an 18,000-square-foot grocery store for La Montañita.

“Our partnership with IPCC in the development of Avanyu Plaza is one that leaves me overjoyed,” James Esqueda, general manager of La Montañita Food Co-op, said in a statement. “This opportunity will expand our footprint in Albuquerque, increase our product offerings, create new jobs and help achieve our goals to increase access to healthy foods, grow the regenerative agricultural sector and support the local economy.”

A busy and critical component of the IPCC campus will be redeveloped. IPCC’s internal development team is working with Modulus Architects on the planning and design of the revamped Four Winds Convenience Store, 2401 12th St. NW. The project will take between 18 to 24 months to complete. A groundbreaking date for the project will be determined soon.

“We’re proud that it is one of the top five standalone convenience stores in the entire country,” Michael Canfield, IPCC president and CEO, said in a statement. “The original building is nearing the end of its life and a new building is desperately needed in order for its operations to continue its pace and service for our customer base.”

IPCC is also hoping to generate economic development by creating an Entrepreneur Complex. The hub will offer critical spaces, technologies and resources designed to help Native and local entrepreneurs, Canfield said.

IPCC has secured $4.7 million toward the $8 million capital campaign for the Entrepreneur Complex. The campaign will enable the IPCC to complete construction, furnish and equip the complex.

Phase I of the Indian Pueblo Entrepreneur Complex is steadily progressing through construction. The first phase is taking about three acres of underutilized land on the part of the IPCC campus west of 12th Street NW. It will have a 7,500-square-foot commercial kitchen. Phase I is centered around supporting those in the food and agricultural industries.

“We will build out programming and a full suite of wraparound services to support small businesses of any industry,” Canfield said. “We’re excited to bring the IPCC name and capacity to this space and help others achieve their goals for success.”

Phase II of the project will include further cold storage, renovation of existing buildings and campus connectivity for small business owners working on their craft, according to a statement from IPCC leaders.

“Over the past 24 months the projects we’ve been working on total approximately $50 million,” Canfield said. “$30 million of that will be completed in 2024.”

A project that has been in discussions for many years is the Bernalillo County property purchase of the New Mexico State University County Extension Office that includes its 4-H program. IPCC has increased its interest in the property which would allow the cultural center room for expansion that would increase the number and types of events held there.

“With the new land, our guests will have multiple access points to the campus and IPCC’s development projects, Four Winds and the Entrepreneur Complex, can reach their full potential,” Canfield said.

He said IPCC will continue to work with NMSU and Bernalillo County for the next few years so each can continue their programming onsite.

“We will work with the local neighborhood to provide a community garden and a welcoming space for the local neighborhood,” Canfield said.

Off campus, IPCC is expanding its presence in Albuquerque by bringing its trademark Indian Pueblo Kitchen and Indian Pueblo Store to the Albuquerque International Sunport. It has teamed up with Tailwind Concessions for the project and the contract goes before the Albuquerque City Council on May 6.

“Both of these IPCC brands will offer scaled back menus and options to travelers,” Canfield said. “We can’t wait to share this campus in a different way with those who are traveling through the Sunport.”

Another project on the horizon for IPCC is development south of Interstate 40. IPCC has about five acres of undeveloped land just south of I-40 that was part of the original Albuquerque Indian School property. IPCC leaders have been in discussions with the General Services Administration on acquiring the adjacent property that contains a 77,000-square-foot warehouse.

“On this property, we will create an attraction like no other in town,” Canfield said. “We will connect the Entrepreneur Complex by offering small businesses an expanded place to scale, sell and market their products.”

Canfield said the IPCC is also working with the city of Albuquerque and its Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency to be the north end anchor of the Rail Trail. It would provide an inviting place for Rail Trail users to enjoy “local brews, do some shopping, or come for a live event,” according to a statement from IPCC leaders.

“There’s so many projects going on right now that are going to come to fruition by the end of the year,” Canfield said. “And starting 2025, projects are going to continue to grow. We’re very excited about the year and what’s in store for us.”