Albuquerque launches mural, paint grant program for Central Avenue businesses

Astro-Zombies comic shop on Central and Richmond has a splashy mural of comic book characters on its east-facing wall, which new owner Chris Losack said regularly brings in visitors who stop to take a look.

“It really stands out, and it’s a way that people find us,” he said.

During the pandemic, when Losack was an employee at the shop, the mural was vandalized seven times and survived three arson attempts. The stucco on the century-old building — recently vandalized once again — is beginning to crack, Losack said, and replacing it will be pricey.

“It needs help,” Losack said of the mural. “It needs attention.”

A new city of Albuquerque program announced Tuesday is intended to help businesses like Losack’s along Central by awarding grants for fresh exterior paint jobs and large-scale murals to brighten up the street ahead of the Route 66 centennial.

“This is a unique area,” Losack said. “These are small businesses that have a personality, and so getting money from the state or the city to make other places, as well as mine, look better for curb appeal — I think that’s a great idea.”

The initiative, which the city is calling the “Fresh Coat: Property Improvement Grant,” is offering awards from $3,000 to $10,000 per business, depending on property size and project scope, administered by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency. Funding is available for murals 400 square feet or larger, which can be painted by individuals, contractors, volunteers or nonprofit organizations, city officials said.

“Central is a vital route through Albuquerque, and investing in it strengthens the communities that depend on it,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement. “Fresh Coat helps create places people want to walk, gather and support local businesses, while honoring the legacy of Route 66.”

Priority will be given to small businesses and projects that “spur reinvestment,” city officials said.

To be eligible, a business must be located in the following Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas: Barelas, Central/Highland/Upper Nob Hill, Downtown, East Downtown, East Gateway, Historic Central, Near Heights, Soldiers & Sailors Park, Sycamore, University or West Central. 

“I think it's great that we're getting some grant money over towards Central for the Route 66 celebration,” said Rich Bartel, owner of Clowndog Hot Dog Parlor on Central in Nob Hill.

Applications are open from Feb. 3 until April 3 and can be filed on the MRA’s website, where applicants can confirm eligibility by searching their address on the map.

“With the Route 66 centennial approaching, these projects are a wonderful way to honor the history and character of this iconic roadway while supporting the neighborhoods along it,” said MRA Director Terry Brunner.

 Natalie Robbins covers education for the Journal. You can reach her at nrobbins@abqjournal.com.