Shafts of light pour through green and clear glass windows, creating a checkerboard pattern on the floor. The light adds decoration to a vast, empty space. This metal-ribbed building looks like it has seen a lot of activity and industry. In the past. Now, it lies vacant, waiting to be rediscovered.

Flickr/killbox
For years, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Rail Yards complex did indeed seem forgotten. Revitalization projects came and went. And the facility’s remaining 18 buildings were closed to the public.
Flickr/Ingrid Truemper
Flickr/Enrique A Sanabria
Flickr/killbox
Flickr/Ingrid Truemper

Related Stories

The Remnants Of This Abandoned Fort In New Mexico Are Hauntingly Beautiful

The Remnants Of This Abandoned Fort In New Mexico Are Hauntingly Beautiful

 You’ll Feel Like You Stepped Back In Time When Visiting This New Mexico Ghost Town

You’ll Feel Like You Stepped Back In Time When Visiting This New Mexico Ghost Town

 The Abandoned Mine Town In New Mexico That Lets You Experience Hauntings From The Past

The Abandoned Mine Town In New Mexico That Lets You Experience Hauntings From The Past
Facebook/ The Albuquerque Rail Yards
Although many of the structures are still off-limits, you can now visit this Albuquerque industrial icon by attending the Sunday market at the Blacksmith Shop.

The market launched in 2014. It runs from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Sundays, from May to October.

Each week there’s a slightly different focus, from superhero day to "shop local" events.
Flickr/Enrique A Sanabria
Roughly 80 vendors participate. The market makes it easy to try artisan products from New Mexico companies and farms. The stalls go beyond food though; skincare products, leather, ceramics, and more are sold as well. When you shop here, you’re not just buying goods; you’re also protecting history.
Flickr/Enrique A Sanabria
The intact buildings at The Yards were constructed between 1915 and 1925. It’s doubtful that original occupants could have imagined the facility’s current use.
Flickr/Enrique A Sanabria
Flickr/killbox
In the 1880s, it was decided that the AT&SF railway should split from the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad in Albuquerque. This made the city ideal for a major maintenance facility and the railroad shops were built. At one point, a quarter of Duke City's workforce was employed at this rail yard.

But what about the future of The Yards?

Samitaur Constructs, a company out of California, received approval from the Albuquerque City Council to redevelop The Yards. Here is a 3-D model of their proposed project.

In the meantime, take advantage of the opportunity to view this old Rail yard.

The Yards are located on 1st Street SW at Hazeldine Avenue SW in Albuquerque.

Check out this video for a drone’s eye view of the facility.

Do you want to visit The Yards? How do you think we should repurpose derelict places like this?

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore New Mexico