Day 1 | Wednesday Dec. 7

The trip to Albuquerque was a productive undertaking. Overall, it proved to be very informative, educational and fact filled. We were offered a look behind the veil, to explore how the politics work, for both the city of Albuquerque, as well as the Pueblo Nation.

The following summary is a day-by-day analysis of what we experienced:

4:30 PM - Upon arrival to ABQ Sunset Airport, and eventually driving to Hotel Albuquerque, where we lodged, we soon connected with Michelle to make plans for a casual dinner and discussion. She recommended we meet at a nearby place called the Sawmill Market.

6:30 PM - We arrived at the venue and noticed lots of people, food and beverage establishments and eateries all housed within an old sawmill, now converted into a well designed and built food hall.

Michelle had invited Dawn to join us and once they arrived, we ordered food and drinks, grabbed a table, and talked for the rest of the evening about the city, its rich history, resources, and all the challenges they face with creating equity and inclusion for BIPOC communities.

The front marquis of the Sawmill Market, the front marquis of Hotel Albuquerqe, and the rooftop view at Hotel Chaos

A Christmas tree in the main lobby at Hotel Albuquerque, and a local eatery inside the main entrance at Sawmill Market

The Sawmill Market is reminiscent of food hall marketplaces that are springing up throughout the U.S. It was an interesting parallel however, to a venue in Saint Paul that is the site of the former Shmidt’s Brewery, now called Schmidt Artist Lofts. The Lofts reside in the old converted brewery where the last kegs rolled out back in 2002. Now after renovation, it is the home of 247 live/work artist rental lofts. Next to the brewery is a food hall much like the Sawmill Market called Keg and Case Market, a 33,000 sf, co-op managed venue featuring local food/beverage brands.