Albuquerque History: How Growth Spurred Changes in Roofing Structure

From its modest number of farms in the 1700s to now having over 250,000 houses, Albuquerque has grown to become one of the largest cities in the state. With this growth have come changes in housing styles, which brings an eclectic mix of southwestern tradition and modern design.

At AAA Roofing Co., we specialize in roof replacements in Albuquerque. Since our humble beginnings in 1991, we’ve also watched our city grow, bringing a mix of housing designs and innovations.

Here’s how Albuquerque’s growth impacted housing styles, integrating traditional flat roofing with high and low-pitched roofing styles.

Before the Railroad (1700s-1880)

What is known as Albuquerque today began as a small number of farms along the Rio Grande River in the early 1700s. It was in the late 1700s that we saw houses being built in what is now considered Old Town.

Small communities began to form, most of which were named after prominent families in the area that are highly recognized today, such as Los Candelarias, Los Montaños, and Los Poblanos.

Alameda was named after a Native American Pueblo that once existed there, and Corrales was named after its landowner and remained a Spanish farming village until after World War II.

Before the railroad and the influences of incoming Easterners, much of Albuquerque’s architecture and roofs remained flat, with adobe and brick being the dominant materials.

If you own an adobe home, consider using lighter and more durable synthetic materials such as TPO when needing a roof replacement.

After the Railroad (1880-1940)

With the introduction of the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF) came a boom in growth and industry. New Town Albuquerque emerged, bringing with it streets forming grid patterns, businesses, manufacturing, and its first planned suburb — Highland Addition.

Highland was made to attract business professionals by introducing Midwestern-style Queen Anne homes. These homes were in stark contrast to the flat roofing structures of the older adobe dwellings in Old Town. This is when we see pitched roofs replacing traditional flat roofing structures.

In 1900, New Town Albuquerque was incorporated, with around 6,000 residents calling it home. Schools, churches, hospitals, and government buildings quickly sprouted, and the American Lumber Company became the largest sawmill in the Southwest.

As new residents poured into Albuquerque, their housing tastes changed the styles of homes being built. Here are some of the housing styles that were now being made:

●      Hipped Box

●      Craftsman

●      Bungalow

●      Prairie Style

●      Italianate

●      Neoclassical

●      Tudor Revival

●      Dutch Colonial Revival

These pitched roof structures used imported materials from the East, such as corrugated metal, shingle, and wood.

When needing a roof replacement for your vintage home, call AAA Roofing Co. We’ll take every precaution to ensure your home’s structures can handle the new roof you choose.

After the Highways (1940-Present)

As World War II ended, Albuquerque began seeing the most significant influx of people and industries wanting a piece of its abundant sunshine and resources.

Sandia Laboratory was built, drawing in hundreds to work within its labs. Between 1946 and 1950, Albuquerque’s area tripled before the highways began being constructed.

Construction on Interstate-40 and Interstate-25 began in the late 1950s. This facilitated the city's rapid growth. In 1940, Albuquerque had over 35,000 residents, but by 1960, its population had boomed to over 200,000.

Between 1940 and 1960, we see changes happening to home styles. Architects were transitioning from Victorian styles to more modern designs. Ranch-style homes became popular with their low-sloped roofs. An International style emerged featuring modern building materials and flat roofs.

By the 1990s, Albuquerque now had almost 400,000 residents, and builders were now experimenting with creating Ranch-style homes with specific themes:

●      Contemporary Ranch

●      Pueblo Ranch

●      Storybook Ranch

Each Ranch-style architecture featured larger homes but with vastly different roofing. Contemporary ranch homes had low-sloped roofs. Pueblo ranch has flat roofs, while Storybook ranches have very steep roofs.

At this point, we also see traditional revival home styles being brought back, which are still dominant in Albuquerque’s architecture today. Victorian revivals such as the Queen Anne and Itlaliantes now feature a mix of flat and pitched roofing all within one structure. Spanish-Pueblo revivals still feature flat roofs but can now be seen with rounded and softer edges.

Beginning in the 2000s, we see the proliferation of Millenium Mansions. While some replicate a Southwestern motif, these larger, more luxurious homes defy traditional housing styles. Roofs can be flat, pitched, or both. Roofing materials range from shingles, clay tiles, metal, and sometimes wood.

Looking at Albuquerque’s homes today, you’ll find an assortment of styles, structures, and designs. It seems like there isn’t a housing style that can’t be found within the city limits, making Albuquerque’s housing one of the most eclectic in the US.

Looking for roof replacement in Albuquerque?

At AAA Roofing Co., we’ve been caring for Albuquerque’s homes since 1991. Whether you have a vintage Queen Anne or a Millenium Mansion, trust that our professionals will get the job done right the first time.

Contact us today to schedule an estimate for your roof replacement in Albuquerque!