Color and the straightforward use of materials distinguish this 6000-square-foot retail building located in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill neighborhood.  A dark blue pre-glazed masonry tower announces the entry and calls attention to the building from Central Avenue.  The contrasting color of ceramic tile which clads the parapet above the glass curtain wall further dramatizes the entry.  Both the tower and this entry notch are illuminated at night.
 
Wrapping around the tower and protecting the windows is a steel canopy.  A steel rod and turnbuckle assembly secured to the building with bolts and an exposed steel plate supports the canopy and articulates the unpainted concrete masonry walls. Bright neon signs are mounted to a special track located at the perimeter of the canopy --- not on the walls of the building, a strategy  which  anticipates  and  precludes  the unsightly bolt holes left behind by signs belonging to future tenants
 
The building is simple and smart in the design attention it pays to the importance of entry and signs.  The perimeter canopy functions as a marquee to a successful retail enterprise.