Los Ranchos 4th Street Revitalization

SITES partnered with the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque to transform a neglected remnant of the original Route 66 into a landmark roadway and civic corridor for this semi-rural community in the Middle Rio Grande Valley. The Fourth Street Revitalization Project celebrates the village’s agricultural heritage and open-space character while creating a vibrant Main Street that serves as an economic and cultural hub for residents and visitors alike.

The design reflects the community’s history and identity through locally inspired materials, agricultural plantings, and subtle design motifs. A complete-street approach guided the reimagining of the corridor, which now features a widened brick and pigmented concrete sidewalk, layered landscaping, and a pedestrian promenade with plazas, shaded seating areas, and new lighting. Custom street furniture and thoughtfully integrated public spaces reinforce Fourth Street as a welcoming, walkable destination.

Major improvements included a lane reduction to create a calmer, more people-oriented street, new custom bus stops, gateway signage to announce arrival into the village, beacon-controlled pedestrian crossings, and a new public parking lot to support local businesses and events. Together, these elements redefine Fourth Street as a signature community space that honors Los Ranchos’ rural roots while supporting its future as a thriving local center.