The Foundation’s annual awards celebration and membership forum at El Zócalo in Bernalillo was a wonderful evening to explore this local site along El Camino Real and meet the honorees of this year’s annual Architecture + Community Awards.

Awards Celebration

Tour participants: David Ferguson, Audra Bellmore, Lynda Hayes, Lynne Arany, Tyler Mason, Richard Koteres

Audra Bellmore addresses the membership as the Foundation’s new secretary and tour organizer

John Briscoe presents award to architect Rupal Engineer for El Vado Motel

David Ferguson, biologist at Botanic Gardens receives praises from John Briscoe

John Briscoe presents award to Ed Boles.

The Meeting Place Along El Camino Real
www.elzocaloplaza.com/history.html

The historic 1874 convent in Bernalillo that is now El Zócalo was built on El Camino Real (the Royal Road) for easy access to the people living, working and traveling by.

El Camino Real follows the Rio Grande from the U.S./Mexico border to Santa Fe and for 300 years was the Southwest’s main road for travelers. Portions of the road followed the Rio Grande Pueblo Indian Trail, in use since before the arrival of the first Spanish explorers.

El Zócalo, which means “the meeting place,” is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The outside courtyard, fountains, and grassy areas provides a focal point for the building. Its thick adobe walls and brick floors warmly refurbished, is a cozy and historic venue for gatherings and celebrations.