In her inaugural year as the director of Downtown ABQ MainStreet and Arts & Culture District, Danielle Schlobohm reflects on 2023 with a sense of pride and optimism, calling it a year of ideas and growth. “New Mexico has the most main streets of any state,” Schlobohm notes with pride.
Schlobohm’s journey with Downtown ABQ MainStreet began in 2019 at the Growers’ Market. Now, in her first full year as director, she navigates a unique role that is part developer and part organizer. Downtown ABQ MainStreet functions as a bridge between the community and the government, striving to support the downtown district, which spans 80 blocks. Founded in 2013, the New Mexico MainStreet program aims to engage people, rebuild places and revitalize economies, which leads to economically thriving downtowns, greater business and employment opportunities and an enhanced quality of life.
Separate from the Downtown ABQ MainStreet is the Downtown Albuquerque Arts & Cultural District. This initiative, both a place and a program, covers 30 blocks and supports the creative economy of Downtown Albuquerque through promotional support, funding and partnerships. It has been state-designated since 2016.
The two most well-known projects of Downtown ABQ MainStreet are the Downtown Growers’ Market in Robinson Park and Artwalk. “I can’t imagine Downtown without the Growers’ Market and Artwalk,” Schlobohm says, underscoring the deep-rooted significance of these events.
ArtWalk is more than just a First Friday gallery opening. “It’s an intentional program,” Schlobohm says. Now in its sixth year, Artwalk benefits the entire downtown community. “Artists make between $200 and $1000 a night and businesses typically report double in sales and double in foot traffic for the month.”
The Downtown Growers’ Market, the longest-running farmer’s market in the area, began in 1996 in Robinson Park. “You can shop the largest selection of local farmers and ranchers in Albuquerque!” Schlobohm exclaims. Supporting small farmers and providing fresh food options and food assistance to families living downtown is a priority. The market annually hosts 60 New Mexican farmers and ranchers from 10 different counties, each bringing their unique knowledge, flavor and personal touch to the plants they grow, animals they raise and bees they tend. “The entire community waits for it to open every single year,” she adds, noting the market’s deep connection with the community.
Over 50 businesses have launched from the market into storefronts, including The Burque Bakehouse, Buen Provecho, Blue Door Patisserie, Little Green Bucket, Tino’s Tacos, La Cocina De Maria and Las Golondrinas Pie Company, now in Barelas Coffee House. “It’s so essential to the community now. We want to make sure it continues to be available,” Schlobohm asserts.
Schlobohm reflects on her role, “My favorite part of the job is helping make the connections.” She recounts how High Dessert and Sanitary Tortilla are now collaborating on a new project. “I’m constantly trying to make new introductions and connections.”
“The staff is amazing—dedicated to the work and the neighborhood too. They care about downtown. Many people don’t treat it just as a day job—they live here, work here, and play here,” Schlobohm shares, emphasizing the deep connection the team has with the area.
Looking ahead, Schlobohm acknowledges the challenges of the upcoming year. The market, now in its 28th year, is growing and may need to spin off on its own. “If people love downtown, if they love food, if they love art, we are doing the biggest chunk of it downtown.”