In early Spring of 2014, the DowntownABQ MainStreet Initiative was awarded a $15,000 grant by local energy provider PNM to install LED-neon lighting along the Central Avenue (Route 66) light poles in the heart of downtown. Additional funding provided by the City of Albuquerque completed the project from 1st through 8th Streets. The project was engineered by P. Joseph Barron, Architecture and Lighting Design.
![photo[3]](https://i0.wp.com/www.abqmainstreet.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/photo31.jpg?w=399&h=298&ssl=1 "photo[3]")
![photo[9]](https://i0.wp.com/www.abqmainstreet.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/photo9.jpg?w=399&h=298&ssl=1 "photo[9]")
The lights feature LED neon, which provides energy efficiency, longer life than traditional neon lighting, and color changing ability. The color changing LEDs add a festive atmosphere during the Holiday season, increase pedestrian lighting, and provide for a great downtown evening atmosphere. Additionally, it celebrates the historic significance of neon lighting along Route 66.
The new lights were formally lit at a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 6th.
Many thanks to PNM, the City of Albuquerque, and all of our partners on this wonderful project!
You can read more here and here.