El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail

Martineztown has always been at a crossroads, literally and figuratively. It is located at the historic crossroads used by indigenous groups for trade, The El Camino Real and Tijeras Canyon. As the original agricultural community changed to an urban neighborhood with the introduction of technology, first the railroad and then the interstate highway, Martineztown was to be demolished to make way for civic buildings. The strength of the citizens of Martineztown and the sense of place the generational families felt for their homes and neighbors gave them voice to come to city leaders and demand to work with the federal government to redevelop Martineztown to the high-density, history centric, educational and public art rich place it is today.  The redevelopment intentionally asked the question: does  the architectural planning fabric of the neighborhood inform the citizens to be civically active and foster creativity in its residents?