Picture this, Albuquerque: Central Avenue where it intersects Fifth Street. In 1927, there arose a three-story, stucco marvel, the KiMo Theatre, inspired by the town's rich history and the warm welcome from the locals. The visionaries behind this masterpiece were the Bachechi family, led by Oreste and his wife, Maria. After embracing the Native Americans' hospitality, they crafted a architectural gem that married Pueblo Revival with the opulent Art Deco style.
Terra cotta shields, a nod to the region's cultural roots, adorn the third-floor windows. The theater's name, 'Kimo', meaning 'mountain lion', was chosen after a contest organized by the Albuquerque Journal. The Bachechis, with the help of Joseph Barnett, expanded their theater portfolio to 10 local cinemas. In the year 2000, the theater was restored to its original radiance. Today, it invites 650 movie enthusiasts to a cozy, intimate setting.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Friendly Jane
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