Hollywood Man Builds Bachelor Pad & Legacy in Four Hills
In this vintage neighborhood full of family homes, we are proud to introduce a swinging bachelor pad. The Four Hills Village Project team had been curious about the house at 644 Running Water Circle ever since our scan of Albuquerque Journal of Home Living Articles from the 1950s-1970s. It's an unassuming 2432 square foot home that looks mid-century modest from street view, but as we combed vintage newspapers, we saw the address come up again and again in highlights for its spacious design and “bachelor pad” vibes. Our team got to work and learned about the home, its original features, and the intriguing social history behind its original owner, builder, and designer, Herb Hoffman.
Herb Hoffman led many lives. After serving in the Merchant Marines during WWII, he moved to Hollywood in 1944. MGM Studios initially hired Herb as a messenger, but he worked his way up to scriptwriter, producer, director, then editor. His job at the studio took him around the world, directing low-budget films in Brazil, Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines before moving up to the editing department for larger production movies. While in California, he started to move into the construction business. He worked his way up the industry just as he did with the studio, starting as an investor, then partner of a firm, designing custom homes and finally creating his own construction business. In 1963 Herb moved his custom design and construction business (Hallmark Homes and Development Co) to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Once Herb Hoffman landed in Albuquerque, he set roots. Most of his business at the time was building custom houses in the Northeast Heights, along with other boom builders in that area like Mossman-Gladden and Bellamah. His portfolio included several commercial projects as well. Herb was the lead contractor for creating the New Mexico Film Center in 1968, a job he was picked for because of his prior film studio experience. The building became Santa Fe’s Center for Contemporary Arts.
Herb leaned on his experiences in Hollywood and construction when it came time to develop his own private “bachelor pad.” He bought a plot on Running Water Circle in the Four Hills Village neighborhood and broke ground in 1966. By this time, Herb had seen a lot and had plenty to draw inspiration from. He knew what he wanted; for the first time, he would be free from the frustration of having his grandiose visions of aesthetic forward homes dashed by clients to accommodate their young and expanding families. He incorporated several design and construction elements that created spacious environments in the modern luxury homes he had admired. Once Herb’s open floorplan bachelor pad was complete, it was a sight to admire. As a matter of fact, it caught the attention of several passersby and house-curious locals (and not just because his was one of the very few homes that filed for a sidewalk permit while the neighborhood was under a lot of scrutiny.)
Arial Photograph circa 1968, courtesy of UNM.
He says his custom-designed and built home was planned strictly for “ease of living and easy maintenance.” The entryway to the house contained a waterfall feature made of Siesta Canyon stone quarried from near Mountainair, NM. From there, the house opened into the vast “entertainment area,” a living room with a soaring 28-foot vaulted ceiling and walls entirely outfitted with high-quality elm and cedar paneling. Created to impress his guests, the living room focal point is a large 4 ½ foot fireplace made from the same local stone as the fountain. He said its 30-foot flue created “quite a roar and very cozy atmosphere.” Herb had a state-of-the-art hi-fi system built into the wall that provided booming sound with movie theater speakers acquired from a past life. Of course, the kitchen doubled as a bar, designed to face into the living room with pass-through serving areas for easy entertaining.
A shag-carpeted spiral staircase led to his second-floor guest area and living quarters. He had a fully tiled master bath with a 4x6 glass-enclosed sunken tub and hidden shelving behind walnut paneling. The home was built around Herb and his lifestyle as a bachelor with space to stretch. He could create more rooms when and if needed, but until then, open space was emphasized.
Albuquerque Journal; October 1967. “Club to Tour Four Hills Homes”
In October 1967, the Cosmopolitan Woman’s Club toured Hoffman’s estate along with three other homes in the neighborhood. (The other three houses were 632 Stagecoach owned by Mr. & Mrs. Willim Lancaster, 612 Wagon Train SE owned by Mr & Mrs. Arthur G. Fischer, and 704 Wagon Train SE owned by Mr & Mrs. John T Murray) The Albuquerque Journal published the tour itinerary and several details about each home. The article mentions that an aura of spaciousness and ease of living was at the heart of the design. They published a photo from the fireplace looking inward toward his living room, excellently showcasing the sky-high ceilings and spiral staircase.
Three months later, The Albuquerque Tribune ran a story about the Running Water estate in January 1968 titled “Four Hills Home Offers Lots of Space for Living,” which detailed several of his impressive design features and modern elements. The article is accompanied by a photo that peeks out from under the spiral staircase toward the stone fireplace. From this angle, you can see the wood paneling. Rightly stated, the caption is tagged “Bachelor’s Paradise.” When the article was printed, Herb would have been 45 years old. Incredibly groovy, to say the least.
The Albuquerque Tribune; January 1968. “Four Hills Home Offers Lots of Space for Living”
Aside from his Hollywood-style bachelor pad, Hoffman built two other (that we know of) custom homes for clients in Four Hills: 712 Stagecoach and 1020 Cuatro Cerros. The houses share hard geometrical shaped designs with blocky faces.
Herb retired from the construction business in 1988, which led him to the next life of the many he led. That same year he and his wife (yes, wife, it would seem the house worked its magic) took over a small computer business and renamed it Hallmark Computer Supplies. His computer business focused exclusively on selling cables which many people didn’t quite understand, but for those who depended on early computers of the 1980s, the business became a fundamental resource. The business grew substantially over the next 17 years and became the go-to spot for personal, enterprise, and government custom computer cable solutions.
The Albuquerque Tribune; January 1968.
The house at 644 Running Water Circle was well-loved and well-lived in. We can see through public records that Herb lived in this house until he died in 1997, after which his wife continued to live there until her passing in 2005 when it was sold to the current owners. Incredible but true, the house has had only two owners since 1966.
644 Running Water Circle still stands just a few doors down from Wagon Train Drive, but we are unsure how many of the original luxuries remain intact. Undoubtedly, over the decades, the construction hosted hundreds of guests over its lifetime, and several of them very likely remember it fondly.
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Resources;
Albuquerque Tribune December 9, 1966
Albuquerque Journal October 8, 1967
Albuquerque Tribune January 6, 1968
Albuquerque Tribune February 2, 1968
Albuquerque Journal August 27, 1996
Albuquerque Journal September 6, 1997
Images from Our MAGIC Field Trip
The Four Hills Village Project recently had the opportunity to explore the world of historical aerial photography from the mid to late 1900s. Our trip to the Map and Geographic Information Center, also known as MAGIC, at the University of New Mexico allowed us to delve into the area's development history and better understand the surrounding region.
Kimberli using a magnifying glass to get a better look at a high resolution historic map.
Aerial photography in the 1960s was a significant milestone in cartography. The development of advanced cameras and planes capable of capturing high-quality photographs from above allowed for creating detailed maps on a scale never seen before. The pictures could be used to monitor the growth and changes of cities and towns, as well as for scientific research and military purposes.
Schannan Westman Huston. Albuquerque, NM over Four Hills Village. April 16th 1974
During our visit to MAGIC, we had the opportunity to view several large aerial maps of the Four Hills Village development and the surrounding region. With the help of Cheyenne Stradinger, MLIS, the Library Services Coordinator, we explored the basement-level archive at the Centennial Science & Engineering Library. Cheyenne was instrumental in assisting the group, retrieving maps, and providing magnifying glasses to aid in viewing the intricate details of the maps. She also suggested additional resources, such as road maps, fire insurance records, and archives hosted on the campus by the Earth Data Analysis Center (EDAC). We took her up on this, and the EDAC Resource & Information Manager, Sandeep Talasila, GISP, sent us a report on everything he has pertaining to Four Hills between 1957 and 1975. 👌
Limbaugh Engineers Inc. Albuquerque, NM over Four Hills Village. April 3rd, 1966
One of the most exciting aspects of our visit was viewing the changes that occurred over time, from the original houses to the sprawl that followed. The team was amazed at how much the area had changed since the maps were created. The original homes were more rural than expected, and even ten years after the first homes were built, vast land areas remained undeveloped. It was also surprising to see how much of the Earth's natural water flow had been developed over, with entire streams disappearing from the maps.
Several historic maps and large copies stacking up on Cheyenne’s work station.
Aerial photographs can be an essential tool in preserving the history of our communities. They provide an unparalleled perspective on the evolution of land usage, infrastructure, and natural resources. In particular, the maps we discovered could help us get Four Hills Village recognized for its historical significance. Tracing the changes in the landscape and architecture over time gives us a more comprehensive understanding of our community's past.
Limbaugh Engineers Inc. Albuquerque, NM over Four Hills Village. March 17th, 1969
Our visit to MAGIC was an eye-opening experience, and we were fortunate to have the chance to work with such knowledgeable and helpful staff. The MAGIC archive provides a wealth of knowledge and is an excellent resource for anyone interested in studying the area's history. We were able to print and digitize our findings, which we are excited to share with others interested in the history of Four Hills Village. The importance of preserving historical records and making them accessible cannot be overstated. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to this effort and are excited to utilize these new resources for our research.
You’ll be hearing more about these maps soon!!
Scanning in the maps one by one so that we can publish them here on our blog!!
1024 Matador - Vintage Realty Ad Gallery
We are excited to have found multiple ads for this address that confirm the builder and other significant stats about the architecture.
Realty ad from February 1967
We are excited to have found multiple ads for this address that confirm the builder and other significant stats about the architecture.
Get a closer look at other vintage realty listings we found for 1024 Matador by clicking on the images below.
Do you have more information on the construction or original ownership of this address? Your information can help to build our Four Hills Village Database. Our goal is to share all that we learn and get people excited about the artifacts entering our 100% cloud-based preservation archive. This robust documented history of Four Hills Village from 1955-1975 is made possible by residents and volunteers like you!
1300 Stagecoach - Pool Party at the Logan Residence!
1969 article mentioning an exclusive pool party for 24 Donitas De La Sinafora in Four Hills at the Frank A. Logan home.
Photo from Four Hills Village Country Club Luau 1969
24 Donitas De La Sinafora and their escorts have a packed social calendar between selection and their formal presentation at Civic Plaza. From country picnics and barn dances to Luaus at Four Hills Country Club. This lucky bunch gets exclusive invites to homes and private clubs across the valley.
Among the familiar names on the Donitas networking circuit is Mr & Mrs. Fred Mossman who hosted a lovely Father Daughter brunch at their home, with Edward D. Gladden and their daughter Kathleen as host and hostess.
June 15, 1969 Albuquerque Journal
Meanwhile in Four Hills Village Misses Nancy Logan, Kathy Brown, and Kathryn Dennedy were busy hostessing an informal afternoon swimming party for the Donitas at the Frank A. Ivogan home at 1300 Stagecoach Road SE.
"An informal swimming party is planned this afternoon at the Frank A Logan home with Mrs. Nancy Logan, Cathy Brown, and Katheryn Dennedy as hostesses."
Do you have more information on the construction or original ownership of this address? Your information can help to build our Four Hills Village Database. Our goal is to share all that we learn and get people excited about the artifacts entering our 100% cloud-based preservation archive. This robust documented history of Four Hills Village from 1955-1975 is made possible by residents and volunteers like you!
813 Wagon Train Drive - Four Hills Manor Model Home
Feast your eyes on this gorgeous mid century chocolate brick showcase home. A vintage ad from 1968 confirms 813 Wagon Train is the model home for a new Willis Smith Construction Company development, Four Hills Manor.
Photo of 813 Wagon Train Drive in Four Hills Village Albuquerque, February 2021
Feast your eyes on this gorgeous mid century chocolate brick showcase home. A vintage ad from 1968 confirms 813 Wagon Train is the model home for a new Willis Smith Construction Company development, Four Hills Manor.
We know through historic plat maps that Wills A. Smith Construction Co. purchased a row of lots in 1968. This empty land came to be 16 gorgeous houses that are still standing proud today. The model home is always the first built, often is staged with furnishings, and stands as an exciting example of what dreams are possible in a new development. Builders don’t cut corners or spare expense on their showcase models and 813 Wagon Train was one such home!
July 21st 1968
The ad reads:
Welcome to today’s exciting
“Open House”
Four Hills Manor
Model Home -813 Wagon Train Rd.
1:00 to 6:00 P.M.
Luxury Living, in 1968! Just completing picturebook 4 bedroom Contemporary, in Chocolate Brick accented by Pre-Fabricated Paneling! Master bedroom tastefully appointed, with fireplace. Cozy sunken livingroom with fireplace, too, plus still another in the downstairs den! Wall-to-wall carpeting, Inter-com, air conditioning throughout!
KITCHEN all-electric, built-in washer and dryer. Huge 3-car garage with electric door, ideal for boat, trailer or workshop.
OUTSIDE 2 cool patios plus magnificent overlooking view of Albuquerque. Truly, the home of your dreams!
COME OUT TODAY! Just South of Sheraton Western Skies. Follow Stagecoach Road to Wagon Train, you can’t miss it … and DON’T!
Willis A. Construction Company
Clean lines ad glazed windows at 813 Wagon Train Drive
Do you have more information on the construction or original ownership of this address? Your information can help to build our Four Hills Village Database. Our goal is to share all that we learn and get people excited about the artifacts entering our 100% cloud-based preservation archive. This robust documented history of Four Hills Village from 1955-1975 is made possible by residents and volunteers like you!
Historic New Mexico Made Slump Block
Then and now a luxury half-century-old Crego Block Company showcase home in Four Hills Village, Albuquerque. Residence of original owners Dr. & Mrs. Steven F. Feagler.
Photo of 900 Maverick Trail in Four Hills Village Albuquerque, February 2021
Four Hills Village is certainly known for its great 1960s design. What is lesser known is the impressive number of these historic homes that are built with local Albuquerque-made materials.
We have archived instances of this Crego ad published as early as 1961.
Concrete was everywhere in 60s Albuquerque partly because it was manufactured right in the backyard. Due to the mining of naturally occurring minerals in the Manzano mountains, Albuquerque became a major manufacturer of concrete materials. Another popular concrete-like product on the market at the time was a local innovation called “SlumpRok”, which later became known as Slump Block, made by Crego Block Company. The blocks were pulled out of their molds before fully curing causing the sides to “slump” slightly as they dried. When used in construction this would give a wall a textured appearance with more depth than traditional brick. It is intended to look like a more traditional southwestern adobe brick.
Over half a century ago in 1966, Crego Block Company showcased what is now a historic home in Four Hills Village. The advertisement ran in the July-August 1969 edition of Albuquerque Architect Magazine and highlighted the original owner of the residence, Dr. & Mrs. Steven H. Feagler.
This home still looks just like the ad proving Crego wasn’t just fluff and promises. The house truly does deliver!
This house is located at 900 Maverick Trail SE in Four Hills Village, Albuquerque.
Once you learn what Slump Block is you will notice it all over the neighborhood and throughout Albuquerque. It was highly prolific in 1960s and 70s design. As far as we can tell, Crego was the major, if not sole, supplier of Slump Block in Albuquerque during this time.
Photo of 900 Maverick Four Hills Village Albuquerque, February 2021
Resources: Albuquerque Architect Magazine; A complete collection of Albuquerque Architect Magazine can be found in the University of New Mexico’s digital repository. Click here to download the July-August 1969 edition.