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.
Willis Smith Construction Co. Homes in Four Hills Village
Check out this list of homes in Four Hills Village, Albuquerque organized by the year they were first advertised for sale. All built by Willis Smith Const. Co 1968 - 1973
809 Wagon Train in Albuquerque built by Willis Smith Construction Co.
Here is a list of historic mid-century modern homes in Four Hills Village, Albuquerque built by Willis Smith Construction Company, and the year they were advertised for sale in the newspaper.
Four Hills homes knowingly built by Willis Smith Const. Co. through vintage realty ads published in the newspaper. The following is also how they were spelled in the ads.
1968
813 Wagon Train Rd. SE “Four Hills Manor”
1969
809 Wagon Train SE
721 Wagon Train SE
717 Wagon Train DR
1970
609 Wagon Train SE
1971
1013 Santa Ana SE
1973
1105 Wagon Train Drive S.E, Albuquerque, NM built by Willis Construction Co. in 1973
1105 Wagon Train SE
(We also know this home hosted a Four Hills Village newcomers coffee in 1973)
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This information is what we know as of Feb 2021. We add new information to our archive every day. If you are looking for more information on your address please type it into the blog search bar to see what we have posted or feel free to reach out to us directly for the most up-to-date status of our resources.
Do you have more information on the construction or original ownership of a Four Hills 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!
Instagrammable Vintage Town Homes in Albuquerque - Villa Serena
Endless summer vibes year round. Introducing the most instagrammable vintage Spanish influence apartment complex in Albuquerque.
There is a beautiful mid-century Spanish influence apartment complex in Four Hills that is a must-see for vintage architecture enthusiasts. Albuquerque’s Villa Serena condominiums were a film location in 1976 for the British science fiction movie starring Bowie (RIP) called The Man Who Fell To Earth. They prove to be just as gorgeous in the modern day.
The ad reads:
A NEW Leisure Lifestyle
Villa Serena Town Homes in Prestigious Four Hills
The Villa Serena Town Homes leave little — if anything — to be desired for those who would rather spend their time enjoying life worry-free, care free. Consider these advantages of condominium living in beautiful Four Hills, next to the Four Hills Country Club:
Security - Six foot block wall completely surrounds the entire area. The only entrance is at the front.
Swimming Pool, Club Room - Pool cared for daily. Club room complete with exercise equipment, sauna bath, therapeutic whirlpool, spacious club room, pool table.
THREE FLOOR PLANS - two bedroom, two bedroom with study, two bedroom with study and den. By far the most luxurious living spaces in Albuquerque.
OPEN NOW - Models are open daily 1 to 6 pm. Designed by Rudolph Salazar. Completely to show you how the new luxury lifestyle fits you.
Completely Planned and built by Elmer Cullers — The Southwest’s Most Distinctive Builder
There will be a total of only 53 units built on ten acres. In addition to the swimming pool, clubroom, etc. Walls are solid masonry construction to block outside noise.
If the time has come for you to enjoy a completely new leisure lifestyle come to the Villa Serena
1459 Wagon Train Drive, S.E. in beautiful Four Hills
Open Today 1 to 6 P.M.
Village Realty, INC.
Photos were taken by Kimberli Roth
Directions:
To get to Villa Serena in Four Hills Village you can type any address between 1351 and 1459 Wagon Train into a GPS":
1459 Wagon Train Dr. SE
Albuquerque NM 87123
1309 Stagecoach Lane - Home of Harry Driver
Indoor-outdoor fish pond and sunken living room with cathedral ceilings. We found an article describing original owners Mr. & Mrs. Driver’s freshly built mid-century mansion room by room in explicit detail!!!
The Albuquerque Tribune December 1, 1960.
Harry Driver was one of the original residents and financial backers of Four Hills Village and Four Hills Country club in the late 50s to early 60s. His 1960 home was featured in at least two lifestyle articles with the potential of more (at the time of this article the Roth Modern archive reflects only up to 1965).
One article found highlights the interior decor of Mr. & Mrs. Driver’s residence and their French provincial and contemporary design choices. This article goes on to note other significant details about the original architecture including “weeping” bricks and shake shingle roof. The feature article describes each room individually mentioning Palo Verde rock wall, fireplace, and built-in planter, and a sunken living room with a cathedral ceiling. Petrified wood is used in the entry hall along with tropical houseplants and a walnut divider that separates it from the dining area. The real cherry on top is the indoor-outdoor fish pond that leads out to the Japanese garden!
The article about the Driver’s house was published to promote the Omega Chi Christmas Caravan tour of homes fundraiser. This is also the purpose of the second article found.
Mrs. T. M. Keenan, right. Mrs. Murray E. Hill, center. Mrs. Jack W. Reynolds left. Planning the Chi Omega Christmas Caravan, where 1309 Stagecoach Lane will be decorated for the ninth annual tour of homes. Albuquerque Journal Oct 15, 1960.
To see the full page pdf on the Christmas Caravan click here.
To see the full page pdf on Furnishings click here.
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!
721 Stagecoach Road 1964 Realty Ad
You won’t want to miss this exciting floor plan and unusual new concept in living. Historic Albuquerque Journal realty ad from April 26, 1964, confirms a centrally located open-air patio!
Albuquerque Journal April 26, 1964
We got very excited to come across this Albuquerque Journal realty ad from April 26, 1964. It is a smaller size ad, one of the hundreds published for Village Realty throughout the 1960s. From the very beginning, 721 Stagecoach Road was a head-turner for its exciting floorplan highlighting a centrally located patio. Even though expressing harmony between indoor and outdoor living was a big architectural movement in the 1960s the ad calls this residence things like “unusual” and “new concept”.
This ad reads:
Special
Open House
Four Hills Village
721 Stagecoach Rd,SE
1:30 to 5:30 P.M.
New Concept in Living
Patio in Center of House
3 Bedrooms & Den
NEW - UNUSUAL
VILLAGE REALTY
Image of 721 Stagecoach SE taken February 2021
The home appears to have been successfully preserved and still has its original entryway lamp, rock and masonry walls. We only assume that the inside holds a lot of swanky innovative architecture for its time. With a simple search on Google Maps, you can see a clearly defined open-air cut out in the center of the house. VERY COOL!
This ad worked wonders for piquing interest in 1964 as well as 2021. The deed on public record sheds light on the original owner, Frank Tegard who bought 721 Stagecoach Road the year the house was built. Frank Tegard then owned the residence until his passing at 91 years of age.
To see full page pdf in our archive click here
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!
909 Four Hills Road - Original Office of Bill Brannin Agency
The real estate headquarters of Bill Brannon, the visionary behind Four Hills Village development, was strategically located at the entrance of the newly built Four Hills Country Club. It’s from this location that most original lots were sold.
April 24, 1960 full page Four Hills Village ad for new division. Office of Bill Brannin Agency (which later became Village Realty)
Bill Brannin is the visionary behind Albuquerque's Four Hills Village golf course community. This original office and realty headquarters was strategically situated right at the entrance to the golf course. It’s from this location that most original lots were sold! See for yourself.
August 28, 1960 - Realty Ad published by Village Realty located at 909 Four Hills Road.
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!
909 Brazos Place 1973 Realty Ad
Vintage realty ad from 1973 confirms a 2,600 square foot 4 bedroom territorial residence at 909 Brazos.
August 5th, 1973
This vintage ad was published in The Albuquerque Journal on August 5th, 1973, and confirms that the residence at 909 Brazos Place was built by D. B. Robbins Construction Company. This is a small ad in the Sunday paper. The ad states that this Four Hills Village property was a 2,600 square foot home and highlights other original features.
The ad reads:
909 Brazos Place S.E., 4 bedroom territorial, 2 1/2 baths, family room with bookcases and fireplace and wetbar, extra fireplace in formal livingroom, loaded with extra cabinet work, excellent view lot, 2,600 sq. ft. $54,400.
This ad also features three other D. B. Robbins built homes in Four Hills Village:
905 Brazos Place
1208 Wagon Train
1216 Wagon Train
See the full page pdf here.
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!
905 Brazos Place 1973 Realty Ad
Realty ad from August 5th, 1973 Albuquerque Journal confirms that the Southwestern Contemporary residence at 905 Brazos Place was built by D. B. Robbins and was a registered Gold Medallion home.
August 5th, 1973
This vintage ad was published in The Albuquerque Journal on August 5th, 1973, and confirms that the residence at 905 Brazos Place was produced by D. B. Robbins Builder. This is a small ad in the Sunday paper. This also confirms other details significant to this property in Four Hills Village, Albuquerque. The ad confirms this is a Southwestern Contemporary Design home and tells of other original features and that it is a Medallion Home.
The ad reads:
905 Brazos Place S.E., Southwestern Contemporary design, 5 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, formal living and dining, utility, paneled den, fireplace, two car garage, side access, large lot, views, 2712 sq. ft. $54,900.
This ad also features three other D. B. Robbins built homes in Four Hills Village:
909 Brazos Place
1208 Wagon Train
1216 Wagon Train
See the full page pdf here.
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!
718 Sagebrush Trail 1975 Realty Ad
Built & furnished to be used as a showcase home for Westen Development Company. This sizable vintage ad published in The Albuquerque Journal on August 5th, 1973 confirms details.
August 5th, 1973
This is a sizeable ad in a Sunday paper from 1973 that confirms historic details significant to the property. One such detail is that this location was built early and furnished to be used as a showcase home for Westen Development Company. This vintage ad was originally published in The Albuquerque Journal on August 5th, 1973.
The ad reads:
Four Hills
Open ‘Till Dark
Furnished model at 718 Sagebrush Trail, S.E.
Features:
Spacious Well-organized Floorplans
Deluxe Plush Carpeting Thruout
Refrigerated Air Conditioning
2 1/2 baths
Built-In Vacuum System
See the full page pdf here.
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!
Vintage Ad for The Instant Building
Mid-century modern prestressed concrete architecture at the former Rocky Mountain Banknote building. The ad was placed in the May-June 1969 edition of Albuquerque Architect magazine by Prestressed Concrete Products, Inc.
This vintage ad highlights mid-century modern prestressed concrete architecture and showcases the former Rocky Mountain Banknote building. The ad was placed in the May-June 1969 edition of Albuquerque Architect magazine by Prestressed Concrete Products, Inc.
“Behold… The Instant Building!
(Prestressed Concrete Wall and Roof Construction)
Every businessman with expansion on his mind should consider this revolutionary building concept.
Here’s Why:
Speed of erection
Maximum fire resistance
Economy comparable to any pre-engineered prefabricated building of less durable materials.
May be adapted to almost any appearance design by use of various trim materials.
Ideally suited to moderate sized warehousing, office-shop combinations, distribution centers, etc.
Building shown erected in 2 ½ days for Rocky Mountain Banknote Company, 2424 Baylor Rd.,S.E., Albuquerque.
Consult your architect about the advantages of buildings featuring prestressed concrete walls, roofs and floors.”
Vintage Ad for 809 Wagon Train Dr SE in Four Hills Village
“If you are looking for original design in a 4 bedroom, 3 bath with large den home, you must see this home!”. Built and Shown by Willis Smith Const. Company”
Four Hills Village Realty Ad From The Albuquerque Journal Jan 12, 1969
Ad for 809 Wagon Train SE
“Four Hills 809 Wagon Train SE
If you are looking for original design in a 4 bedroom, 3 bath with large den home, you must see this home. Yes it has 3 fireplaces, refrig. air cond., balconies, Roman tub and all built ins.
Open Daily. Built and Shown by Willis Smith Const. Company”
This ad ran in The Albuquerque Journal from Jan 9th -15th 1969