Ace Hardware
(Kistler-Collister)
1100 San Mateo Blvd NE
1962
William Ellison
Welton Becket & Associates, Design Consultants
The former Kistler-Collister department store opened in 1962 is attributed to Albuquerque architect William Ellison, however, famed Los Angeles architectural firm Welton Becket & Associates provided design consultation.
Two cantilevered display windows depicted in the first image have since been remodeled, however, the original cantilevered entrance canopy and precast concrete panels with a diamond-relief pattern remain. An addition to the complex was added in 1987, expanding it into Fashion Square. Unfortunately, the department store closed in 1994 and has since been reoccupied by Ace Hardware on its top level. The yellow enameled tile that once presented at the east, south, and north elevations was stuccoed over in 2018.
Resources
PHOTO 1: Nancy Tucker Postcard Collection
PHOTO 2: Jessica Roybal