Salvador Armijo House, Albuquerque

The historic Salvador Armijo House offers a glimpse into the city’s past. Built in the 1840s by Salvador Armijo, a prosperous merchant and nephew of Governor Manuel Armijo, the house remained in the family for five generations.

Notably, Armijo’s great-granddaughter, Soledad C. Chacón, who later became New Mexico’s Secretary of State, lived here in the early 1900s. Over time, the house adapted to changing needs, with parts converted into apartments mid-century and later transformed into a restaurant and event venue.
Architecturally, the house tells the story of its evolving history. Originally, 12 rooms surrounded a central courtyard, with thick adobe walls and a few small windows, accessed through covered passageways called zaguanes. The 1875 remodel enclosed hallways, added new portals and Territorial-style window trim, reflecting the tastes of the era.

Today, the Salvador Armijo House stands as a preserved piece of Albuquerque’s heritage. Visitors strolling by can admire its layered history and architectural charm, appreciating the stories of the families who lived here and the city’s broader historical journey.

Its designation on both the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties and the National Register of Historic Places highlights its significance as a cultural landmark in Old Town.