International District

In the spring of 2023, I took a road trip along Route 66 to research and explore underrepresented communities along the iconic Mother Road. While in Albuquerque, I met with anthropologist Donatella Davanzo, who gave me a detailed overview of the economic health of businesses along Route 66 in New Mexico. She suggested I take a nighttime drive down Central Avenue (Route 66) to assess business vitality by observing how many neon signs were illuminated.

As I drove through Central Avenue, I noticed that the International District—despite having many businesses open at night—lacked a single neon sign. This absence was striking, as neon signage is not only a hallmark of Route 66’s visual identity but also a vital tool for attracting customers.

After returning to New York City, I debriefed with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, one of the sponsors of my trip, and proposed a project to help the International District draw more foot traffic by creating a vibrant, locally designed neon sign. Following several weeks of discussion, we reached out to Albuquerque’s mayor’s office and local community groups to gather support. They responded with enthusiasm, and together we applied for the National Endowment for the Arts' Our Town grant.

We were thrilled to receive the grant, which will allow us to collaborate with local artists to design and construct a neon sign that serves as both a visual beacon and a celebration of the International District’s rich cultural identity—supporting small businesses and revitalizing the heart of the community. The sign is scheduled to be completed by 2026 in honor of Route 66’s 100th birthday, a fitting tribute to the legacy and future of the Mother Road.