June 19, 2009 In This Issue Lionel's Restaurant Grant Family's B&B Special Collections Library $8,000 Homebuyer Tax Credit Presented by Featured Property 300 Tijeras Gym Loft 212 752 sq. ft. 1 bath 3 operable windows Concrete floor/ceiling Stainless appliances $156,000 Call 247-DWELL (3935), or click here for more information. Old Main & Classroom Lofts For Sale Classroom 107 612 Sq. Ft. $135,500 Old Main 308 818 Sq. Ft. $179,500 Old Main 113 1,221 Sq. Ft. $229,500 Call 247-DWELL (3935), or click here for more information. Lease A Loft or Courtyard Home A select few lofts and courtyard homes available to lease starting at $575/month ... call 247-DWELL (3935), or click here for more information. Lease An Office/ Retail Space Retail and office space available in EDo ... call 247-DWELL (3935) or click here for more information. Quick Links... AbqHigh.com Own Lease Lionel's - From Greasy Spoon to "Fine Fast Food" The Lionel's Restaurant planned for 700 Central SE will be a far different eatery than the original Lionel's Drive-In opened around 1951, which in 1960 became, and remained so until about 3 years ago, Bob's Fish and Chips. Wewerka/Greene bought the property in May 2007, saving it from almost certain destruction.      Michael Wewerka touts the new restaurant's concept as "Fine fast food with light, healthy fare featuring fresh, local (wherever possible) ingredients, generous portions and attractive pricing."      Chef Rochell Woolard's menu will feature fish & chips and fish tacos, along with salads and sandwiches, as well as daily creations. Beer and wine will be served.       Wewerka hopes to announce a start date for the renovations soon.      "Given the original structure is such a pure expression of classic Route 66 roadside restaurant, we felt it would have great impact as an imaginative, beautiful, adaptive re-use," says Wewerka.         The design calls for an addition with a modern kitchen and bathrooms south of the existing building, which will become the a 45-seat dining room.      "The addition preserves many design aspects of the original building," says Wewerka. "The carports/canopies are being renovated and will have lighting added."      "We have a design for adding PV panels to the carports and feel confident we can generate a design that will satisfy all historic/EDo/neighborhood requirements. The NE carport will cover a large outdoor dining patio/garden with approximately 90 seats and will be defined by low yard walls and landscaping." Grant Family Bed & Breakfast a Hit with Travelers and Locals We spent a delightful time talking with Steve and Kara Grant and their family, residents and business owners in EDo/Huning Highlands.      Please tell us about your business. We have a B & B called the "Downtown Historic Bed and Breakfasts of Albuquerque," two renovated historic homes at 207 and 209 High Street NE. Each house has four rooms. We serve breakfast and host English teas.       How long have you been in this business, and how is it going for you? This is our third year. We are doing well and continue to see growth in the business. This was a need for the neighborhood and so far so good!       Describe your clientele. International guests, business travelers, local Albuquerque residents on a get-a-way, vacationers, people coming to visit friends and family, conventioners wanting a "home" to stay in, rather than a typical hotel.        Your family lives in the neighborhood - how long have you been here? We have been in the neighborhood now for almost 7 years, and LOVE it.           What are your favorite things about living in this neighborhood? Walking to the great EDo restaurants and businesses. The unique neighborhood. The great neighbors we share it with.        What things would you like to see come here? Like many others - a grocery store!        Anything else you would like to say? We have lived in Albuquerque for 10 years, starting in a typical NE Heights neighborhood. When we first bought in EDo/Huning Highlands, people thought we were crazy, especially having four small kids. Not once have we regretted our decision, in fact our kids love it here as much as we do!!  We have a beautiful home and a thriving family business. It's fun, profitable, and we are part of a community.        How can folks reach you? Downtown Historic Bed & Breakfasts of Albuquerque 505.842.0223 www.albuquerquebedandbreakfasts.com Special Collections Library Renovation Update The first phases of a much-needed renovation of the Special Collections library are in full swing with landscape improvements at Central and Edith.      Key existing trees and shrubs are being kept while new trees and plantings are being incorporated, according to Julia Clarke and Dean Smith with our City Library System      The irrigation system is being totally replaced and the brick sidewalks are being repaired, leveled and refreshed with new trees planted on Edith.      "The end result will maintain the shaded lawn that has always been a part of this historically significant building yet reduce overall water usage," says Smith.      The courtyard area will include new gates, benches and plantings providing a quiet, shady area to sit, visit and enjoy a coffee. Later this year, work will begin on Botts Hall to improve the acoustics, heating/cooling, lighting and accessibility.      "This is a great amenity and these improvements will make it more desirable for local group and organization meetings," says Smith. First-Time Homebuyers Can Apply $8,000 Tax Credit to Amended 2008 Tax Return A little-know fact about the 2009 Federal First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000: qualified homebuyers making a purchase in 2009 can claim the credit on their 2008 tax return.      While most folks have already filed their 2008 return, qualified first-time homebuyers can file an amended 2008 tax return and potentially get an $8,000 refund. 2009 purchasers also have the option to claim the credit on their 2009 tax return.      As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, this is a credit against the buyer's tax liability, far more valuable than a deduction and does not need to be repaid, if the home is owned for 3 years or more.       A first-time homebuyer is defined as anyone who has not owned a home for 3 years.      The $8,000 tax credit applies to purchases from January 1 - December 1, 2009.