At the eastern gateway to Downtown, on the corner of Central Avenue (Route 66) and 1st Street, the Historic District Improvement Company has developed the Century Theatres Block. This ambitious project serves as the cornerstone of Downtown Albuquerque's much publicized revitalization efforts and as the eastern anchor of Downtown's new Arts & Entertainment District. The development encompasses an entire city block and includes over 100,000 sf of retail, entertainment and office space for the 21st Century.

The principal ground level access to the retail/commercial uses is off both Central and Gold Avenues, with the theater entrance at 1st Street and Central Avenue. The 630 car parking structure, on Gold between 1st and 2nd, serves the parking needs of this block with plentiful, convenient parking (including validated parking for retail customers and theater goers). Directly across 1st Street is the City's new Alvarado Transportation Center – where you can catch a train, hop on a bus, rent a car, grab a taxi or make an airport connection.

Noteworthy of this Alvarado Transportation Center is the fact that commuter train service between Belen and Albuquerque begins in Spring 2006. A high speed rail service to Santa Fe is set to open in 2007. In the meantime, ABQRide's transportation services are available as well as access to Greyhound and Amtrak.

Century Theatres' state-of-the-art 14 screen cinema with stadium seating anchors the Theatre Block, while Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Thai Crystal, Coldstone Creamery and Sushi King provide a variety of dining experiences. The Theatre Block is also home to Albuquerque's newest and finest day spa and salon, Chez d'Or. The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Business Weekly and Vaughn Wedeen Creative all office at this prestigious address. Only limited ground floor retail space and 2nd floor office space remain as the Theatre Block is presently 94% leased.