Inn demolition kicks off new Winrock

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Out with the old, in with the new.

The Winrock Inn, once a booming motel, has been sitting vacant next to the Winrock Shopping Center since 2005, and Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry says its become an eyesore.

On Friday work crews began tearing down the old motel to start making way for new development as part of the revitalization of the mall.

Construction has already begun on other parts of that revitalization.

Three chain restaurants have already agreed to come into the area with a BJ's Brewhouse location expected to open in November. There is also a new movie theater complex being built including the state's first commercial IMAX screen

The theater is currently slated to open in 2013.

More retailers are planned, and there's a possibility that indoor skydiving and a rock climbing wall could be among the new amenities.

Gary Goodman, owner of Winrock developer Goodman Realty, says four retailers already announced are expected to bring hundreds of new full-time jobs to the area. That doesn't include the hundreds of temporary construction and demolition jobs needed to overhaul the area.