History of Winrock
Originally opened in 1961 as one of the first regional shopping malls in the Southwest, Winrock was a symbol of modern retail and innovation in Albuquerque. Developed by Winthrop Rockefeller and designed by the grandfather of malls, Victor Gruen, the center became a cultural and commercical anchor for the growing Albuquerque metro. Over the decades, as shopping habits evolved, so did Winrock – transforming from a traditional enclosed mall into a dynamic, mixed-use destination.
Today, Winrock Town Center is reimangined as a community hub – home to retail, dining, a 2-acre park, local markets, concerts, and future residential and hospitality developments. With its blend of history and forward-thinking design, Winrock is once again redefining what it means to gather in the heart of Albuquerque.

A New Landmark
Named after initial developer Winthrop Rockefeller, Winrock broke ground in 1959 and was completed in 1961 as Albuquerque’s first shopping mall. Designed by renowned mall-architect Victor Gruen, the center was initially an open-air mall anchored by Montgomery Wards, Safeway, and J.C. Penney. With a modern design and a mix of 50 regional and local retailers, the mall served as a destination for the rapidly expanding suburbs of Northeastern Albuquerque.
In 1963 a hotel was opened and branded the White Winrock Motor Hotel as one of the only mall-attached hotels in the country. The Winrock Medical Plaza and Fox Winrock Theater also opened within the next couple years.

Expansion, Evolution, and Decline
Throughout the 1970s, Winrock saw many developmental changes, including a 1972 expansion of the north wing to accommodate the introduction of Dillard’s, as well as a 1975 remodel that converted the entire shopping mall to an enclosed indoor center. This addition introduced the burnt-orange pyramid court on the eastern end of the mall.
The 1980s brought Winrock to its peak, with yet another expansion adding a second story to the northern wing, additional stores, and a completely remodeled interior. The center sat at about 1 million square feet and offered 150 stores.
Throughout the 90s Winrock, like many other malls, saw a steep decline. Between 1991 and 1994, a series of renovations attempted to refresh the mall’s entrance and interior. Dillard’s was split into two stores: women’s and men’s, children’s and electronics, to fill the closed J.C. Penney space. By the late 90s, the upper level of the mall was permanently closed off as well as half of the food court. From 2001 to 2006, the mall refused to renew leases of existing tenants in hopes to convert the indoor mall to an open-air center once again.

Winrock Reimagined
Finally, in 2007 Winrock was purchased by Goodman Realty Group with the hopes to convert the site into an open-air town center. The mall was rebranded ‘Winrock Town Center’ with the vision of creating a lifestyle-oriented town center including office, retail, restaurant, medical, residential, entertainment, hotels, and a 2-acre community park in the center of it all.
The centerpiece of the campus is the picturesque lake, surrounded by a scenic walking trail that’s perfect for peaceful strolls and outdoor enthusiasts. For laughter and entertainment, our exclusive comedy club hosts top-notch acts. Numerous businesses, boutiques, and shops are scattered throughout the campus, providing a one-stop destination for all your retail needs.
Satisfy your taste buds with a diverse selection of restaurants while our terraced bar offers breathtaking lake views, making it the ideal spot for socializing and business.
Throughout the year, we host captivating holiday events, ensuring there’s always something to look forward to at Winrock. Plus, your well-being is our top priority, with various medical, fitness, and beauty centers on-site. This is where lifestyle and convenience harmoniously coexist, creating a vibrant and thriving community for all to enjoy. Click here to inquire about becoming a part of our future today.

Winrock | at a glance
WINROCK | SHOP
From leading national brands to the best in local specialty retail, Winrock Town Center has everything you need.
Winrock | EVENTS
There’s always something happening – check to see all events at Winrock.
Winrock | WELLNESS
Your one-stop hub for fitness, flexibility, health, and healing.
Winrock | OFFICE
Experience a lifestyle-oriented work environment inside Winrock Town Center’s Class-A offices.