No matter what you call it, this house sure stands out in Albuquerque.
I first read about the Bart Prince house on Atlas Obscura. It’s unfortunately not open to the public- I mean, it is a person’s house after all, be respectful- but pictures from the street or sidewalk are allowed.
Who is Bart Prince?
Bart Prince is an Albuquerque-born architect whose designs evoke the out of this world style that seamlessly blends mid-century architecture with the fantastical extraterrestrial. Many of the buildings he’s designed have a kind of cosmic, UFO aesthetic but blend elements that were prevalent in the Atomic Era. If you visit his website’s Projects page, you can take a look at some samplings of his work and I think you’ll agree.
What is the Bart Prince House?
Bart Prince’s residence (and I can not stress this enough, this is the man’s house. Please leave him alone) is located at the corner of Monte Vista Blvd. and Marquette Ave. in the Nob Hill area of Albuquerque.
Nob Hill itself is a little quirky itself, so this house shouldn’t necessarily stand out, but when taken with the other houses on the residential street just off Central, you can see why it does.
For obvious reasons, Mr. Prince’s house has been alternately dubbed “The Spaceship House” or even “The Bug House”. the varied architecture throughout the property gives it a kind of kitschy feel, almost like the disparate displays at Tinkertown. I mean, this “space ship” is surrounded by dinosaurs for cryin’ out loud.
My Visit to the Spaceship House
I decided to check out the Prince residence for myself after work today. It’s a scant 7 minute drive from my work, mostly on the way home, so I figured why not?
I drove up Monte Vista finding the house just a couple blocks from my art supply store, Artisan Santa Fe. Who knew this wonder was lurking just around the corner from where I buy my pencils?
The house is easily recognized as you approach it. The UFO shape hovers over the trees surrounding the property and the front yard is littered with large metal art pieces.
The property seems a little run down and it appears to me that some of the siding is missing, but I’m not the designer so I can’t say for sure. Perhaps it’s intentionally styled that way?
Is It Worth Seeing?
If you’re anywhere near the intersection of Central and Carlisle in Nob Hill, the quick 5 minute detour certainly wouldn’t hurt, but I’d say don’t go out of your way to seek it out.
I’m thinking about taking Ash on a short hike on the Cedro Creek Nature Trail tomorrow after work. Depends on how I’m feeling. I woke up at 2:30 this morning so I’m beat today. If I can get some reasonable sleep tonight, I probably will do that.
Stay tuned to find out!
-Phil