TACA’s 41 year history began with Board Member Chan Graham. The organization is honored to have his ongoing involvement and support. His long life is rich in arts and travel and his work legacy encompasses no less than 13 boxes and 8 drawers at the Center for Southwest Research. He has served and continues to serve on multiple boards, worked with multiple tribes, designed new and innovative buildings, and renovated regional treasures. In addition to TACA, he has many ongoing interests and turns 94 this week. Happy Birthday Chan!

Chan shared several stories over coffee and pastries at Sawmill Market recently. One was about the office building he bought in 1978 at 709 Central Avenue in downtown Albuquerque. It was in this office that the first meetings of TACA were held in 1980.

The place was once Brooks Photo Studio and he discovered a treasure trove in an attic space of 16,500 negatives that he subsequently donated to the Albuquerque Museum. The photos include Albuquerque people and events from 1910 to the early forties.

Signage for the building Chan refurbished read simply “Architecture.” His first wife, an artist, designed a sculptural trombe wall for the interior of the south facing storefront.

Chan’s numerous projects include collaboration with Paolo Soleri on the “Outdoor American Indian Theater” in Santa Fe.

He has done extensive renovation work that includes restoration of the San Miguel Mission Church in Socorro. That project is one of many for which he was awarded recognition. Another includes restoration of the courtroom in the 1930 Federal Building.

When I asked about his favorite projects he answered immediately. “The churches.” He has designed 38 of them and is especially fond of the Indian Assembly of God, (now All Nations Assembly of God,) at 1119 Menaul Blvd. This is where he and Tamara, his wife of 39 years and another prominent figure in Albuquerque and TACA’s history, were married.

Chan’s designs have been expressed through many mediums in many places; from adobe design to photography and from New Mexico to Staten Island. His history and experiences are inspirational. They spark my appreciation for places that he and the foundational members of Albuquerque’s preservation movement, have saved, renovated, and recognized. Many of Albuquerque’s treasures exist because of this optimistic energy.