Gertrude Zachary Builds Parisian Castle on Albuquerque's Skid Row

by Elka Karl 2

Antiques collector Gertrude Zachary has spent the past few years building an 8,500-square-foot, French-inspired castle in downtown Albuquerque. Located between a bus station, railroad tracks, and a rescue mission, the home is protected by 10-foot-tall walls, and is decorated with 210 chandeliers, a marble bathtub, and beautiful French antiques.
You can check out a few photos on Hooked on Houses, but here's my main question: What do you think about building such an extravagant house in such a run-down area of a city? Is it a way to force urban renewal into this neighborhood? Is it insensitive to the other residents? Or is it simply crazy? Check out the video below and then let me know what you think!