City Council Passes Resolution to Preserving “Juniper Flats” Name and Character
Former hotel to be remodeled into affordable studio apartments, providing essential permanent housing for low-income adults over the age of 55.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Albuquerque City Council voted tonight approving resolution R-25-201, aimed at formally affirming and preserving the name “Juniper Flats” for the City’s newest affordable senior housing complex, located at 25 Hotel Circle NE. The resolution was introduced and sponsored by District 9 City Councilor Renée Grout and directs the City Administration to exclude Juniper Flats from the City’s “Gateway” branding.
Juniper Flats, the site of a former hotel currently being remodeled into affordable studio apartments, will provide essential permanent housing for low-income adults over the age of 55, many of whom have experienced, or are at real risk of experiencing homelessness.
“Juniper Flats is not a homeless shelter and branding it as “Gateway Senior” fails to consider the distinct needs our low-income seniors have long been asking for in our community,” said Councilor Grout. “That is simple, basic housing that is affordable for low-income seniors. This resolution protects the dignity of retirees and those over 55 and preserves the Council’s intent for $18 million in new debt to acquire and improve the Juniper Flats housing development.”
Councilor Grout supported Albuquerque’s Affordable Housing Program to provide additional affordable housing but emphasizes that the attempt to rename the complex fails to recognize the distinct needs of this population and risks undermining the mission of the facility.
Distinguishing Housing from Shelter
The Resolution asserts that the name “Juniper Flats” conveys the image of a warm, welcoming apartment community, while the suggested “Gateway Senior” name reinforces the stigma of institutional or shelter settings. Councilor Grout stressed that low-income seniors, many of whom worked hard in eras preceding modern retirement savings plans and relied on the promise of Social Security, deserve dignity and respect.
The Resolution argues that imposing shelter-related branding on Juniper Flats—which serves as permanent affordable housing—would risk retraumatizing residents who have already experienced housing instability and would distract from the facility's role as a valued residential community. Furthermore, R-25-201 calls for limited public funds to be responsibly invested in amenities and services that directly enhance the quality of life for the senior residents, rather than diverted toward unnecessary rebranding and signage costs.
Investment in Affordable Senior Housing
The acquisition and development of Juniper Flats represent a significant public investment in dedicated senior housing, financed through:
- $5 million in State Capital Outlay appropriated in HB2 during the 2025 Legislative Session.
- $18 million in Gross Receipts Tax Revenue Bonds included in proposed Ordinance O-25-99.
R-25-201 directs the City Administration and all relevant departments to continue using the name “Juniper Flats” and to refrain from any renaming or rebranding without prior approval from the City Council.