Sol Housing Breaks Ground on “Somos” in the International District

ALBUQUERQUE – Today, Sol Housing broke ground on Somos, a new mixed-income apartment community in Albuquerque’s International District. The development will offer 70 homes—59 income-restricted and 11 market-rate units—just two minutes from the ART International District Station. Somos is designed to provide a much-needed affordable housing option, especially for older adults and those with accessibility needs.

Eighty percent of the apartments will be reserved for residents aged 55 and older and are designed to be accessible and safe for people of all abilities—while the remaining twenty percent will be open to residents of any age. With Universal Design Standards integrated throughout, including two elevators, the project offers a supportive, adaptable environment that allows residents to age in place as their needs change.

Somos stands out from Sol Housing’s other senior-focused communities—such as Cuatro, Luminaria, and Farolito (currently under construction)—for its emphasis on mixed-income housing. By welcoming both older adults and younger residents, the development fosters stronger social connections, greater community engagement, and reduced isolation.

Sol Housing remains committed to providing affordable senior housing that meets the needs of Albuquerque’s growing population of older adults. Research shows that mixed-income communities can generate both financial and social benefits, including neighborhood revitalization, deconcentration of poverty, and improvements in safety, health, and sustainable living environments.

“We believe that mixed-income housing developments offer the foundation to create upward mobility for residents and communities,” said Miriam Hicks, Director of Housing Development at Sol Housing. “Housing that is affordable is critical to economic stability and to creating the thriving, joyful neighborhood we all desire. Somos residents will support local businesses including the emerging small businesses leasing our commercial spaces.”

“As our population ages, we’re making sure Albuquerque’s growth includes thoughtful planning for our older residents,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Projects like Somos help more seniors stay in the communities they love—close to family, services, and the support they need to age with dignity.”

In addition to housing, the development will also include an on-site food pantry, fitness room, a private area for service dogs and pets, community space, and ground-floor commercial square footage for local small businesses and nonprofits to grow their impact in the International District. These spaces aim to grow economic opportunity in the International District and further activate the surrounding streetscape.

"With our seventh development in this area, we are excited for Sol Housing’s first foray into providing commercial space suitable for growing small business by and for the community,” said Felipe Rael, Executive Director of Sol Housing. “We hope this project will contribute to the vibrancy of the area and provide opportunities for our residents and the community to enjoy.”

The project supports the goals of the Near Heights Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan, which seeks to stabilize low-income neighborhoods and expand access to affordable housing. Located next to the popular Talin Market, Somos will also deliver key safety and beautification improvements identified by residents—including new landscaping, lighting, and street activation.

The City’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) supported Somos by donating the land and facilitating its approval for the Redevelopment Tax Abatement (RTA) Program—an MRA incentive that freezes property tax increases for seven years to promote long-term affordability. The project also received significant public investment, including:

• $4 million from the New Mexico Housing Trust Fund in the form of a loan;
• Approximately $1.6 million annually in 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for 10 years;
• $5.18 million in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD);
• $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury;
• $158,756 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for infrastructure improvements.

“This project brings a long-standing community vision to life by turning a vacant lot into high-quality, affordable housing,” said Terry Brunner, Director of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency. “With tools like our tax abatement program, we can support developments like Somos that address urgent housing needs while helping create safer, more vibrant corridors in the International District.”

“This community will enrich the lives of Albuquerque residents and bring light to the International District,” said Isidoro Hernandez, Executive Director/CEO of Housing New Mexico. “We are proud of our continued partnership with Sol Housing—the progress and promise are astounding.”

Construction is being led by HB Construction, with architecture by Hartman + Majewski Design Group. Project construction is anticipated to be completed in December of 2026.