Something Big Is Coming Uptown!

ALBUQUERQUE – A long-time development dream is becoming more real: ABQ RIDE’s brainchild, Uptown Connect, is a public-private partnership between ABQ RIDE, Palindrome, co-developer Family Housing Development Corporation, and the City’s Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness to bring a mixed-use, transit-oriented development to the Uptown area. Albuquerque’s second-largest urban center, where thousands of people commute daily for work, shopping and entertainment, has very few housing options – and none that qualify as affordable.

“Uptown Connect perfectly represents what we’re aiming for through our Housing Now and Affordable ABQ initiatives – building more homes within reach of free and low-cost resources to make life more manageable,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This development offers everything a community needs to thrive: affordable housing, jobs, convenient transit, a safe environment for families, and proximity to both necessities and entertainment.”

“Uptown is the place to be in Albuquerque. The Uptown area has the Park Square Market, the new Winrock, ABQ Uptown – all great things to enjoy in our City right here packed in this very small area,” said District 7 City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. “I’m excited that this project really builds on that momentum and makes it even easier for people to hang out, live, play, work, eat, and more, right here in the very heart of District 7. This is the kind of in-fill development that is important for Albuquerque.”

A partnership with Palindrome, the developer behind El Vado, The Imperial, and parts of Sawmill, Uptown Connect will be a vibrant live/work/play environment featuring 239 mixed-rate rental units (203 of which are affordable), a transit plaza, 19,000 sq. ft of office and commercial space, underground parking, and access to thousands of jobs. Family Housing Development Corporation is the co-developer on the residential side of the project.

“Uptown Connect makes the most of Albuquerque’s Uptown District with high-quality, accessible housing together with micro-office, micro-restaurant and micro-retail spaces designed to support New Mexico’s emerging entrepreneurs. By integrating mass transit directly into the development, people can easily get to jobs or anything in the City," said Chad Rennaker, CEO of Palindrome. "It’s more than new buildings – it’s new energy and opportunity for residents and businesses alike.”

“I cannot think of a better location in Albuquerque to provide affordable housing for employees working in the retail and service industries. Marrying the development to a transit hub where Uptown Connect residents can access locations around Albuquerque is ideal for this type of development,” said President of Family Housing Development Corporation Rick Davis. “All these different interests – housing, transit, and jobs – come together in one location which will make it an incredibly successful project!”

Today elected leaders, project stakeholders and neighbors gathered for the Uptown Connect project launch to celebrate milestones and announce key updates:

• The architectural design is 60% complete, meaning that the internal workings of the building structures are mapped out with only small details
• Dekker Design expects to reach 90% design by the end of the year, which is just a few signatures away from the building permit.
• RAISE grant funds are expected to arrive before the end of the year.
• Construction is scheduled to begin mid-2026.
• Uptown Connect should be move-in ready by

“What stands out about this project is that it brings people to transit,” said Principal Planner Lawrence Kline, who has worked on it for 13 years. “Our team was shocked when we learned that around 10,000 people commute to Uptown daily but only about 100 people can afford to live there. Transit and housing are the source of our inspiration and innovation, and what we believe set our application apart from others as one of the few organizations awarded the full $25 million in RAISE grant.”

Estimated costs are around $120 million, with funding from a variety of sources. ABQ RIDE is contributing the land and $26.5 million in grant funding, including the $25 million RAISE grant. The City’s Department of Health, Housing, and Homelessness is adding $10 million through Workforce Housing Trust Funds, State of New Mexico legislative funding, and a community development block grant. The public side of the project will be leveraged for a similar private project next door by Palindrome. Dekker Design is designing the transit plaza.

“It may seem perplexing why a public transit department is involved in a housing development. It’s because we’re driving toward the future. ABQ RIDE is taking the wheel and partnering with Palindrome to bring transit to people’s doorsteps. Commuter routes and park & ride lots are no longer how people move around the city. We are activating this potential-filled space to create a thriving community ecosystem embedded with free, convenient bus access for hundreds of people daily,” said Transit Director Leslie Keener. “This decades-long dream is a testament to resilience, creativity, and partnership — illustrating how far City transit has come in the 100 years since the founding of the Albuquerque Bus Company in 1928.”

The ideal tenant for Uptown Connect is someone searching for affordable housing and a lively, community-oriented environment. By living in a highly connected community with a walking score of 81 and bike score of 94, they can decrease their reliance on or even get rid of personal vehicles to cut costs and lower their carbon footprint. Uptown Connect fosters affordability and connectivity for residents and visitors alike.

“There is a clear need for more affordable housing, and Uptown Connect delivers units where they’ll have an immediate impact,” said Health, Housing, and Homelessness Division Manager Monica Montoya. “Our department is committed to ensuring affordability in the projects we support, and Uptown Connect reflects that commitment by integrating affordable housing options within a vibrant community. This development goes beyond housing, creating a hub where families can live, work, and build community. We’re proud to help bring this much-needed project to life.”

ABQ RIDE thanks its partners for making this project possible:

• Palindrome / PacifiCap Construction.
• City of Albuquerque Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness.
• Family Housing Development Corporation
• Federal RAISE grant p
• Dekker Design.
• S. Department of Transportation.
• Bernalillo

Learn more about Uptown Connect project details at ABQRIDE.com. 

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ABQ RIDE’s Mission: To provide the community with safe, clean, and reliable transportation.