Santa Fe’s ambitious redevelopment of its midtown campus received a significant boost this week as the New Mexico Legislature unanimously approved a land swap agreement with the city. The agreement, finalized in the closing days of the legislative session, will transfer ownership of five state-owned tracts totaling 19.5 acres to the city, paving the way for a mix of residential and commercial development in the area. This land swap is expected to revitalize the former college grounds and create new opportunities for the community.
The approved land exchange addresses a key component of the city’s long-term vision for midtown, a project aimed at transforming the area into a vibrant hub for arts, culture and innovation. The city plans to utilize the newly acquired land for a variety of purposes, though specific plans are still under development. The total value of the land being transferred is estimated at $6.5 million, according to Senate Joint Resolution 7, which passed on Wednesday. State law mandates legislative approval for the sale or lease of state-owned property exceeding $550,000 in value.
Details of the Land Swap
The five parcels of land being transferred to the city are identified as Tracts A, B, D, 3, and O. The largest of these, Tract O, spans 7.9 acres and was formerly the site of a World War II military hospital. A significant portion of the hospital complex was destroyed in a 2017 fire, but the last remaining barracks still stand on a separate parcel. The Midtown Arts and Design Alliance is currently exploring options to repurpose these barracks into a visual arts center. The remaining four parcels are located near the intersection of Siringo Road and Yucca Street, while Tract O is situated on the north end of the midtown property, close to St. Michael’s Drive.
In exchange for these five tracts, the state will receive a 35-acre parcel located at 4491 Cerrillos Road. This property currently serves as the headquarters for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. The land swap is intended to benefit both the city and the state, providing the city with valuable land for redevelopment and the state with a modern facility for its public safety operations.
Impact on Midtown Redevelopment
Carly Venditti, deputy director of the city’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency, expressed gratitude for the legislature’s commitment to the midtown project. “I’m really grateful to see folks so committed to the movement at midtown,” Venditti said in a Thursday interview. While specific development plans are still being formulated, the acquisition of these tracts is a crucial step in realizing the city’s vision for a revitalized midtown area. The redevelopment is expected to attract new businesses, create housing opportunities, and enhance the cultural landscape of Santa Fe.
The land swap agreement follows a similar agreement approved in 2022 regarding land between the City and State, as detailed in Resolution 2022-64. This demonstrates a continued collaborative effort between the city and state to promote economic development and improve public infrastructure.
What’s Next for Midtown?
With the land swap now approved, the city can move forward with detailed planning and design for the redevelopment of the midtown campus. The next steps will involve community engagement, environmental assessments, and the development of specific project proposals. The city anticipates a phased approach to development, with initial projects potentially breaking ground within the next year. The successful completion of this land swap marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing transformation of Santa Fe’s midtown area, promising a vibrant future for the community.
What are your thoughts on the midtown redevelopment plans? Share your comments below and let us know how you think this land swap will impact the future of Santa Fe. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and neighbors!
