We recently broke ground on Somos, a 70-unit senior living community that will bring high-quality, affordable homes to Albuquerque residents. Designed to support independent aging, Somos reflects our commitment to building with purpose and care—and working with partners who do the same.
Located along Central Avenue with close access to public transit and local amenities, the project will include 59 affordable units and 11 market-rate apartments. Eighty percent of the homes are reserved for seniors aged 55 and older. Each unit is designed according to Universal Design Standards, supporting accessibility, safety, and aging in place.
“This is more than a construction project—it’s a statement that our older neighbors deserve safe, stable housing, regardless of income,” said Felipe Rael, Executive Director of Sol Housing.
Senior Accessibility
With New Mexico ranking among the fastest-aging states in the U.S., the need for safe, accessible senior housing is growing rapidly. Somos is designed with that future in mind, offering:
- Accessible one-bedroom layouts with safety-first features
- Shared community areas to encourage connection
- Ground-floor commercial space to support local entrepreneurship
The project will offer Albuquerque residents the opportunity to age in a space that promotes both independence and community.
High Quality & Secure
Located at 7200 Central Avenue SE, Somos will take shape as a 64,380 square-foot, four-story, L-shaped wood-framed building. The development will feature 70 one-bedroom apartments as well as 1,791 square feet of ground-floor commercial space for local business incubation. Residents will have access to a leasing office, indoor bike parking, a fitness room, a 24-hour parcel center, and lounge areas throughout the building. A secure parking lot, controlled entry, two-story lobby, and elevator service provide comfort and convenience.
Amenities are designed to enrich daily life. A large community room will host social gatherings and resident events and includes a warming kitchen and food pantry access. Outdoor features include raised garden beds, site furnishings, and a private exercise area for service animals and pets. A rooftop deck and small lounges offer additional places for connection and rest. Each unit includes Energy Star appliances, central air conditioning with individual thermostats, and window blinds. Ten percent of the homes are fully Type A accessible, while the remaining units follow adaptable Type B design—offering greater flexibility for residents with evolving mobility needs.
Built for Efficiency & Value
We’re constructing Somos to meet high energy and environmental standards. The project targets LEED® for Homes Gold certification and is expected to achieve a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of 54 or better. Energy-efficient features include a well-insulated and tightly sealed exterior envelope, Energy Star-rated appliances and fixtures, and a central hot water system with solar-ready capacity. Additional sustainability measures include low-water-use plumbing, landscaping, and irrigation systems—lowering long-term operating costs and environmental impact.
Collaborating for Community Impact
Somos is being developed by Sol Housing, a nonprofit dedicated to building vibrant, affordable communities. We’re proud to serve as the general contractor on this important project, working in partnership with Hartman + Majewski Design Group, who provided the architectural design.
Public support and funding for Somos include:
- $1 million in American Rescue Plan funds
- Over $5.1 million in HOME funding from HUD
- Tax abatement through the City of Albuquerque’s Redevelopment Tax Abatement (RTA) Program
- Land donated by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency
“This project brings a long-standing community vision to life by turning a vacant lot into high-quality, affordable housing,” said MRA Director Terry Brunner.
Completion Expected: December 2026
Construction is underway and on track for completion in late 2026. We’re honored to help bring this project to life and to contribute to lasting, affordable housing for seniors in Albuquerque.
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