Commercial Portion of Mixed-Use Nuevo Atrisco Project Moving Forward
June 17, 2021
New retail, food, entertainment, and office options are one step closer to being added to a $24 million mixed-use project underway on the West Side. Today the Albuquerque Development Commission recommended that City Council approve the commercial portion of Nuevo Atrisco, which saw construction of its affordable housing segment completed last year at the northwest corner of Central and Unser NW.
“Nuevo Atrisco is an important economic driver for the West Side and a hub for family-friendly activities and events for the entire community,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We didn’t put the brakes on strategic development during the pandemic, and we’re ready to boost progress during our economic recovery.”
Anticipated additions to the City-owned, six-acre parcel include 10,000 square feet of retail, as well as a 17,000-square-foot public plaza with shade structures, interactive play and water features, tables and seating, and at least seven hookups for “micro-restaurants,” including food trucks and other modular food services.
Under the agreement with the City of Albuquerque, project developer Maestas Development Group will be responsible for at least 52 annual public community programming activities, such as artisan farmers markets, community classes, youth programming, and car shows. Maestas will also ground lease and manage the plaza for an initial term of 30 years.
"The next phase of Nuevo Atrisco will speak to the dreams of our residents and the 15 year effort of Councilor Sanchez, Councilor Peña, and myself. This next phase will be for community, by community, and I am excited to see a space for our families to enjoy restaurants, outdoor space, and art,” said Councilor Lan Sena. “This investment into our community and the district is much needed and long awaited that I am happy to be a lead on.”
“I am excited that this long-term community led project has been approved by the Albuquerque Development Commission, today this action gets us one step closer to filling this once blighted area,” said Councilor Klarissa Peña. “Thank you to Steve Maestas for bringing a new dining and entertainment opportunity to Central and Unser. Congrats to SWAN and WCCDG for their ongoing vision to help revitalize West Central.”
“Nuevo Atrisco will bring a fresh and new dining experience to families and workers in the area,” said Maestas Development Group CEO Steve Maestas. “We see a significant opportunity to address this underserved community.”
Phase 1 of the project, which includes 68 affordable housing units and 12 market rate units built by YES! Development, is already proving successful, with all apartments and half of the live-work units leased.
“Nuevo Atrisco is a prime example of the community benefits we intend all of our projects to bring to the residents of Albuquerque,” said MRA manager Karen Iverson. “It’s about placemaking—creating spaces that people want to be in, providing opportunity for connection, and responding to the needs of our families, workforce, and employers.”