Albuquerque Opens Public Comment Period for Apartment Development on Uptown Transit Site

By Anca Gagiuc, Associate Editor

The southeast corner of Albuquerque’s Uptown and American Parkway NE is the focus of attention for city officials this year. Private developers are submitting proposals for the Uptown Transit Center development consisting of apartments, commercial space and parking.

The one-acre site was acquired by the city in the 1990s using federal funding. One quarter-acre was to be used as transfer station for the city’s bus system, the ABQ Ride. “We’re moving forward now because we think the timing is right,” Bruce Rizzieri told Albuquerque Journal. “We think there’s a need for the type of studios and apartments that are being proposed for this area.”

Renowned Albuquerque consulting firm Dekker/Perich/Sabatini has presented a conceptual design comprised of 122 apartments of one- and two-bedrooms plus studio units, a parking structure displayed on two levels that will fit 220 vehicles, and almost 16,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.

The apartments are designed as market-rate units priced around $800 per month, meant for younger residents who prefer to live closer to jobs and the array of activities the Uptown offers. “They like to be near activities where they don’t need to have a car to get to,” Rizzieri stated. “Uptown obviously is an active area.” Coronado Center, ABQ Uptown, and other retail establishments are close by, and the Uptown Transit Center offers access to the Rapid Ride limited-stop, express bus service and the rest of the transit system.

Public comments are accepted at [email protected] by the end of the week, and a proposal will be drafted by late April. After that, the city will accept request for proposals from developers through the end of the current year.