Albuquerque, NM – A major affordable housing project aimed at helping seniors in need is nearing completion in northeast Albuquerque, marking a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to address housing insecurity among older residents.
The development, known as Juniper Flats, will soon provide homes for more than 200 senior citizens who are struggling with the high cost of living.
A New Beginning for an Old Property
The site of the project, located at 25 Hotel Circle NE, was once a rundown Ramada Inn near Eubank Blvd. NE and Lomas Blvd. NE. Today, it stands transformed into a nearly completed 204-unit senior housing complex, thanks to collaborative efforts between private developers, the City of Albuquerque, and state funding.
$80 million in total state funding was allocated this August for multiple affordable housing initiatives across New Mexico. Of that, $5 million was specifically contributed by the state as a down payment for the Juniper Flats property, as per KRQE.
“This project has been under remodeling for the last year and a half,” said District 9 City Councilor Renée Grout. “It’s a private development that the city will soon purchase from the developer, and I think it’s getting close to completion.”
City and State Collaboration
The city plans to complete the purchase through bond ordinance legislation worth $18 million, which will soon be introduced to the Albuquerque City Council. The bond will be repaid using gross receipts tax and property revenue from residents paying rent once the facility opens.
A press release from the mayor’s office earlier this year mentioned that the property name may be changed from Juniper Flats to Gateway Senior, but the change has not yet been confirmed.
Meeting the Needs of Working Seniors
Councilor Renée Grout, a strong supporter of the project, emphasized that many seniors today are still working and need homes located near public transit and retail centers.
“It was important to find a property that’s convenient and affordable,” said Grout. “There’s a lot of seniors who are living longer, but Social Security alone just isn’t enough to survive on. With this project, they will have affordable housing and secure leases.”
The project reflects a growing recognition of the financial struggles facing older adults, especially those living on fixed incomes.
Opening Soon
According to the city, applications for housing are now open. Officials expect both the remodeling and sale to be finalized by the end of the year, with residents moving in early next year.
Once complete, Juniper Flats will feature:
- 204 affordable housing units for low-income seniors
- Access to public transportation nearby
- Proximity to shopping centers and healthcare facilities
- Renovated interiors and upgraded amenities from the former hotel structure
With rising housing costs across the city, the completion of Juniper Flats provides a glimmer of hope for seniors searching for stability and dignity in their later years.
Do you think more hotels should be converted into affordable senior housing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
