New plans for the redevelopment of a former college campus in Santa Fe are expected to be presented to the city’s Planning Commission in mid-September, before a final overall presentation is made to the city council on November 9.
Located at 1600 St. Michaels Drive, the 64-acre site has been the subject of dozens of public input meetings centering on its future, with most of the input emphasizing the need for new affordable housing.
The property, which was purchased by the city more than a decade ago for $30 million, was formerly the home to the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, before that institution ceased operations in the spring of 2018.
Now the city has submitted documents to both the planning and land use departments detailing a master plan for the site.
In a statement, Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber remarked: “Community voices continue to play a key role in defining what will happen on the site and we’re hearing from interested developers who recognize Midtown as the new center of Santa Fe.”
The master plan and community development documents, added Webber, “represent the culmination of several years of planning with the public, city staff, consultants, developers, and elected officials.”
It is thought that while upwards of 1,110 new housing units could be built on the campus, at least 30% of those units will de designated as affordable.
By Garry Boulard
