$4M in Capital Outlay funding will transform community spaces in Albuquerque, Belén and Clayton
SANTA FE — Economic Development New Mexico’s strategic Capital Outlay investments in four redevelopment projects will revitalize streetscapes in central, high-priority areas to increase economic activity and improve public safety.
The largest award, $3 million, goes to Albuquerque’s Central Crossing, which will connect downtown, east downtown and the future Rail Trail. Clayton receives $500,000, Belén $410,000, and Nob Hill $100,000 to design a renovation of Triangle Park.
“Investing in the heart of a community can have an impact far beyond the project itself,” said Economic Development New Mexico Secretary Rob Black. “Better streets, public spaces and connections bring people downtown, strengthen local businesses and help generate new economic activity.”
New Mexico MainStreet’s Capital Outlay program awards funding to projects in affiliated districts statewide that make a direct economic impact. Projects will improve public infrastructure and make districts more pedestrian-friendly, attractive, connected and commercially viable.
“Both the state MainStreet program and the local MainStreet districts work closely with local government partners to plan and fund these projects,” said NM MainStreet Director Daniel J. Gutierrez. “By working together, we’re able to build momentum and coordinate investments to help these communities thrive for years to come.”
Awarded projects include:
- Downtown ABQ MainStreet Arts & Cultural District and the City of Albuquerque:
$3M to construct Central Crossing Phase II, which will advance the southeast ramp connection at Central Avenue and the railroad, supporting pedestrian access and bicycle crossing.- Phase II of this project includes utility work, lighting, landscaping, handrails, safety features, and sidewalk reconstruction to connect downtown, east downtown, UNM’s Innovate campus and the future Rail Trail.
- Phase II of this project includes utility work, lighting, landscaping, handrails, safety features, and sidewalk reconstruction to connect downtown, east downtown, UNM’s Innovate campus and the future Rail Trail.
- Belén Historic Downtown Partnership and the City of Belén:
$410K to complete Phase 2B of their Great Blocks project, which will renovate the streetscape with landscaping and other improvements within the First Street corridor.- Phase 2B will install irrigation, landscaping, concrete paving, walking paths, accent boulders and a retaining wall to complete the vision for downtown.
- Phase 2B will install irrigation, landscaping, concrete paving, walking paths, accent boulders and a retaining wall to complete the vision for downtown.
- Clayton-Union County Economic Development Partnership and the Town of Clayton:
$500K for the Clayton Entertainment & Food Container Park Phase II construction which will complete the construction of downtown’s outdoor community gathering space.- The project will provide shaded seating, vendor areas, a performance stage, landscaping, walking paths and public amenities to create a flexible venue for markets, performances, food trucks and events.
- The project will provide shaded seating, vendor areas, a performance stage, landscaping, walking paths and public amenities to create a flexible venue for markets, performances, food trucks and events.
- Nob Hill MainStreet and the City of Albuquerque:
$100K for Triangle Park’s renovation, the district’s primary outdoor civic plaza. Funding supports the creation of construction documents which will advance the project’s design phase.- Project includes shade structures, drought-tolerant landscaping, fencing and retractable bollards to enable community activation and enhance year-round programming.
Photos from all four projects included below.
Downtown ABQ’s Central Crossing Phase II is a new connection at the east side of the railroad tracks and the south side of Central Avenue for pedestrians and bikes. This project is critical for improving accessibility and economic health for the neighborhoods on both sides of the train tracks and will seamlessly connect to the future Rail Trail.
Belén’s Great Blocks project will improve walkability, safety, aesthetics, economic vitality and connectivity in their downtown. Phase 2B will complete the remaining public infrastructure improvements necessary to fully realize the project’s vision and ensure long-term economic, pedestrian and community benefits.
Clayton’s Container Park will convert a vacant lot on Front and Walnut Streets into a functional, attractive and accessible gathering space to support events, tourism and small businesses. The park will complement the adjacent historic downtown and other projects that aim to revitalize the surrounding street and area.
Nob Hill’s Triangle Park will transform into a safer, greener and more functional civic plaza to become a true neighborhood gathering area. The project will create permanent infrastructure for arts & culture, community events and economic activity.
###
New Mexico MainStreet is a program of Economic Development New Mexico that develops local capacity to engage people, rebuild places and grow the entrepreneurial, creative and business environment. NM MainStreet supports economically thriving downtowns, greater business opportunities and a higher quality of life. Founded in 1984, NM MainStreet currently serves 32 MainStreet and 13 Arts & Cultural Districts. Learn more at nmmainstreet.org.
EDNM is creating pathways to prosperity for all New Mexicans. Our core mission is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive. EDNM’s programs directly support this mission by funding workforce training and infrastructure that fosters business growth, helping every community develop a prosperous economy. edd.newmexico.gov.