Santa Fe County officials, state representatives, and private partners recently marked the start of construction on the Turquoise Trail Apartments, a new affordable housing development located just off Rancho Viejo Blvd. and southwest of Santa Fe.
The project will consist of thirteen three-story buildings, offering 312 affordable housing units. The site is close to amenities such as a park-and-ride Rail Runner Station, retail outlets, Santa Fe Community College, and an expanding trail system that the county is developing.
Dominium, a national developer specializing in affordable housing, is leading the project with support from Santa Fe County, the State of New Mexico, and various financial backers. Ron Mehl, Senior Vice President for Dominium, commented at the groundbreaking event: “Projects like these don’t happen overnight, and they don’t happen alone.”
The development aims to function as more than just another apartment complex by incorporating sustainability features into its design. Similar to Cresta Ranch—a neighboring 240-unit development by Lincoln Avenue Communities currently under construction—the Turquoise Trail Apartments will connect to the Santa Fe County Water Utility.
“It does not rely on aquifer water,” said Hank Hughes, District 5 Santa Fe County Commissioner. He explained that water for the complex will be supplied by the Buckman Direct Diversion system rather than groundwater sources. This connection allows for future options to reclaim and recycle wastewater—an important part of the county’s sustainability priorities.
Water conservation remains a concern in this semi-arid region. Both Cresta Ranch and Turquoise Trail developments contribute to county goals for sustainability while addressing population growth. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), apartment living typically uses less water than single-family homes due to shared infrastructure and efficient appliances required by updated building codes.
Jonathan Butler, Santa Fe County Community Development Director, emphasized that access to green spaces was also considered in planning: “Santa Fe County is known for our connections to the land.” He added that placing affordable housing near outdoor recreation areas supports equitable access for residents.
Amenities planned for Turquoise Trail include a clubhouse, exercise facility, picnic areas, and an outdoor pool. Butler stated: “High quality products should be accessible to lower income and fixed income residents, and this planned community helps with that.”
Both new developments are located along an extension of the Turquoise Trail system maintained by the county. The trail connects conveniently with public transportation options like the 599 Rail Runner Station off I-25 and Veteran’s Memorial Highway—a short walk or bike ride from both apartment complexes.
Residents will have access to transit services such as North Central Regional Transit and Santa Fe Trails Bus System. These options make it possible for many future tenants to live without needing a car.
Because of their proximity to city services in Santa Fe itself—which can help reduce commuter traffic—residents may benefit from shorter travel times and reduced expenses related to driving long distances.
Denise Benavidez, Deputy Director of Community Development for Santa Fe County clarified: “There’s a big misconception about what affordable housing means.” She noted that these apartments are not Section 8 subsidized housing; instead rents are set based on tenant income relative to federally defined area median income (AMI), which is updated annually. “It will be much less than market rate rent in Santa Fe,” Benavidez said.
Of the total units at Turquoise Trail Apartments, 300 will be reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of AMI ($53,760 for three-person households; $59,700 for four-person households). The remaining 12 units are designated for families making up to 50 percent of AMI ($44,800 for three-person households; $49,750 for four-person households), according to Housing New Mexico.
Turquoise Trail Apartments are expected to open in 2028; Cresta Ranch plans its opening in 2027.
Santa Fe County provides community engagement opportunities through public meetings and advisory boards while making documents accessible online via its official website. The county delivers essential services across administrative facilities throughout incorporated municipalities as well as unincorporated areas—including public safety, health services, public works and community development—as outlined on its website. Governance comes from a Board of County Commissioners responsible for policy-making alongside administrative oversight by a County Manager (source). Efforts focus on transparent governance and resource stewardship aimed at improving quality of life (source).
