Casitas de Colores

Casitas de Colores offers the first affordable, green and much needed family themed component to Albuquerque's Alvarado Transportation Center Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan. The design for Casitas achieved a high density development on an urban infill site, while still providing quality open space for its residents.Working with the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, low income housing tax credits were secured to redevelop this site. Casitas is well suited for a family-oriented development being located two blocks from the Alvarado Multi-modal Transportation Center and in close proximity to entertainment, shopping, local government offices, and employment opportunities.

Through efficient use of space and tuck-under parking, the project provides 71 units of affordable housing and will consist of single story, multi-bedroom units targeting families with children who are at 30%, 40% and 50% of AMI along with market rate units. All of the units in the three residential buildings have private patios or balconies, and two of the buildings feature courtyards with outdoor living amenities. The courtyard design provides a gated, outdoor environment for families in an urban setting. The common buildings support a healthy family lifestyle by providing interior common areas, a laundry, and a fitness and learning center.

The project is programmed to achieve LEED Platinum, Energy Star and Enterprise Green Communities certifications. Water conserving fixtures are used throughout and Energy Star-rated appliances will be installed in all the units. The common area electrical needs is offset by a photovoltaic array. Rain water is collected in underground cisterns and used to supplement irrigation of the low water usage landscape. Windows that receive direct sunlight have shading to help reduce solar heat gain, and the roofs will be TPO membrane to help reflect light and reduce cooling loads.