Three Sisters Apartments open in Las Cruces, adding 70 units of affordable housing
The City of Las Cruces and housing partners have opened the Three Sisters Apartments, a 70-unit affordable housing development built on a reclaimed Superfund site. The $22 million project addresses a severe rental shortage and includes support services, community amenities and public art.
Built on a reclaimed Superfund site, the $22 million development addresses a growing rental shortfall and includes support services, public art and community amenities
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - City officials, housing developers and community leaders gathered Tuesday, May 13, to mark the grand opening of the Three Sisters Apartments, a 70-unit affordable housing development aimed at easing Las Cruces’ deepening rental shortage.
The project, located on a former Superfund site, brings a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments to families earning low to moderate incomes. The City of Las Cruces estimates a shortfall of roughly 5,600 rental units citywide.
In addition to residential units, the community features a playground, on-site laundry facilities, a community center and resident support services.
Las Cruces Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo said the project represents the power of collaboration across city departments, housing advocates and funders. “Together, we are not just building homes,” she said. “We are building hope, opportunity and a stronger future for all.”
The $22 million development was led by Chelsea Investment Corporation and CC Housing, with construction by Emmerson Construction and design by Jeebs and Zuzu. It represents Chelsea’s first project in Doña Ana County.
Funding for the project came from a variety of sources, including 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, $2.4 million from the City of Las Cruces through General Obligation Bonds and its Affordable Housing Fund, and support from the New Mexico and National Housing Trust Funds, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and the Casa Connection program in the Governor’s Office.
The City also donated land for the entrance and driveway and waived impact fees through several departments, including Community Development, Public Works, and Las Cruces Utilities. Staff from Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization, Parks & Recreation, Police and Fire also contributed to the project’s success.
The development includes a site-specific public art piece, Las Tres Hermanas, created by Las Cruces artist Laura Anahy Núñez. Commissioned through the city’s Public Art Program, the installation draws from the Mesilla Valley’s agricultural heritage and the traditional “three sisters” crops — corn, beans and squash — which symbolize resilience, unity and sustenance.
Charles Schmid, CEO of Chelsea Investment Corporation, said that while the company has developed affordable housing elsewhere in New Mexico, the Three Sisters Apartments mark its first project in Doña Ana County.
“We are impressed by the strides the City of Las Cruces has made to make way for affordable housing and vibrant, safe spaces for residents to call home,” he said.
The Three Sisters Apartments are now accepting residents.
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