What could the New Mexico State Fairgrounds become?
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said on Tuesday she’d like to see what visions development professionals have for the midtown site.
During a news conference at the Expo New Mexico Fine Arts Building, Lujan Grisham announced plans to seek proposals for a master plan to redevelop the 236-acre fairgrounds. She said those ideas could include housing, commerce, entertainment venues or other projects.
She said the request for proposals (RFP) will usher in an exciting new era for the existing fairgrounds.
“This RFP will lead to a master plan that will guide important decisions about the future of the New Mexico State Fairgrounds, a storied part of Albuquerque and important component of the city’s long-term growth,” Lujan Grisham said. “This collaboration between state, city and county governments could drive billions in new investment for the International District and nearby communities.”
The governor was joined by state and local leaders including Mayor Tim Keller, New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque, state Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, and Chairman of the New Mexico State Fair Commission Eric Serna.
The State Fair Commission last week voted unanimously to issue the request for proposals. Starting Wednesday, according to a news release, the request will be posted on the Expo New Mexico website.
State officials say proposals will be evaluated in late January, with the chosen contractor being given six months to produce a development plan. The public, the release states, will have opportunities to provide input once a contractor is selected.
The request seeks the services of a consulting firm with expertise in community planning and engagement, urban design and economic development. The scope includes creating a master plan for redevelopment of the property and identifying the area’s needs for the next 10 to 20 years.
During the 2024 legislative session, New Mexico lawmakers appropriated $500,000 in capital outlay funding to EXPO New Mexico for the purpose of developing the master plan. Ideas to be considered include:
- Building a modern arena that has the capacity to support large scale concerts and events.
- Identifying potential new sites for the annual fair.
- Identifying potential mixed-income housing opportunities.
Over the next decade, an estimated 55,000 new residential dwellings are needed in Albuquerque to keep pace with growth, Lujan Grisham said.
“This state land in the heart of New Mexico’s largest city presents a unique opportunity to create badly needed new housing for the workforce, while spurring massive private investment,” Lujan Grisham said.