Community Development

The Midtown District Santa Fe

The Midtown District is strategically located in the geographic center of Santa Fe. Based on community input, the entire district is envisioned as a mixed-use residential and commercial corridor, as provided in the approved land use and zoning regulations. It is called the Local Innovation Corridor (LINC). Within the Midtown District, a 64-acre, city-owned site formerly known as the College of Santa Fe, the City is leading its redevelopment through public/private partnerships. Based on the Midtown Redevelopment Plans, which were informed and supported by a broad range of local communities as well as unanimously approved by the City’s Governing Body, the site will be redeveloped into a mixed-use area that will serve as a hub for creative industries, job growth, and career paths, as well as housing choices for residents, including low-income households. Its proximity to major transportation networks, local business corridors, and neighborhood-serving amenities will become a focal point for residential living, arts and culture, and economic development. This Midtown District redevelopment aligns with the city's vision for equitable and sustainable development and economic growth.

 

MRA Opportunities for Developers, Planners, and Other Redevelopment Experts

RFP links will be posted here when available.

Midtown is more than a redevelopment project: it's a blueprint for Santa Fe's future. It combines Santa Fe's historical strengths with a renewed focus on the creative and cultural economy. The district will foster the arts, local businesses and jobs, environmental design, and community living with affordable housing and open spaces to shape Santa Fe's future, aiming to preserve what makes Santa Fe unique while preparing for what's next.

Community Benefits

The Midtown Community Development Plan provides specific requirements and objectives using a sustainable development framework: 

  • Environment – Focused on land uses and urban design that create pedestrian- and bike-friendly streets, as well as green building and resilient infrastructure. 
  • Equity – Focused on the developer of new housing choices for residents, including affordable housing for low-income households. 
  • Economic – Focused on facilitating jobs and career paths and building on industries and businesses unique to, existing in, and burgeoning in Santa Fe. 
  • Culture – Focused on strengthening and highlighting community arts, culture, and entertainment. 

Midtown Redevelopment Plans

Discover the redevelopment plans that were unanimously approved based on broad and overwhelming community support.

Click here to view the Masterplan PDF

Click here to view the Community Development Plan 

Midtown Redevelopment Phases

Phase 1 (2024-2026)

  • Redevelopment and Expansion of the Midtown Production Studio
    • 2024: Execution of the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) between the City and the developer, Aspect Village Studios. The developer was selected through a Request for Proposals issued by the City.
    • 2026: Rehabilitation of Garson Studios and the Benildus and Driscoll Halls, as well as significant landscaping and site improvements by the developer. Upgrades to infrastructure to increase film and multimedia production capacity. New restaurant/retail spaces will be developed alongside solar panel installations and other green building improvements.
  • Redevelopment of the Midtown Visual Arts Center
    • 202: Commencement of due diligence activities for the renovation and operations of the Visual Arts Center by the proposed developer, Midtown Art and Design Alliance (MADA). The proposed developer was selected through a Request for Proposals issued by the City.
    • 2025: Vote by the Governing Body for the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) between the City and the developer, Midtown Art and Design Alliance
  • Redevelopment of the Midtown Performing Arts Center
    • 2025: Perform building analysis and operating studies for the renovation and reuse of the Midtown Performing Arts Center pursuant to the Midtown Community Development Plan
    • 2025: Continue to engage and evaluate proposals from qualified operators for the redevelopment and reuse of the theater complex
  • Mixed-Use Development and Affordable Housing Development
    • 2025: Release Requests for Proposals (RFP) to develop new affordable housing.
    • 2025: Release Request for Proposals (RFP) for mixed-use residential/development projects
    • 2025: Enter into discussions with developers and, if advantageous, direct negotiations for the redevelopment of Midtown parcels
  • Pubic Infrastructure, Site Improvements, and Open Spaces
    • Design streets and resilient infrastructure and stormwater management systems for implementation
    • Designs for open spaces, wayfinding signage, and other sitewide improvements
    • Secure funding for infrastructure and site work, including demolition of deteriorated and obsolete structures
  • Midtown District Planning
    • Establish the broader Midtown District as a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area and create an economic development plan for the area.
    • Facilitate the development of a community-informed Midtown Adjacent Neighborhood Stabilization Plan through an inclusive, equitable public engagement process.

Midtown Production Studios Project – Aspect Studio Village

Click here to download the PDF presentation. 

Visual Arts Center Proposal - Midtown Arts and Design Alliance

Click here for more about the MADA development proposal.

Click here to download the PDF presentation.