Midtown District Overview
The Midtown District is a 64-acre site formerly known as the College of Santa Fe. The whole site will be redeveloped into a mixed-use area that will serve as a hub for creative industries, educational institutions, and residential housing. Midtown is strategically located in the heart of Santa Fe, making it an ideal area for new development. With its proximity to major roads and local amenities, it will become a focal point for residential living, arts and culture, and economics. This redevelopment aligns with the city's vision for equitable and sustainable development and economic growth.
What is the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA)
The MRA is tasked with redeveloping key areas of Santa Fe to ensure economic vitality and community prosperity for a more Santa Fe, Santa Fe. The agency's primary focus is Midtown, a prime site for transformation and revitalization. Midtown will provide new housing, see new local businesses opening, and foster Santa Fe’s arts and culture sectors, all for a resilient economy. As a City Agency, MRA is committed to ensuring the development aligns with the Midtown Master Plan and Community Development Plan, emphasizing sustainability and community-driven design.
A Vision for Santa Fe | PHASES DETAILS
Phase 1 (2024-2026)
- Multimedia Studios
- 2024: Execution of the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) for the building of the new Aspect Studios multi-media facility
- 2026: Rehabilitation of Garson Studios, Benildus Driscoll Hall, and surrounding infrastructure to enhance the district’s film production capacity. New restaurant/retail spaces will also be developed alongside sustainable sitewide improvements.
- Midtown Art and Design Alliance
- 2025: Activate Midtown with Community Development tentatively - Midtown Art and Design Alliance & Arts Culture
- 2025: Execution of the DDA for the Midtown Art and Design Alliance
- Affordable Housing
- 2025: Release of the Request For Proposals (RFP) to build new affordable housing.
- Midtown Redevelopment Area
- Establish Midtown Redevelopment Agency (MRA) Commission
- Create an MRA/Tax Increment Plan
- Develop a Neighborhood Stabilization Plan
- Secure funding for demolition and infrastructure
- Design a sustainable and decentralized stormwater system
Phase 2
- Multimedia Studios
- Construction of 99-150 housing units on campus, with 15% dedicated to affordable housing, in line with the Master Plan
- Affordable Housing
- Construction will begin on the affordable housing portion of the Midtown project.
- Infrastructure
- Demolotion of Mouton Hall and La Salle Halle
- Spine road + utilities
- Open space + trails
- Entrance improvements
Developer Opportunities
RFP links will be posted here when available.
Discover the development zones and planned housing here and here.
Anticipated Benefits
- Affordable Housing: Providing new housing opportunities for a range of incomes.
- Cultural & Economic Growth: Supporting Santa Fe's creative industries through dedicated arts spaces.
- Community Development: Ensuring the site fosters social equity, economic development, and long-term growth.
An ambitious and respectful project
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 community living to shape Santa Fe’s future, aiming to preserve what makes Santa Fe unique while preparing for what’s next.
Midtown Arts and Design Alliance
Click here for more about MADA.
The Midtown Arts and Design Alliance (MADA) is a bold model for creative and cultural communities to share governance, programming, and resources in Santa Fe’s Midtown.
Members are:
MASS Design Group
CENTER:
Creative Startups
Currents New Media
Girls, Inc.
Little Globe
MAKE Santa Fe
Santa Fe Indigenous Center
UNM College of Fine Arts, School of Architecture + Planning, STEAM NM and Continuing Education
Vital Spaces
Youth Works!
Santa Fe University of Art & Design
Once the campus of the College of Santa Fe, the Midtown District is evolving into a thriving center for arts, culture, and connection, Midtown will become a home for creativity, economic growth, and community, offering a dynamic mix of affordable housing, creative spaces, and business opportunities. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, resident, or developer, Midtown is where you can make your mark.
The Midtown District is at the forefront of Santa Fe’s efforts to create a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable community. Built on the historic site of the former College of Santa Fe, the Midtown District redevelopment emphasizes creative industries, housing, education, and economic development. It will serve as a center for arts and cultural innovation while offering affordable housing and spaces for local entrepreneurs, residents, and community organizations.
The Midtown District is a major redevelopment project designed to establish a vibrant hub for arts, education, housing, and local businesses. This project aligns with the Santa Fe Community Development Plan and the Midtown Master Plan, both created through extensive community input, ensuring that the site’s future reflects the aspirations of its people.