Generations at West Mesa is home to seniors and grandparents raising their grandchildren in Albuquerque, N.M.

Developed by Gorman & Co. and nonprofit Catholic Charities, the 54-unit multigenerational community targets households that are often overlooked. Generations at West Mesa recognizes that grandparents are often the primary caregivers for their grandchildren.

“The grandfamily aspect is a big component of the development,” says Zach Johnson, director of housing finance at Gorman & Co. As a result, Generations at West Mesa brings together design elements and services for both seniors and youths. For example, there’s a playground and after-school activities for children as well as gardening stations and services for seniors.

Catholic Charities is offering a suite of on-site and off-site programs, including grandparenting classes.
Another notable aspect is the public-private partnership behind the project, with the city donating the land for the development, says Johnson.

Forty-five apartments are affordable to residents earning no more than 30%, 50%, and 60% of the area median income, and nine units are market-rate to create a mixed-income development, with all of the homes aimed at seniors. Eleven units are covered by Section 8 project-based vouchers.

Universal design principles are incorporated throughout the property to ensure maximum accessibility and visibility for residents and visitors.

Financing for the approximately $12 million Generations at West Mesa includes 9% low-income housing tax credits and the National Housing Trust Fund.