While things certainly slowed down over the last few years, there has been a small boom in downtown investments either under way or in the planning phases. I created this little map, which shows where these developments are occurring. The addition of a thousand new students on campus will add to the vibrancy of the University area. Development across from Presbyterian will begin to mend the urban fabric that connects Edo with UNM. Downtown will similarly see the strengthening of its fabric as well as the vibrancy that comes with a couple hundred new residents. The momentum is building once again.
In other news, the Downtown Action Team is about to see a true urban planner take the reins. This bodes well for the entity given its often listless direction over the years. Perhaps (hopefully) this may result in an update to the Downtown 2010 plan, which lacks much in the way of direction aside from form based codes and a project wish list.
Meanwhile, convention center renovation plans should be unveiled any day.
