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The City of Las Cruces estimates a shortfall of 5,600 rental units, a figure that reflects the pressing need for projects like The Three Sisters.
Source: City of Las Cruces
Images: Courtesy
Today marks a milestone in the ongoing effort to provide high-quality, affordable housing to families in Las Cruces with the grand opening of The Three Sisters Apartments. This transformative project addresses a critical housing shortage in the city, bringing 70 new, thoughtfully designed residential units to a community that has long faced a growing gap in accessible housing options.
The City of Las Cruces estimates a shortfall of 5,600 rental units, a figure that reflects the pressing need for projects like The Three Sisters. For many low- to moderate-income families, safe and affordable housing remains out of reach. The completion of The Three Sisters development is a heartfelt and serious response to that need, delivering not only homes, but hope.
Located on repurposed land in a previously vacant Superfund area, the project exemplifies environmental responsibility through adaptive reuse. The City donated land for the entrance and driveway, helping to breathe new life into an area once overlooked.
The fully built-out community features a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, complete with amenities that foster stability and growth: a community center, playground, on-site laundry facilities, and resident support services. These elements reflect a vision of affordable housing that goes beyond shelter—it is about building community.
The $22 million development was made possible through a diverse and robust funding portfolio that includes:
- 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
- $2.4 million from the City of Las Cruces General Obligation Bond and Affordable Housing Fund
- New Mexico Housing Trust Fund
- National Housing Trust Fund
- HOME Investment Partnerships Program through Housing New Mexico
- $1 million from Casa Connection, Office of the Governor of New Mexico
The project was led by Chelsea Investment Corporation and CC Housing, with construction by Emmerson Construction, Inc. and design by Jeebs and Zuzu. It was supported by funding partners including the City of Las Cruces, New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, the State of New Mexico Casa Connection, Key Bank, Rocky Mountain, the Richman Group, and American Express.
Key City departments that played a vital role in the project’s success include Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization, Community Development (Permitting), Parks & Recreation, Las Cruces Police and Fire Departments (Impact Fee Waivers), Public Works (Inspections), and Las Cruces Utilities (Water, Sewer, and Gas Connections).
“The completion of The Three Sisters Apartments is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we work together for the good of our community,” said Las Cruces Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo. “I want to extend my deepest thanks to our dedicated building partners, our state and local legislators, and the countless individuals who invest in GO Bonds — your belief in our vision is what makes projects like this possible. Together, we are not just building homes; we are building hope, opportunity, and a stronger future for all.”
The Three Sisters Apartments also celebrates the culture and resilience of the region through a site-specific public art installation, “Las Tres Hermanas,” by Las Cruces artist Laura Anahy Nunez. Commissioned through the City’s Public Art Program, the piece draws inspiration from the agricultural heritage of the Mesilla Valley and the traditional “Three Sisters” crops—corn, beans, and squash—symbolizing unity, sustenance, and community.
Charles Schmid, CEO of Chelsea Investment Corporation, reflected on the importance of the project. “The Three Sisters affordable housing development represents the best, most innovative, and highly sought-after lifestyle for deserving, hardworking families in Las Cruces. Although Chelsea has developed affordable housing projects in other areas in New Mexico, The Three Sisters is its first project in Doña Ana County. We are impressed by the great strides the City of Las Cruces has made to make way for affordable housing and safe, vibrant spaces for residents to call ‘home’. The city’s vision and leadership to make affordable housing a priority is an admirable pursuit and one that is matched by our core values. We are looking forward to future affordable housing partnerships, and to changing lives for the better in New Mexico.”
As the sun sets on the construction of The Three Sisters Apartments, a new chapter begins for families who will now call this community home. This is more than a housing development—it’s a promise kept, and a future made brighter.
