PAH! Hiland Plaza is a Mixed-Use Multi-family Affordable Housing (LIHTC) project for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard-of-Hearing, Deaf+ individuals and families who have low income. The project is designed with the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Deaf+, and Hard-of-Hearing communities in mind and is one of only 5 communities like it in the Nation. The Deaf Culture Center of New Mexico has been working for 20 years to bring about the dream of an apartment community for the Deaf community. Through a partnership with the Deaf Culture Center of New Mexico (DCC-NM), building features were identified that would create a more enjoyable and functional living space. The development includes 92 dwelling units, leasing office, community amenities, and approximately 2,000 SF of commercial tenant space. The site amenities include a secured parking area and play areas for different age groups as required per NM MFA design guidelines. The building and site design meet NM MFA design requirements.
The project site is located on Historic Route 66 Central Avenue in the Highland Business District in Albuquerque on the former site of the Desert Sands Motel. The design evokes “Albuquerque Streamline Moderne”— one of the most distinctive architectural styles popular in Albuquerque during the development of Nob Hill and the Highland District’s neighborhoods. Horizontal banded structures with curved corners mimicked the aerodynamics of planes, automobiles and ships, as long vertical elements marked entryways. Straight line and curving forms were highlighted by contrasting color, linear details, or illuminated by neon lights and bold signage. Drawing on this tradition, PAH! Hiland Plaza embraces strong horizontals, lofting verticals, curved corners, and clean lines of Streamline Moderne, thus creating a modern icon and landmark contributing to the legibility and identity of the city.
Square Feet: 79,800 sq. ft.
Construction Cost: $18,350,000
