Success Stories

The trendy Sawmill District is located north of the Historic Old Town District and south of Interstate 40.

In 1903, American Lumber Co. established operations in Albuquerque and built a 110-acre complex in the Sawmill District to produce milled lumber, doors, and shingles.

By 1908, it was the largest manufacturing company in the Southwest and employed over 1,000 men. The company had its own fire department and medical staff and a dedicated rail spur.

The 7.5-acre Ponderosa Products plant manufactured pressed particle board from 1973-2001. Petroleum products, resins, and solvents were all used as part of the manufacturing process.

Ponderosa Products property contained four large buildings and a wastewater treatment system. One set of railroad tracks and one railroad spur ran along the inside of the western boundary of the property.

Ponderosa Products ceased operations in 2001. The property remained vacant until Sawmill Community Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, acquired it in 2003.

In 2004, A Phase I ESA was funded by the Brownfields Program ($6,991). The investigation revealed numerous Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) at the property.

RECs included the existing railroad spur & loading docks, sumps, oil/water separators, concrete drip pads, discharge from drains, clarifier associated with the wastewater treatment system, and more.

In 2005, the Brownfields Program funded a Phase II ESA ($37,970) that included sampling, removal, transportation, and disposal of contaminated soil, liquids, and solid wastes.

In 2008, the Brownfields Program loaned Sawmill Community Land Trust $225,000 for additional soil remediation along the rail spur located on the property.

Sawmill Village is a now a mixed-use development with tenants including Ponderosa Brewing Company. The 60-unit Artisan apartment complex is geared for those who earn 50%, and below the Area Median Income.

Located along Historic Route 66 in Albuquerque, also known as Central Avenue.

Luna Lodge was built in 1949 during the golden age of Route 66 tourism.

The twenty- eight room lodge was built in the typical motor court style of the time and is largely unaltered. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

The Interstate Highway System led to the construction of I-40 in the 1970s through New Mexico which by-passed many businesses along Route 66.

Like many former Route 66 motels, Luna Lodge was dilapidated, boarded up, and a magnet for criminal activity. Luna Lodge was vacant for several years.

The NM Brownfields Program funded the environmental assessment work and awarded a Revolving Loan Fund sub-grant in the amount of $50,000 to the non-profit NewLife Homes to fund asbestos and lead remediation at Luna Lodge.

NewLife Homes is a non-profit that serves Albuquerque’s diverse community including those challenged by disabilities, fixed income, veteran re-integration, and the elderly. 

Re-opened in 2013, Luna Lodge now features a 30-unit apartment complex complete with a community room and business incubator. The project provides affordable housing for residents that were formerly homeless and those with special needs.

Located along Historic Route 66 in Albuquerque, also known as Central Avenue.

Opened in 1947, the 30,000 square foot Bell Trading Post was constructed of stucco and red brick complete with a southwestern stucco facade.

Bell Trading Post manufactured silver, nickel, and copper jewelry components and sold to silversmiths throughout the Southwest.

After the Great Depression ended, business boomed for two decades. Passage of the Interstate Highway System led to the construction of I-40 through New Mexico in the 1970s which by-passed many businesses along Route 66.

The business closed its doors in 1975. Bell Trading Post sat vacant for over 20 years.

The NM Brownfields Program funded the environmental assessment activities. Additionally, the project received a $265,000 loan from the City of Albuquerque's Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund for asbestos abatement and soil remediation.

Located along Historic Route 66 in Albuquerque, also known as Central Avenue.

The Sundowner was built in 1959 during the golden age of Route 66 tourism.

The Sundowner was a popular local's hangout in the 1960s and 70s complete with an in-house casino, nightclub, restaurant, and pool.

In the 1970s, Bill Gates and Paul Allen resided at the Sundowner while working on their first version of BASIC computer language for the Altair 8800 computer, invented in 1975 by the Albuquerque MITS company.

In the 1970s, the Interstate Highway System led to the construction of I-40 through New Mexico which by-passed many businesses along Route 66. After years of decline, the Sundowner closed in the late 1990s.

The NM Brownfields Program funded the environmental assessment work and awarded a Revolving Loan Fund sub-grant in the amount of $250,000 to the non-profit NewLife Homes to fund asbestos and lead remediation at the Sundowner.

Re-opened in 2014, the Sundowner Apartments provide affordable housing for a range of residents including mentally ill, students, veterans, and working families.

The redevelopment includes 71 apartment units, which range from studios to three-bedrooms.

The City of Tucumcari is located in eastern New Mexico, divided by Interstate 40, railroad tracks, and Historic Route 66.

In 1901, a connection was completed between the Southern Pacific at El Paso and the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific at Liberal, Kansas placing Tucumcari on a major transcontinental line.

Opened in 1926, the passenger & freight depot was an example Mission Revival architectural style. It housed lunch & dining rooms, kitchen, bakery, waiting area, ticket office, restrooms, men's & women's lounges, baggage rooms and more.

In 1968, passenger service was terminated. In 1975, Rock Island filed for bankruptcy for the third time and was liquidated in 1980. In 1996, Southern Pacific Railroad had fallen on very hard times and was acquired by the Union Pacific.

The depot remained vacant for several years. In 2002, the Union Pacific deeded the depot to the City.

In 2004, the NM Brownfields Program funded the environmental assessment of the historic depot. Remediation was required for asbestos & lead-based paint.

In 2008, the City partnered with Tucumcari MainStreet Corporation which has invested $1.8 million in restoration of the building.

In 2015, the first Tucumcari Railroad Days Event was held at the new Tucumcari Railroad Museum. The museum opened in 2017.

Silver City (pop. 9,500) is located in southwest New Mexico nestled against the 3.3 million-acre Gila National Forest.

The hospital was constructed in the 1930s using Works Progress Administration Funds on donated land. Originally known as the Swift Memorial Hospital and renamed the Silver City General Hospital in the 1950s.

A remodel was completed in 1961, adding 39 beds and updates throughout the facility. The name was changed to Hillcrest General Hospital.

The hospital closed in the early 1980s. Patients were moved to the new Gila Regional Medical Center.

The property was vacant for over 20 years and fell into disrepair.

In 2003, the New Mexico Brownfields Program funded a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment on behalf of the Town of Silver City. The Town acquired the property in 2004.

In 2005-2006, the NM Brownfields Program funded a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment which identified asbestos, lead, incinerator ash, and rodent/bird feces at the property.

In 2007, the NM Brownfields Program Revolving Loan Fund provided a $342,560 zero interest loan to the Town of Silver City to fund environmental remediation. The loan was repaid in 2011. The State Legislature contributed $200,000 for remediation and demolition.

Bethel Development specializes in the development of affordable housing. New Mexico was an attractive location choice for the company due to the availability of Low Income Housing Tax Credits.

Opened in late 2019, the 69-unit facility provides one and two-bedroom independent living apartments for tenants age 55+ and accepts HUD Section 8 qualified applicants.

This development fills a significant community need for senior housing and is complete with a community room, beauty salon, exercise room, library, & computer room.

EPA Region 6 Success Story!