LOCATION

Manzerro Plaza and Business Center is a 100 acre mixed use planned development in Valencia County, New Mexico. Located just 25 minutes south of Albuquerque International Airport, Sandia National Laboratories and Downtown Albuquerque. (City of Albuquerque population is approaching 500,000. The metro area, including Valencia County, is approaching 750,000). The development is approximately 3 miles east of Hwy 47 just east off State Route 263, along the Manzano Expressway Corridor.

Valencia County is one of the fastest growing counties in New Mexico. Current estimates on the population are at approximately 75,000 persons, and is projected to almost double by the year 2020. The population is primarily located along the Rio Grande valley with almost 70% living on the east side of the river. The municipalities of Los Lunas and Belen are largely located on the west side of the river, where most commercial activity takes place. Residential growth in this eastern segment of Valencia County has outpaced any other area of the county. Recently approved residential subdivisions within the Manzano Expressway Corridor will provide housing for another 4800 persons. The school district has completed three new schools including a new High School along this corridor.

EMPLOYMENT and ECONOMICS

Aside from county and municipal governments and the school districts most employment in Valencia County is in the service sector, including restaurants and retail. Belen and Los Lunas each have an industrial park, with such companies as Solo Cup and a Wal-Mart Distribution Center. Even with these recent successes in economic development, over 60% of the work force still commutes to Albuquerque for employment. The Valencia County Economic Development Council sees this work force as an opportunity to bring other businesses to the area. Having employment opportunities close to where one lives is not only the goal of economic development but is the trend in society today.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN and ZONING

The basic principals behind the Valencia County’s Comprehensive Growth Plan is to preserve the valley in its rural, agricultural state and to provide for quality growth outside the valley without sprawl. The growth should be a balanced community where current and future residents have a full range of housing choices, employment opportunities, and consumer opportunities. Valencia County has recently passed a zoning ordinance that reinforces this comprehensive plan. Manzerro Plaza and Business Center falls within the guide lines of the comprehensive plan and has received the proper zoning under the new ordinance.

PLAN CONCEPT

Manzerro Plaza and Business Center is located at the core of activity in this eastern segment of Valencia County. The intersection of the Manzano Expressway and El Cerro Mission Blvd. is now and will be for many years to come at the hub of all growth in this area. The Plan Concept along the Manzano Expressway Corridor is to create a land-use pattern of mixed uses which combines residential and commercial areas in a way that respects its unique setting. Manzerro Plaza and Business Center will provide neighborhood and community retail services for the entire county and to the growing residential projects now underway in the immediate area, as well as a Business/Employment Complex for the large work force in Valencia County.