A Little Lantern Lights the Way: Farolito Senior Community Opens Its Doors

It was a day of celebration, gratitude, and new beginnings as Sol Housing and Housing New Mexico welcomed over 100 guests to the grand opening ceremony of Farolito Senior Community. Partners, local leaders, residents, and community members gathered on Friday, March 20th, 2026 in the sunny courtyard to mark the official opening of Albuquerque's newest affordable housing community for seniors.

A Community Comes Home

Located at 10501 Central Ave NE along historic Route 66, Farolito Senior Community offers 82 accessible and adaptable apartment homes designed specifically for seniors ages 55 and older, with a leasing preference for veterans. Named for the colorful shrubs surrounding the property, Farolito (Spanish for "little lantern") has already become a beacon of hope for many.

The celebration was filled with heartfelt moments, none more powerful than when Charles Montgomery, a veteran and Farolito resident, took the microphone. He shared his deeply personal journey, including his path to New Mexico, his experience with homelessness, and the profound relief of finally finding a place to rest his head at Farolito. His story reminded everyone in attendance why this work matters and the real lives transformed by affordable housing.

A Partnership Built on Shared Vision

"Welcoming another affordable housing community for our city's seniors is an accomplishment we are proud to share with our partners, neighbors and residents who will call it home for many years," said Sol Housing Executive Director Felipe Rael. "Farolito is a true testament to Sol's vision for a future where everyone can create connection and joy in a home of their choice."

The development represents a powerful collaboration between multiple organizations committed to addressing Albuquerque's affordable housing needs. Funding for Farolito was provided by the City of Albuquerque's Department of Health, Housing, and Homelessness, Housing New Mexico, and American Rescue Plan Act funds from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

The Housing New Mexico Board of Directors approved approximately $1.6 million in 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits annually, which—over a 10-year period—are expected to produce approximately $14.1 million in cash equity.

A Model of Smart Development

The site was previously part of the Ponderosa RV and Mobile Home Park and is owned by the New Mexico State Land Office (NMSLO). NMSLO leased the 2.3-acre site to Sol Housing, creating a unique public benefit: 94% of the earnings from lease payments go directly to support the New Mexico public education system, public universities, and hospitals.

Located directly across Central Avenue from Sol Housing's other affordable senior community, Luminaria, Farolito creates a hub of senior housing options along this historic corridor and provides a welcoming visual entry to the East Gateway neighborhood.

Design That Puts Residents First

Farolito showcases a modern design with a color palette selected by community members themselves. The building boasts stunning views of the Sandia Mountains and easy access to public transportation routes along Central Avenue. A local mural artist has been commissioned to create an art piece along the building facing Central that will honor multigenerational influences, iconic Route 66, and the community.

The community features amenities designed with seniors' needs and social connection in mind:

• Community room with kitchenette

• Fitness center

• In-house food pantry

• Dog wash and dog park with socialization area, shade, and seating

• Pollinator garden and multi-purpose space

• Controlled access parking

• Enrichment service coordinator on-site two days a week

• Bi-monthly health and nutrition education programs

Located within a half-mile of the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center, sports fields, and a multipurpose trail, Farolito provides seniors with both security and connection to the broader community.

The apartments come in 1- and 2-bedroom configurations, all accessible or adaptable to meet seniors' changing needs.

Serving Those Who Need It Most

Farolito provides rent-restricted housing for residents whose income does not exceed the maximum allowable income for their household size:

• 25 units for households earning 30% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) — $19,200 for one person, $21,960 for two

• 16 units for households earning 50% or less of the AMI — $32,000 for one person, $36,600 for two

• 28 units for households earning 60% or less of the AMI — $38,400 for one person, $43,920 for two

• 13 units for households earning 80% or less of the AMI — $51,200 for one person, $58,560 for two

Interested residents can learn more about qualifications and apply at www.farolitosenior.com.

Built by Albuquerque, for Albuquerque

The project was brought to life by Albuquerque-based teams: Jaynes Corporation served as general contractor, while Dekker/Perich/Sabatini designed the building's architecture.

Farolito is one of 53 active multi-family developments that Housing New Mexico has in various stages of construction across the state, representing approximately $413 million in funding for 5,000 apartment units located in 18 municipalities in 14 counties. The eventual economic impact of all 53 projects once under construction is estimated to generate approximately $1.32 billion in local income and create approximately 16,150 jobs.

More Than Housing, A Home

As the celebration wound down and guests toured the bright, welcoming spaces that residents now call home, it was clear that Farolito represents more than just another housing development. It's a place where seniors can age with dignity, where veterans find the respect and stability they've earned, and where community connections flourish.

For Charles Montgomery and the other residents who have already moved in, Farolito isn't just an address, it's a little lantern lighting the way home.

Photos by Jerry Walters/Dekker