Sundowner Apartments

About Sundowner Apartments

The Sundowner, which was home to Microsoft visionaries Bill Gates and Paul Allen in the mid-1970s, has been transformed into 71 efficiencies, one-two-and three-bedroom apartments, commercial space, a historic Microsoft display window, computer training center and community garden. The complex houses veterans as well as individuals with disabilities, the formerly homeless and low- and middle-income residents. The Sundowner has also achieved the highest level of energy efficiency, LEED Platinum.

“We are carrying out the legacy of Microsoft by finding innovative solutions to community issues,” said John Bloomfield, Executive Director of NewLife Homes, which is the project’s developer. “Motel rehabilitation projects like this act as catalysts for neighborhood revitalization and demonstrate how valuable affordable housing can be for communities.”

The Sundowner was built in 1960 on what was then Route 66 just west of San Pedro. With its prominent neon signs and popular nightclub, the landmark motel was reminiscent of Las Vegas casino motels. The Sundowner began a steady decline after the construction of Interstate-40 and closed permanently in 2009. It’s last use was as a transitional housing facility for veterans. During its recent renovation, great care was taken to retain the basic flavor of the Del Webb-type motor court design.

Funding for the $9.2 million project includes $5.4 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits through MFA and $2.2 million through the City of Albuquerque Workforce Housing Trust Fund. The New Mexico Housing Trust Fund, which is administered by MFA, provided $500,000 in funding. New Mexico’s Sustainable Building Tax Credits provided another $250,000 in equity funding. The Sundowner’s rents will range from $300 to $700 a month.