The planned two-level multigenerational complex in northwestern Albuquerque will be a facility long needed by the city's older population, Mayor Tim Keller said in recent announcements.
Plans for the approximately $14.2 million project are to build a 29,000 square-foot two-level center, according to a press release issued by the city on Oct. 14. The center is expected to house "an administrative area, classrooms, fitness and aerobics rooms, social hall, kitchen, game room, and a rock-climbing gym," the press release said.
Albuquerque City Council President Cynthia Borrego during her remarks about the Cibola Loop
| cabq.gov/
The Westside Multigenerational Center is expected to be built first as part of the complex, at the intersection of Cuba Road and Cibola Loop.
"With the new @cabqseniors Cibola Loop Multigenerational Center, we're adding an important asset for our age-friendly city that has been long needed in the northwest part of town," Keller tweeted.
The press release and Twitter post both followed a public in-person announcement of the Cibola Loop Multigenerational Center on the center's planned location. Keller was joined by City Council President Cynthia Borrego, Director of Senior Affairs Anna Sanchez and other community members.
Albuquerque's northwest side currently has no multigenerational or senior center facilities to serve the older population in that area, certainly nothing like the Cibola Loop Multigenerational Center is expected to be. The nearest such facilities are Taylor Ranch Community Center and the Los Volcanes Senior Center. The Department of Senior Affairs also has satellite meal sites at Bernalillo County’s Paradise Hills Senior Annex and Raymond G. Sanchez Senior Center, five miles away from the Cibola Loop Multigenerational Center's expected location.
"With the new Cibola Loop Multigenerational Center, we’re adding an important asset for our age-friendly city that has been long needed in the northwest part of town," Keller during the public announcement. "Our multigenerational families are part of who we are in Albuquerque and this complex will create a space for enrichment, recreation and community building. We appreciate our partners at the state legislature and our US Senators who pitched in to help us bring this center to life."
In her own remarks, Borrego called the news "an exciting day for Council District 5," the district she has represented since she was first elected to the seat in 2017 and which includes the Cibola Loop Multigenerational Center location.
Borrego noted that there are no multi-generational centers like the planned center north of I-40 on Albuquerque's West side.
"This is the day that will lead to an amazing civic amenity that will bring the District 5 communities together," Borrego said. "The future of our communities' activity rests in this Center. It will provide essential services to our region's seniors, young people and families."