Finance Authority Names Affordable Housing Design Winners

Recently, the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) released its list of winners for the 2013 Low Income Housing Tax Credit design competition. The competition was started to showcase designs that promote quality and innovation in affordable housing projects throughout the state.

The annual competition is open to affordable housing developers that have applied for Low Income Housing Tax Credits. An external jury evaluated the site and landscaping plans, building design, contextual and special design, floor plan design, and construction characteristics for each of the projects. “Competition winners lead the way in creating homes for low-income families that are energy-efficient and attractive, which helps reduce the historic stigma of affordable housing,” a news release said.

The MFA receives about $45 million in federal tax credits each year, which it allocates in a competitive funding round to five or six affordable housing projects. The first-place winner this year is the Andalusia development in Clovis. The developers are Tierra Realty Trust and Golden Spread Rural Frontier Coalition, with architect WAMO Studios. The development includes 60 units of mostly two-bedroom apartments. Andalusia will rehabilitate existing apartment and commercial buildings in Clovis’ historic downtown.