Groundbreaking at Sendero Alamo Apartments: A Milestone for Alamogordo’s Housing Future

Alamogordo, NM – March 4, 2026 – In a significant step toward addressing the city’s longstanding housing shortage, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sendero Alamo Apartments took place in the Mesa Village area of town near the local movie theater, marking the first major apartment development to break ground in Alamogordo in over 25 years. This 80-unit project, designed specifically for military personnel and their families at Holloman Air Force Base, represents a vital civilian-military partnership aimed at supporting the base’s growth and enhancing local economic stability.

Project Highlights

The Sendero Alamo Apartments are a sustainability-driven initiative developed by the Military Housing Authority (MHA), featuring solar-powered units, private bedrooms and bathrooms, shared kitchens with high-end finishes, and a secure layout complete with surveillance infrastructure. Additional amenities include a clubhouse, pool, covered parking, and high-speed internet, all tailored to meet the needs of enlisted service members. Rents are aligned with military housing allowances, ensuring accessibility without relying on local tax abatements, as funding is federally managed.

The development is expected to create four full-time jobs paying over $75,000 annually and generate significant economic impact, with each bedroom estimated to contribute $5 million yearly to the local economy. As part of a broader effort to prevent mission loss at Holloman due to housing shortages, the project has garnered significant support from the community and played a role in the recent success in Alamogordo receiving the prestigious Altus Award. 

Historical Context

Alamogordo has grappled with a severe housing crunch for decades, exacerbated by the expansion of Holloman Air Force Base and limited multifamily developments. The last significant apartment project in the city dates back 25 years, leaving rental markets near full occupancy and straining resources for military families and the broader workforce. The Sendero Alamo Apartments, alongside other initiatives like the planned Patriot Point, signal a turning point in the city’s housing strategy, focusing on public-private partnerships from outside the area to accommodate growth.

This groundbreaking comes amid ongoing debates about affordability and incentives in Alamogordo’s housing landscape. While projects like Patriot Point have involved tax abatements, Sendero Alamo stands out for its federal backing and direct tie to military readiness. The project is also seeking local incentives but has broken ground and is moving toward completion.

Key Champions and Leadership

The project navigated the city planning process under the guidance of Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez, a lifelong Alamogordo resident with deep roots in education and government.  With 7 city managers in 10 years “Dr Hernandez’s leadership was instrumental in moving this project forward through the city planning and development process,” said project leadership.

Former Mayor Susan Payne played a pivotal role in pushing the initiative forward during her tenure, emphasizing smart growth and infrastructure to support the community’s future. Current Mayor Sharon McDonald has actively championed the development as an essential step toward bolstering military housing, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the city, county, and base to expand opportunities for residents. Mayor Sharon McDonald at the ground breaking ceremony said of the project, “Today marks a pivotal moment for Alamogordo’s future as we break ground on the Sendero Alamo Apartments. This long-awaited project not only addresses our critical housing needs but also strengthens our partnership with Holloman Air Force Base, ensuring our military families have the safe, affordable homes they deserve. I’m proud to have endorsed this initiative along with most members of the city commission early on, which will bring jobs, economic vitality, and sustainable growth to our community for years to come.”

—Construction is slated for completion by March 2027, with initial occupancy possible as early as November 2026. As Alamogordo continues to bloom as a desert oasis with significant progress the last two years in infrastructure improvements and development of downtown, projects like Sendero Alamo underscore the city’s commitment to sustainable, military-friendly growth and an eye to a stinger sustainable future. 

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