Lobo Development Corporation (LDC), on behalf of UNM, is moving forward with efforts to create a vibrant entertainment district at its South Campus to compliment New Mexico’s premier sports venues. LDC is presenting a Request for Proposal to restaurant owners and operators, retailers and/or developers for a two-acre site right in the heart of the Sports District immediately adjacent to University Stadium, the Pit and Isotopes Park.
”Our goal is the creation of an exceptional mix of uses that enhances the game day experience and provides an exciting destination when the major sports venues are idle.” said Tom Neale, director of real estate for UNM. “We are looking for a project that will more closely tie the university to the community, and will provide entertainment and dining options for students, alumni, sports fans and the greater community.”
The site is immediately west of the stadium in the current parking lot on the southeast corner of Avenida Cesar Chavez and University Boulevard. Neale said 1.6 million people a year visit that city intersection, surrounded by the football, basketball and baseball complexes. The idea is to provide a place to eat, drink, shop, and listen to live music or other entertainment that would energize the area when sporting events are not being held. The two acre site is owned and controlled by UNM, but has been identified in the Campus Master Plan as land appropriate for ground leasing and commercial development.
The desire is to tap into local companies, with a preference for New Mexico-based restaurants, nightspots and other venues. Neale hopes it will be a fun place to hang out before and after games, or to watch the Lobos when the teams are playing in another city.
LDC is a UNM Regent-owned, nonprofit corporation that facilitates non-traditional real estate development through collaborative and innovative approaches. The Request for Proposal can be found at: Lobo Development under News.