Albuquerque's unique new real estate development, Mesa Del Sol, expects to offer homes in its first residential neighborhood beginning in the summer of 2008, with the first new residents moving into homes emphasizing green and sustainable features, by fall, 2008.

Mesa del Sol is a new kind of real estate model, different from anything Albuquerque has seen in the past. Expecting ultimately to include over 37,000 homes, the developers of Mesa del Sol plan to take to the idea of "mixed use" to a higher level, blending residential with retail, commercial and open space uses. They plan a mixture within each of these elements, so that residential design at Mesa del Sol will feature an unusually large variety of home and architetrual styles.

Residential plans include rear loading alleys, porches, and interconnected open spaces to make the neighborhoods pedestrain and commuter-friendly, and to emphasize the importance of sustainability. Numerous green, sustainable, and eco-friendly ideas are expected to be incorporated.

Single family homes, townhouses, condos, and apartments will be included, and plans also feature community centers, schools, parks and access to jobs. The goal is to build, not just a group of homes, but a community.

The year 2008 should see completion of the first 300 or so homes, with 400-500 planned for the succeeding year. Home sizes will vary widely, from 900 square feet to over 4000 square feet, with prices starting around $150,000 and going to more than $600,000. Energy and water efficiency are considered important, and landscaping will emphasize native plants and water harvesting. Some homes are expected to feature either active or passive solar heating and even water harvesting cistern systems!

Watch for more information about Mesa Del Sol; it's an exciting new concept in Albuquerque residential development!