ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Residents in 23 units at an affordable housing complex owned by the City of Albuquerque have officially moved out after the city requested they do so due to safety concerns with the building.
The city’s Office of Health, Housing, and Homelessness (HHH) told KRQE News 13 that some of the stairways and landings at The Beach apartment complex on Route 66 near Tingley Beach have deteriorated and are in need of repairs.
As a result, residents on the third floor of the 1986-era building were asked to move out. The city said it provided free moving services, $2,000 in financial aid, and an option to move to another property managed by Monarch, which is contracted by the city to manage the city’s more than 600 housing units.
Now that the move-out process has been completed, the city is preparing to get the repairs done. “We are wrapping up the design phase. Once that is completed, we will begin working with the general contractor, who will provide cost estimates for the first phase of construction,” HHH Public Affairs Specialist Connor Woods told KRQE in an email.
Woods said phase one of the construction includes the first eight stair runs in the building where deterioration is most severe. Phase one is expected to last approximately six months, and there are 42 stairways. Subsequent phases will be completed based on priority.
KRQE asked HHH if any other issues had been found at the building. Woods responded, saying that the initial structural analysis was completed in January, and “No other issues were immediately identified. We will continue working with the contractor and inspector to address any needs that may arise throughout the construction process.”
The Beach apartment complex was constructed by the late Antoine Predock and is known for its colorful and intricate design accented by neon lights.
