By HFT Staff

On the north side of Santa Fe, New Mexico, a just-completed senior living community promises an oasis downtown, thanks to aesthetics inspired by the surrounding desert vistas and the city’s multicultural, artistic heritage. Designed by national architecture firm three, La Secoya de El Castillo comprises nearly 200,000 square feet of development on two and a half acres, including 68 one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments with on-site healthcare settings and vibrant amenities. 

The residence sits atop a 55,000-square-foot underground parking facility for up to 150 vehicles plus 47 resident storage units, offering seniors access to the surrounding community.  

An adjunct of the El Castillo Life Plan Community, La Secoya is the first ground-up project designed by the firm for nonprofit owner-operator El Castillo Retirement Residences, in partnership with management consultancy Greystone Communities. Working with El Castillo CEO Al Jahner, Berg and his team applied three’s signature design approach, developing a concept that captures Jahner’s vision for a unique resident experience.  

The primary takeaways from the pre-design engagement sessions emphasize the region’s natural beauty, especially the sequoia trees on the site for which the new community is named.