Layout for Alta Mesa Estates
Pillar Engineering
Santa Teresa, New Mexico, is on the brink of a major transformation, thanks to an ambitious $2 billion mixed-use development spearheaded by Dallas-based developers Terry and Devon McLachlan. Their vision for the region includes a sprawling 4,700-unit residential community, Alta Mesa Estates, alongside a 272-acre industrial park, Alta Mesa Logistics Park. This development is poised to capitalize on Santa Teresa’s strategic location at the heart of North American trade corridors, reinforcing its status as a logistics powerhouse.
A Vision for Growth
Having invested in Santa Teresa since 2014, the McLachlans recognized the area’s untapped potential early on. Positioned midway between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and at the intersection of trade routes connecting Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, Santa Teresa offers an unparalleled advantage for logistics and manufacturing operations.
“The region is a key distribution hub where goods can efficiently move in all directions,” said Terry McLachlan. “The disruptions in global supply chains during the pandemic only reinforced the need for a development like this.”
Meeting the Demand for Housing
One of the most pressing challenges for businesses relocating to Santa Teresa has been the lack of nearby housing for workers. Currently, employees must commute from Las Cruces or El Paso, facing either long travel times or heavy traffic congestion. Alta Mesa Estates is designed to change that, offering an integrated community where residents can live, work, and access essential services without the burden of long commutes.
The planned residential development includes more than 3,500 single-family homes and 1,200 multifamily units, making it the first large-scale housing project in Santa Teresa’s industrial area. The 10-phase project is expected to take eight years to complete, with construction set to begin in mid-2025. The development will include amenities such as:
- A 32-acre central plaza with retail, dining, and medical offices
- Eleven parks and 25 acres of open space
- Over 10 miles of walking trails
- Five sports fields
- Three community clubhouses featuring meeting spaces, gyms, and pools
- Four acres designated for emergency services
Infrastructure Investment and Economic Impact
The project has received a significant boost with a $124 million county-approved Public Improvement District (PID) designation, which will help fund critical infrastructure such as roads, parks, and utilities. PID financing, which carries lower interest rates compared to private loans, helps offset development costs while keeping home prices competitive.
Economically, the development is expected to be a major revenue generator. Forecasts project that it will contribute:
- $7 million annually in property taxes
- $16 million annually in gross receipts taxes
- $353 million in taxes over 20 years
- $1.5 billion in state tax revenues over 20 years (approximately $64 million per year)
Additionally, the project is anticipated to attract 4,500 households, with an estimated 80% of new residents moving from out of state, further stimulating the local economy.
Alta Mesa Logistics Park: A New Hub for Trade
Complementing the residential development, Alta Mesa Logistics Park will enhance Santa Teresa’s capacity as a logistics and manufacturing hub. Currently home to four logistics parks responsible for nearly 69% of New Mexico’s exports, the addition of this 272-acre park will further solidify the region’s role in North American trade.
The logistics park will feature flexible lot sizes ranging from 5 to 20 acres, with the ability to expand based on demand. Construction on the first phase is slated to begin in fall 2025, with completion expected by late 2026. The development is expected to generate up to $6 million annually in property tax revenue at full build-out.
Strategically positioned with direct access to major transportation routes, the logistics park will be located across Pete Domenici Highway from Alta Mesa Estates. It will feature:
– 2,000-3,000 feet of highway frontage
– Proximity to Santa Teresa’s newly expanded airport
– Connections to key industrial roads, including Strauss Road and Industrial Avenue
A Promising Future for Santa Teresa
With over $40 million already committed to land acquisition, water rights, and wastewater connections, the McLachlans are confident in the region’s growth potential. The development aligns with broader economic trends, including nearshoring—where companies move manufacturing closer to the U.S. to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities.
“We’re seeing tremendous demand for industrial space in this area,” said Devon McLachlan. “With companies prioritizing logistics efficiency, Santa Teresa is in the right place at the right time.”
The combination of residential and industrial expansion promises to reshape Santa Teresa, attracting new businesses, residents, and investments. As construction begins in 2025, the Borderplex region stands to benefit from increased economic activity, job creation, and a strengthened position in global trade.
For Santa Teresa, the border boom is just beginning.
Article Source: Albuquerque Business First Link
