Committee approves extension for Lamplighter Inn renovation as developer works through permits and funding

The Santa Fe Finance Committee on June 23 approved Amendment No. 2 to professional services agreement 23‑0541 with Bella Luz Apartments 2022 LLP, extending the term through June 30, 2026, to complete construction and renovation of the Lamplighter Inn.

Johanna Nelson, interim head of the Office of Affordable Housing in the city’s Office of Economic Development, said multiple funding sources and permitting needs had delayed the project. Developer Jeff Curry told the committee the project’s initial state award of roughly $4.2 million had triggered an extended state‑level review because of prior city and county grants the developer used to purchase land; those legal and administrative reviews created months of delay before state funding could be finalized.

Nelson and Jeff Curry described additional delays caused by design approvals and the permitting process; Construction permits, they said, were ready as of June 4 but the developer still needs a contractor to pick up the permits and start construction. City permitting official (Director Lamboy) told the committee that land use issues and code compliance adjustments — including work to meet ADA and other building requirements for the older structure — had been addressed and the final permit was issued June 4.

Curry said the developer and contractor are now engaged in a value‑engineering step to bring the bid into budget, and he told the committee the contractor is confident the project can be completed in about 13 months once construction begins. Committee members expressed concern that further delays risk higher construction costs but approved the extension so the project can align remaining funding, contractor selection and construction start.

The motion to approve the amendment passed on a roll call vote of the members present.