Zorro Blanco

Zorro Blanco is an exciting 164-unit multi-family housing development located on 6.9 acres in Santa Fe, designed to foster community and economic growth. Nestled on the western edge of the Tierra Contenta Development, it includes a neighborhood coffee shop that aims to become a local gathering spot for residents and visitors alike.

The development is strategically positioned near key amenities, including the rapidly expanding Santa Fe Airport to the south and commercial hubs along Airport Road to the north. This prime location positions Zorro Blanco to benefit from the ongoing growth in the area, which includes new businesses, schools, and essential services spurred by recent developments like Presbyterian Hospital and Super Walmart.

By integrating residential living with a coffee shop, Zorro Blanco seeks to enhance the appeal of the neighborhood and stimulate interest in additional retail opportunities. The gated community is designed not just for its residents but also to attract a wider audience, contributing to the vitality of the Tierra Contenta Village Plaza and surrounding areas. The project reflects the Urban Land Institute’s principle that successful retail relies on thriving residential neighborhoods, aiming to be a catalyst for future commercial development in the vicinity.

Richard Yates, AIA, of Zydeco 66, envisions Zorro Blanco as a vibrant community of 164 units spread across 17 individual buildings, designed to create pedestrian-friendly streets and inviting courtyards that echo the charm of Santa Fe’s historic district. This Spanish-style development aims to bring the quaint streets and plazas traditionally found in the city to its western side.

Zorro Blanco draws inspiration from the intimate, pedestrian-oriented streets of Santa Fe’s historic district, which prioritize human scale over vehicular traffic. These narrow streets foster memorable walking experiences, enhanced by walled enclosures that define and protect communal spaces. The proposed design for Zorro Blanco mirrors these historic patterns, promoting a new standard for multi-family living that emphasizes walkability and community interaction.

Architecturally, Zorro Blanco integrates the timeless aesthetic of Sena Plaza with vibrant color accents and rich textures inspired by San Miguel De Allende, Mexico. This city is renowned for its charming pedestrian-oriented streets, serving as a conceptual foundation for Zorro Blanco’s planning. The design incorporates protected pedestrian pathways that link courtyards and plazas, creating a cohesive environment that fosters a strong sense of place.

The plazas and courtyards at Zorro Blanco are reminiscent of Casa Sena, a historic home known for its serene courtyard, which buffers noise and provides a tranquil retreat amid the vibrancy of public life. Like Casa Sena, Zorro Blanco aims to offer shaded, quiet areas, perfect for enjoying Santa Fe’s abundant sunshine. The development seeks to recreate a timeless sense of comfort and community through its thoughtful integration of pedestrian streets, multi-level living spaces, shade structures, and lush gardens, embodying the spirit of Santa Fe while meeting modern needs.

Lot Size: SF, 6.9 Acres
Unit Mix: Totaling 135,145 SF
(11) Studio Dwelling units
(93) 1-Bedroom Dwelling units
(58) 2-Bedroom Dwelling units
(2) 3-Bedroom Dwelling units
(26) Tuck-under garages Totaling 7,982 SF
(26) Self Storage Units Totaling 2,236 SF
Coffee House, Totaling 908 SF
Swimming Pool & Spa
Club House and Amenity Space, Totaling 3,411 SF

Zorro Blanco features a striking architectural entry element: an arcing wall that frames a hemicycle drive, creating a grand entrance to this unique multifamily development. This promenade serves as the primary vehicular access, distinguishing Zorro Blanco from other developments in the region and setting an inviting tone for residents and visitors alike.

Behind the arcing wall, 17 buildings exemplify a southwest vernacular style, characterized by stepped massing that reduces the footprint of each ascending floor. This design echoes the architectural traditions seen at Taos Pueblo, North America’s longest continually inhabited settlement, and thoughtfully responds to the scale of adjacent residential areas, Plaza Central and Contenta Ridge. The stepped design allows for a variety of heights, with three-story buildings strategically placed in lower elevations to maintain a harmonious visual connection with the two-story homes nearby.

The buildings feature elegant design details and vibrant color accents, with oversized entrance gates leading into private courtyards—an homage to the memorable streets of San Miguel de Allende. Pedestrian-oriented streets create safe and engaging environments where residents can socialize, exercise, or enjoy leisurely walks to the community clubhouse. The layout minimizes vehicular crossings, fostering a sense of community with intimate plazas and private courtyards that serve as spontaneous meeting spaces.

Zorro Blanco’s design prioritizes natural light and ventilation, with most units enjoying views from three sides. Ground-floor units have direct access to private courtyards, effectively expanding their living space outdoors. Second-floor units feature expansive roof decks for outdoor entertainment, while third-floor units offer hanging balconies that elevate the living experience above the pedestrian paths.

The larger unit sizes provide flexibility for personal tastes and home-based businesses, with functional layouts that include primary bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and spacious living areas. High-quality finishes and fixtures are on par with Class A developments, offering modern amenities such as concierge services, on-site storage lockers, enclosed garages, covered parking, and electric vehicle charging stations.

Zorro Blanco is committed to sustainability, with all-electric units designed to achieve carbon neutrality as the power grid transitions to renewable energy sources. The development may pursue Energy Star certification and will meet the city’s Home Energy Rating Standards, promoting energy efficiency even beyond municipal requirements. Water conservation is also prioritized, with efficient plumbing systems that minimize consumption and stormwater catchment systems for irrigation, ensuring a responsible approach to living in the high desert environment.

Preconstruction services for Zorro Blanco commence months before groundbreaking, ensuring a smooth transition from concept to execution. Zydeco has been instrumental in managing the design process, refining the project’s size, unit counts, finishes, and amenities in alignment with the project proforma. By involving the construction and architecture & engineering (A&E) teams early on, Zydeco establishes a foundation for success, setting the stage for timely and budget-conscious project delivery.

During the preconstruction phase, the general contractor and A&E teams work collaboratively to clarify the project scope and develop a construction delivery schedule. This coordination defines critical benchmarks and milestones, allowing the team to stay on track. Key stakeholders, including acousticians, energy raters, and city officials, participate in discussions to ensure all aspects of the project are addressed.

Zydeco’s involvement extends into construction administration, where it plays a vital role in coordinating among contractors, subcontractors, engineers, architects, and property management teams. As the project approaches completion, Zydeco focuses on facilitating a seamless transition from construction to property management and leasing. This comprehensive approach ensures that the vision for Zorro Blanco is realized effectively, delivering a well-coordinated and successful multifamily development.