FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Albuquerque, NM – 01/27/2025 – The University of New Mexico Health System has announced a significant expansion as the UNM Center for Development & Disability (UNM CDD) secures a lease for the property at 5338 Montgomery Blvd. NE in Albuquerque. The former IRS building will be transformed into a vibrant center of care, innovation, and community engagement, providing vital services to children and adults with developmental disabilities.
The execution of this lease has solidified the future complete occupancy of the 67,744-square-foot professional office building, located in the highly sought-after Northeast Heights submarket. The property’s strategic location near one of New Mexico’s busiest intersections, San Mateo and Montgomery, offers enhanced access for families and caregivers throughout the region. The nearly 300 UNM CDD faculty and staff will move into this new space within the next 12 months.
“We are honored to bring the Center for Development and Disability to this exceptional space,” said Kelly Schmidt, SIOR, MICP, Senior Advisor at SVN | Walt Arnold Commercial Brokerage, Inc. “This move reinforces UNM Health’s commitment to serving the community and reflects the tremendous value of this property as it transitions from its former role as a government building.”
A State-of-the-Art Facility for Specialized Training, Services and Care
New Mexico’s federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities since 1990, the UNM CDD, will bring a robust and growing set of projects and services to their new home. Key program areas include the Center’s Autism Programs; Maternal-Child and Early Childhood Services; Medically Fragile RN Case Management; New Mexico Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disorders interdisciplinary training program (NM-LEND), specialized diagnostic evaluation and intervention clinics; the state’s largest disability-oriented library; and a broad array of other community/clinical service/training efforts, family engagement programs, and partnerships with University and state leaders. With a focus on delivering expert services to help all New Mexicans thrive, the Center will continue to be at the forefront of support for individuals and families impacted by developmental and other challenges, as well as the professionals who serve them.
Marcia Moriarta, Executive Director of the UNM CDD and professor in the UNM Department of Pediatrics, called the move “an important advancement for the work of the CDD.” She added, “we are thrilled about moving the Center to this new, modernized space. It will provide a platform for the UNM CDD to continue our growth trajectory and to cultivate a truly accessible and welcoming space for those we serve and our staff.”
“This facility is perfectly aligned with the needs of the UNM CDD’s staff and clients,” said Schmidt. “Its design and amenities allow ample space to foster growth for UNM Health while positioning the center at a strategic location accessible to the entire community.”
Collaborative Efforts in Securing the Lease
The successful lease agreement could not have been achieved without the collaborative efforts of CBRE’s Debbie Dupes, CCIM, and Cheryl Hardt who represented UNM CDD and worked closely with Walt Arnold and Kelly Schmidt to negotiate the terms and finalize the agreement. Debbie and Cheryl’s combined experience and extensive knowledge of Albuquerque’s real estate landscape and commitment to serving institutional clients played a critical role in identifying the ideal site to meet the CDD’s operational needs.
“Debbie’s expertise in commercial real estate and her dedication to the mission of the CDD were pivotal in facilitating this expansion,” said Walt Arnold, Managing Director at SVN | Walt Arnold Commercial Brokerage, Inc. “Their collaboration with the broader team ensured a seamless negotiation process that prioritized the needs of the staff, clients, and community alike.”
“Everyone involved with this project was focused on achieving a successful outcome. It was not an easy task, but transparency and creativity were key attributes that played a vital role in getting this deal done,” said Debbie Dupes, CCIM, First Vice President with CBRE.
Strategic Significance for the Albuquerque Community
With a Mixed-Use, Transition Zone (MX-T) zoning designation, the property supports innovative uses like the services provided by the UNM CDD. Its location at Montgomery Blvd. places it in a vibrant area boasting strong demographics.
The lease represents the culmination of SVN | Walt Arnold Commercial Brokerage, Inc.’s efforts to reposition and transform the building. Once exclusively occupied by federal government tenants, the property now thrives as a hub for essential community services.
About UNM’s Center for Development and Disability
As part of the UNM Health System, the UNM Center for Development and Disability offers expert care and resources to individuals with developmental disabilities, including specialized evaluations and treatments for children and adult patients. Through cutting-edge programs like the Early Childhood Evaluation and Autism Spectrum Evaluation, as well as ongoing support for conditions such as cerebral palsy and mental health challenges, the center is dedicated to creating opportunities for growth and independence in home, school, and community settings.
About SVN | Walt Arnold Commercial Brokerage, Inc.
SVN | Walt Arnold Commercial Brokerage, Inc. specializes in delivering innovative commercial real estate services that build communities and support growth. The team excels in transforming spaces, helping clients achieve their objectives while fostering shared success in the markets they serve.
About CBRE
About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2023 revenue). The company has more than 130,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.
