Guest House Project — LEDA and MRA Agreements
Los Alamos County
Summary
A 60-room hotel is proposed for the vacant former Hilltop House site at 400 Trinity Drive, the gateway to downtown. The developer wants nearly $4 million in county LEDA and redevelopment funds for a $30 million-plus project, and councilors and residents grilled them on jobs, taxpayer protections, and clawbacks before any money is committed.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 20, 2026.
Impact analysis
County contribution requested: $3,875,000 ($3 million LEDA, $875,000 MRA), with security and clawback terms still being negotiated.
Downtown businesses, Lab visitors and tourists needing lodging, and the developer — plus residents who want the blighted gateway parcel revived.
Some residents worry taxpayers bear risk for few permanent jobs (about four) and that public funds could compete with existing local businesses like local meeting venues.
Mentions & discussions (6)
County Council (Work) — October 20, 2026
The county is proposing to use its economic development fund and redevelopment tools to support the Grand Mesa Partners project at 400 Trinity Drive. It's just been introduced — the real public hearing and decision come November 10.
County Council - Regular Session — October 6, 2026
The county's first MRA project grant in White Rock gives the Pig & Fig Café up to $106,000 in reimbursed costs for accessibility, drainage, and infrastructure upgrades, expected to add six jobs and six dining tables in the White Rock downtown district.
County Council - Regular Session — July 28, 2026
A 60-room hotel is proposed for the vacant former Hilltop House site at 400 Trinity Drive, the gateway to downtown. The developer wants nearly $4 million in county LEDA and redevelopment funds for a $30 million-plus project, and councilors and residents grilled them on jobs, taxpayer protections, and clawbacks before any money is committed.
County Council - Regular Session — May 19, 2026
The county was set to award a $7.1 million contract for safety and ADA upgrades on the main Trinity Drive corridor, with a total project budget of about $8.17 million. This is a major roadway and utility investment affecting daily commutes.
Lodgers' Tax Advisory Board — May 19, 2026
Hotel members revealed rooms are often available on weekends — buses are full Monday through Wednesday. They offered two years of occupancy data to help planners book events and fill the gaps.
New Mexico developer plans 137 homes in two adjacent Los Alamos communities
New Mexico developer plans 137 homes in two adjacent Los Alamos communities The Business Journals
Related development
Grand Mesa Partners LEDA Project and MRA Plan — 400 Trinity Drive
Could transform the county's most visible vacant gateway parcel into a tax-generating hotel serving Lab visitors and tourists, with about four permanent jobs and downtown spending.
Guest House Project — LEDA Participation Agreement and MRA Development Agreement
If the agreements advance, county economic development funds would support the Guest House project in the redevelopment area.
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