Tsigo bugeh village (pronounced SEE go BOO gay) is a mixed income
rental housing project located on San Juan Pueblo tribal
land. Comprised of forty units and a community center, Tsigo
bugeh Village is the landmark project of the Pueblo's comprehensive new
approach to housing and development. It is unique in that it
has combined an award-winning design based on traditional values with
new sources of financing on tribal land.
The community-based design incorporates traditional settlement patterns
of the Pueblo. The forty attached townhomes are clustered
around communal plazas that are oriented to the equinox and summer
solstice. The living and dining areas are open floor plans to
accommodate high traffic on feastdays. Throughout the project
are traditional architectural elements such as "hornos", which are
bread-baking ovens, "ramadas", which are shade structures, and murals
painted by local artists.
The Community Center houses a computer room, laundry facilities, a
communal kitchen and an exercise room. It is available for
resident functions as well as for various community service
events. Management of the property is tribally operated and
each resident is approved through a traditional due process.
Financing the project as well as maneuvering the land restrictions
required the committed partnering of many different public agencies and
private institutions. Financing sources consist of low-income
housing tax credits, Indian Block Grant funds, a Federal Home Loan Bank
grant, HOME funds, a HUD Rural Housing and Economic Development Grant,
a Chamiza Foundation grant, and a RiskShare Loan. The HOME
funds and RiskShare loan were both the first to be used on tribal lands
in New Mexico. The permanent loan amount is less than 5% of
the total development costs.
Tsigo bugeh Village is the rental housing component of an overall
master land use plan currently underway at San Juan Pueblo.
The intent is to create a new model of land development that is
culturally appropriate to San Juan Pueblo and which provides economic
opportunities based on the assets within the tribe.
