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BIG News! Vital Spaces activates former Joannes fabric building / Call for studio artists and work for consignment shop!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 18, 2025
Geltmore LLC and Vital Spaces Join Forces to Activate Former Joann
Fabrics Building as Creative Space for Santa Fe
Santa Fe, N.M. – Two Guys Partners, LLC, a New Mexico limited liability entity (“Landlord”), an affiliate of Geltmore LLC, and Vital Spaces, a New Mexico nonprofit corporation (“Tenant”), are excited to announce a new partnership to bring temporary creative and community space to the former Joann Fabrics building at 3140 Cerrillos Road, Suite B.
Under a new temporary lease agreement that began December 1, 2025, Vital Spaces will transform the approximately 12,000-square-foot property into a vibrant hub for local creatives and community members. The space will include 25 low-cost studios for Santa Fe artists and makers, along with flexible areas for gatherings, classes, workshops, exhibitions, pop-ups, and community events.
As part of the agreement, Geltmore is providing the space to Vital Spaces at a reduced rental rate compared to fair market value, with the difference recognized as an in-kind contribution to nonprofit. This creative structure allows a privately owned commercial property and a community-centered nonprofit to work together to activate a key corridor in Santa Fe.
“We’re proud to partner with Vital Spaces to bring new life, creativity, and positive
activity to this building and this stretch of Cerrillos Road,” said David Silverman,
Principal of Geltmore, LLC. “As we work to secure a long-term use in this location,
instead of having the space remain unoccupied for an extended period of time, this
space will now host artists, entrepreneurs, and neighbors coming together. It’s a win
for the community, a win for the corridor, and a model for how private landlords and
nonprofits can collaborate.”
Vital Spaces will offer affordable studios to local creatives along with shared programming designed to bring people into the space regularly—everything from workshops and maker classes to pop-up markets, small performances, and community meetings.
In addition to supporting local artists, the collaboration will help keep the property active, visible, and well-maintained, deter vandalism and neglect, and generate foot traffic for nearby businesses along Cerrillos Road. Programming will be designed to be welcoming and accessible, with many events either free or low-cost to the public. The space at 3140 Cerrillos Road, Suite B will begin to host artists and community activities as Vital Spaces phases in studios and programming over the coming weeks.
“This partnership is huge for Santa Fe’s creative community,” said Raashan Ahmad,
Executive Director of Vital Spaces. “Having 25 low-cost studios under one roof, plus
room for gatherings and events, means more artists can stay and work here, more
neighbors can connect, and a big empty building becomes a place full of light,
movement, and possibility. We’re grateful to Geltmore and the Silverman’s for
believing in this vision and making it doable with a discounted lease.”
About Vital Spaces
Vital Spaces is a Santa Fe–based nonprofit organization that creates affordable, flexible spaces
and opportunities for artists and community members to gather, create, and connect. Through
studios, markets, performances, workshops, and community programs, Vital Spaces supports
creative people and uses the arts as a tool for community vitality and economic opportunity.
About Geltmore LLC
Geltmore LLC is an Albuquerque based Real Estate Development company that develops,
owns and manages commercial property throughout the state. Geltmore strives to provide
economic development solutions that benefit the State, thru their principals expertise in
development and finance. The company is committed to thoughtful stewardship of its properties
and to collaborations that support community, economic activity, and positive use of space.
Media Contacts:
For Geltmore, LLC
David Silverman
Principal
505-294-8625
david@geltmore.com
For Vital Spaces
Raashan Ahmad
Executive Director, Vital Spaces
raashan@vitalspaces.org
505-469-8820
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