Carlsbad Celebrates Developments

By Misty Cryer

Both Park Drive and Cascades Avenue were loaded with vehicles and crowds of people on Monday afternoon, January 5, for two different celebrations.

The first event was a ribbon-cutting for a monument sign on the riverbank across from the Cascades. The second event was a groundbreaking ceremony for a luxurious apartment complex featuring floor plans for one, two, and three bedrooms in 36 units. River View Apartments will be located in the Cascades, a recreation area surrounded by amenities along the Pecos River.

Kristen Gamboa, Executive Director of the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD), opened the groundbreaking ceremony, followed by comments from Susan Crockett, CDOD President, Rick Lopez, City of Carlsbad Mayor, Alex Millican of CGM Management, and Jay Jenkins, CEO and President of CNB Bank.

“Project River View represents exactly what the Cascades was designed to become—a place where long-term vision turns into real investment for Carlsbad,” said Gamboa. “This groundbreaking marks a major step forward in transforming underutilized land into an active, productive part of our community’s future,” she said.

“It’s exciting to see another major project break ground at the Cascades,” said Mayor Lopez. “This area highlights the beauty of Carlsbad and the Pecos River, and this development is a much-needed addition that will bring new energy and activity to the area. Projects like this reflect our continued investment in Carlsbad’s growth and future,” he said.

Alex Millican and his father, Gary, are from the Dallas area and are principals of the project. He said he first learned about the opportunity while working as an equipment manager for a couple of pipelines in the area.

 The units of the River View Apartments will be 804, 1190, and 1380 square feet with expected rental rates ranging from $1,500 to $2,400, according to Millican.

In explaining the luxurious features of the apartments, Millican said they are large, with heavy cabinets featuring quartz and granite, walk-in closets, and upgraded appliances, with laundry in each unit. Patios will be featured in six of the units that face the river, he said.

“The River View Apartments is more than a housing project; it’s an investment in Carlsbad’s future,” said CDOD President Susan Crockett. “Projects like this help meet our housing demand, stimulate economic activity, and support the long-term success of our community,” she said.

Over the last decade, a key driver of the economy has been the rapidly growing industrial corridor, according to a press release issued by CDOD. “Unprecedented growth in oil and gas has spurred the need for more housing options, with an influx of workers moving to the area. River View Apartments will bring new, high-end residential capacity to Carlsbad, supporting continued growth and attracting professionals, families, and new investment,” the release states.

“The $7 million project will be the newest housing development along the Pecos River, and the first as part of the Cascades at Carlsbad, a mixed-use commercial development led by the CDOD,” the press release states. “Currently, the Cascades has multiple projects underway totaling nearly $22 million.”

The project is financed by CNB Bank. Jenkins said they are thankful for the opportunity to have River View Apartments be one of their many projects as a community bank. “It takes a village to make things happen,” he said.