Biz Bits

Feb. 12—Fiber optic expansion comes to far West Side

A fiber optic expansion is coming to Albuquerque's far West Side.

The Bernalillo County Commission recently approved the allocation of $500,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funding to complete the project, according to a county news release. The funding will support the expansion and installation of about 8.4 miles of single mode fiber optic cable.

"This new fiber optic cable will benefit West side residents and business and allow for future connections of nearby county facilities and traffic signals," Brian Lopez, Bernalillo County technical services director, said in the release.

The new cable will be installed along Central from Atrisco Vista to Bridge; Coors to Tower; Atrisco Vista from Central to Ladera; and Ladera from Atrisco Vista to Tempur-Pedic Parkway/Comfort Way, according to the news release.

The fiber optic installation is expected to take six to nine months to complete, said Leila Momenzadeh, the project engineer.

"This fiber optic is meant to help county facilities like fire stations, county buildings, visitor centers as well as intersection signal facilities," Momenzadeh said. "The county engineers can use it for traffic counts, sensors, camera installations, stuff like that."

The fiber optic expansion can also help serve the city of Albuquerque and the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The county has an agreement with the city and NMDOT under which they can share a buffer.

"It crosses I-40, Atrisco Vista is partly NMDOT and city and county, as well as Central Avenue as well," Momenzadeh said. "So it's kind of a sharing possibility for the future."

Planet Fitness opens new club in ABQ

Planet Fitness recently opened a new 22,000-square-foot facility in Albuquerque's Northeast Heights.

Ignite Fitness Holdings, which is one of the largest Planet Fitness franchises in the United States and Canada, invested $2.5 million to build the new facility at 7200 Montgomery NE, according to a Planet Fitness news release.

"We're incredibly grateful to the Albuquerque community for the warm welcome we've received since our newest club opened," Mike Shapiro, vice president of operations at IGNITE Fitness Holdings, said in the release. "It's no secret that exercise is an essential tool to help boost mental and physical health, and we hope this facility will serve as a safe and friendly environment for the local community to do just that."

Planet Fitness donated $1,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Mexico as part of its ongoing commitment to the greater Albuquerque community. The donation was made during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in late January.

"It's truly fantastic to witness new businesses like Planet Fitness creating job opportunities and contributing to the prosperity of our local community," senior workforce adviser Rachel Snyder said in a statement. "We appreciate that Planet Fitness is committed to making a positive impact as demonstrated by their partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Mexico."

The new facility will be open and staffed 24 hours daily Monday through Thursday, from midnight to 9 p.m. on Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. More information is available at planetfitness.com

Four Seasons Santa Fe named best resort

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe has been named the No. 1 spot in the 2024 Best Resorts in New Mexico and Best Resorts in Santa Fe by U.S. News & World Report.

The best hotels around the country are rated based on industry awards, hotel star ratings and user ratings, according to Four Seasons news release.

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, with its gold badge designation, is among the top 25% luxury hotels nationwide. The luxury boutique retreat is comprised of 65 casitas.

"To be recognized as the top resort in the state is an extraordinary accolade, showcasing the relentless dedication of our team to ensure every guest leaves with unforgettable memories," Bixente Pery, general manager of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, said in the release.

The resort is undergoing a multimillion-dollar revitalization of its guest rooms and suites, according to the news release. All rooms are being enhanced with new custom-made furniture, technology, lighting, paint, window treatments and artwork.

The renovation is the first in the resort's history, and it is expected to be completed in the spring.

"With the resort's first-ever revitalization nearing completion this spring, there's never been a better time to visit us at Four Seasons Rancho Encantado," Pery said.

The luxury retreat, which once served as a dude ranch, is on 57 rolling acres in the Sangro de Cristo foothills surrounded by mountains. The resort offers curated excursions with an onsite Adventure Center, a full service spa and a signature restaurant, Terra. The restaurant serves cuisine inspired by the flavors of northern New Mexico and the area's Spanish heritage.

For information about Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, visit fourseasons.com/santafe.