ChatGPT rendering based on conceptual layout
New Temple Project
After years of prayer, planning, and community dedication, the Hindu Temple Society of New Mexico has reached a defining milestone: we have selected our new home. The Board of Trustees has entered into a purchase agreement for a 4.12-acre property at 221 Homeland NW in Albuquerque, New Mexico — a peaceful, spacious site with mountain views, already zoned and suited for our vision. The contract price is $1,125,000, and with the generous support of our community members and bridge investors, we are moving forward with confidence. Our vision for this land is clear — a proper temple to anchor our worship, a community hall to gather, an education center to teach our children, and outdoor space to celebrate our traditions together. This is the temple our community has prayed for, and now it is within reach. The questions below address the details our community has asked about most — please read, share, and join us.
About the Property
Location: 221 Homeland NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114 — situated in the North Valley with easy access and a serene natural setting.
Size: 4.12 acres — ample space for a temple, community hall, education center, and outdoor gathering areas.
Contract Price: $1,125,000 — funded through a combination of HTSNM community contributions ($610,000) and ($600,000) structured through the HTSNM Development Partners, with full transfer to the 501(c)(3) upon closing.
Zoning: The property is already zoned for residential but will require a special use permit, which we are working on..
Setting: Mountain views, open land, and a peaceful environment befitting a place of worship and community gathering.
Our Vision for the Site
Phase one will focus on the construction of a proper Temple — a dedicated, permanent space for daily puja, festivals, and spiritual community life. Subsequent phases will bring a community hall for gatherings and celebrations, an education center to pass our traditions to the next generation, and beautifully landscaped outdoor space for larger events. Every dollar pledged brings this vision one step closer to reality.
ChatGPT rendering of proposed development.
New Temple – Frequently Asked Questions
- All
- Design & Community Input
- Funding & Financing
- Fundraising Targets
- Land Selection
- Project Scope & Costs
We have been evaluating available properties for several years and made three offers in the past year alone. This site is the best option we have found based on its accessibility from the northeast, Rio Rancho, and the west side of the community.
The temple will cover 51% of the purchase cost. A group of dedicated community members has provided bridge funding to cover the remaining 49%.
The plan is to build a temple and a community center, and potentially preserve the existing house on the property. The temple will be built first.
Seed fund (actual + pledges) by May 20: $600,000
Total raised by July 20: $1,000,000
Recurring monthly automated donations: $30,000 – $40,000
These dates are tied to paperwork submission deadlines for the land purchase. Meeting them is critical.
An expert committee will be formed, bringing together knowledge of construction, design, and architecture. The community will be kept informed regularly and volunteers are welcome. The committee makes final decisions but actively seeks input from everyone.
We evaluated all properties on the market and selected the best option based on multiple factors. Please reach out to a board member for a full explanation of the selection process.
These are senior, devoted members of our community — not outside investors. They have helped improve the current temple in the past and are now helping jump-start construction of the new one. They bring experience in design, architecture, construction, and finance. They are not seeking profit of any kind.
Land: $1M+
Temple construction: $2M – $3M
Community hall construction: $2M – $3M
These are estimates. Final costs will depend on design and material decisions.
Every dollar counts. Make a pledge to the seed fund — this is absolutely critical to get construction started. Setting up a recurring automated monthly donation for 2–3 years demonstrates a steady revenue stream and strengthens our ability to secure a bank loan.
Absolutely. The best way to have your voice heard is to attend meetings and participate directly. This is a community project — come join us.
The land costs over $1 million, which is beyond the temple’s current reserves. The bridge funding makes this possible.
We will use all available fundraising options. We believe our community has the capacity to support a project of this scale.
No. The bridge funding is provided interest-free.
No. We follow strict protocols for selecting contractors and vendors at the temple. The same process will apply here.
Their sole motivation is to help the temple move forward. There are no financial incentives or ulterior motives — only a shared commitment to building a new temple for the community.
Construction will begin once there is a clear funding path for the full temple build. We will not start and stop construction based on fluctuating funds.
If reasonable progress is made toward building the new temple within 2–3 years, the bridge-funding group will work with the HTSNM board on a gradual exit. Several members may choose to donate their contribution entirely. The primary goal is to motivate the temple team and get construction underway.
Yes, this is one of the options we are exploring.
We prefer donations first. However, if community members wish to offer loans in addition to donations, we are open to that as well.
This was shared at the town hall. Please contact a board member directly for this information.