New Hire Caroline Wesevich Focuses on Walkability and Connectivity of Price Projects

Albuquerque-based Price Land Development Group (Price) is pleased to announce the expansion of its mentorship program with the hire of Caroline Wesevich as a paid intern. Wesevich previously interned with the firm in 2022, motivating her to pursue a degree in Urban Ecology at the University of Utah, where she studies sustainability, ecological planning, land use, transportation, housing, and community engagement. In addition to gaining knowledge of the land development process and building professional connections, Wesevich’s primary responsibilities will be to analyze the walkability at several planned Price projects and research additional options for future residents’ connectivity and wellbeing.

“Caroline’s college focus on urban ecology provides a fresh perspective to our team on several projects in Santa Fe and Albuquerque,” said Price Land Development Group founder Garret Price. “Her previous Price internship ensures she understands the mission and standards of our team while recognizing the caliber we and our partners build to when creating long-lasting communities in our home state.”

At Price’s 277-acre Esencia project in Santa Fe, Wesevich will analyze connectivity to the sprawling community park, multiple neighborhood parks and over 130 acres of native open space. More than 50 percent of Esencia is planned to be trails and open space, so understanding walkability, pedestrian safety and best ways for residents to access important outdoor amenities is an integral part of the development process. Wesevich will assist Price with recommendations to local civil engineering firm Bohannan Huston as they make the final decisions. Additionally, Wesevich will work on walkability at Bedrock, the highly-amenitized, new build-to-rent community in Albuquerque anticipated to feature co-working areas, pet-friendly parks, BBQ, resort-style pools, fitness centers and spas as well as a clubhouse.

“This is an opportunity to teach someone on the cusp of their career what it really takes to responsibly and successfully develop land in New Mexico – from inception all the way to the moment a homeowner can open the front door of their new home,” shared Price. “That sense of pride in creating something tangible, lasting and much needed in a state facing a housing shortage is what we hope to create for Caroline and others we mentor.”

Most recently Ms. Wesevich served as a College Teaching Assistant and Resident Assistant at the University of Utah, as well as lifeguard and camp counselor in Albuquerque. These jobs enhanced her problem solving, team management and leadership skills which complement her college studies focused on fostering sustainable, resilient and equitable communities.

“In my previous Price internship, I learned the basics of what it takes to build on a piece of land, what documents are required, and I studied zoning ordinances, met with a variety of planners, and got a high-level look at processes,” shared Wesevich. “Now I’m going much more in-depth. I was just on-site with Scott Steffen, presenting research findings to Garret and Rico Gallegos, even learning from Brian Anderson and Desi Gallegos on our construction team, who are so willing to patiently explain things. These interactions help me to feel I’m a part of the team and boosts my confidence before I enter the professional world. The importance of real mentorship is the ability to ask questions and obtain valuable feedback which creates confidence while helping me learn. The entire team has made it apparent they want me to succeed. I know all of Price is in my corner.”

Garret Price shared that internships and mentorship of young adults is vital for the health of New Mexico’s construction and land development industries.

“As we look to the future of our industry in New Mexico, it is critical we create pipelines of talented, yet thoughtful young professionals that not only love our state but have the tools and relationships to create positive and long-lasting change in our communities,” explained Garret Price. “As we’ve fine-tuned our internship program, we’ve learned it must be more than skills development, it should be about perspective and relationship development as well, so we’ve focused on ensuring interns can create local connections and learn from many bright minds here in New Mexico, even beyond our team.”

One important connection for Wesevich has been with JenkinsGavin, a female-led land development firm in Santa Fe specializing in the planning, facilitation and management of development and construction projects. Wesevich was able to shadow firm principal Jennifer Jenkins, who makes key planning, management and entitlement contributions to many high-profile real estate developments. Additionally, Jenkins is President of the Board of the Regional Development Corporation and serves on the Board of the Santa Fe Railyard Park Conservancy. Her perspective was invaluable to Wesevich.

“The time I spent with Jennifer and the JenkinsGavin team solidified my passion for city planning and gave me confidence to pursue a career in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Jennifer was so kind, and the interactions I had with her, other professionals Garret connected me to, as well as the patience and willingness the entire Price team has shown, helped me realize I can rely on others to continue learning and growing even when I become a professional.”

What’s next for Wesevich? She’s not sure if she’ll stay in Albuquerque for her first job out of college or choose a more densely populated part of the U.S., but two things are certain – a love for her home state and gratitude for the connections and insight she’s gaining at Price.

“I’ve lived in New Mexico since I was 1 year old, and I love the culture of Albuquerque and the pride locals have for New Mexico. People here are so friendly, the community is amazing and everyone is willing to lend a helping hand. There is so much to love about Albuquerque,” Wesevich shared. “The professional relationships Garret has facilitated are invaluable and, if my first “real job” is here, will make my transition to a full-time professional much easier. Regardless, my time with Price and their partners has helped me better focus my studies on a career that suits my talents and passion for creating safer, better connectivity in communities. For their time and trust I’m forever grateful.”

To learn more about how Price Land Development Group continues to preserve the beauty of New Mexico while contributing to healthy economic growth, visit pricedevgroup.com