The Center City Neighborhood is fortunate to be anchored by several major institutional stakeholders. At the north end of the neighborhood, Via Christi Medical Center is a major property owner and employer; throughout the south end, more than one-half dozen churches contribute to the social and physical infrastructure of the neighborhood. Each of these churches, as well as other historic structures, such as the two courthouses between Main and Market Streets, are outstanding architectural treasures and add stability and character to the area. Other stakeholders with a physical presence in the area include the Salvation Army, the YMCA, Interfaith Ministries, and dozens of law offices and other businesses.

The study area is roughly a 40-block area that is situated between the downtown Central Business District and the historic Midtown Neighborhood and is affected by a network of one-way streets that moves traffic at an aggressive speed. As such, the Center City area has evolved into a neighborhood that most people only pass through. The east edge of the study area is defined by an active rail corridor for which there are currently plans to elevate the tracks. This alteration will significantly impact the development potential of parcels fronting onto Santa Fe, but also those further west.