During Wednesday’s grand opening event, Property Manager Mike Lippiatt congratulates contest naming winner Valerie DeWulf who suggested Ponderosa Pines as the new name for the former Los Cerros Apartment Complex. Photo by Carol A.Clark/ladailypost.com

The new sign for Ponderosa Pines Apartment Complex is revealed during Wednesday’s event. Photo by Carol A.Clark/ladailypost.com

STAFF REPORT

Plateau Property Management and the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce hosted a grand opening ribbon cutting event Wednesday for the newly named Ponderosa Pines Apartment Complex and The Cottonwoods at Gold Street.

The event was held at the former Los Cerros apartments, now Ponderosa Pines at 3000 Trinity Dr.

The winners were announced in the renaming contest for apartments, recently purchased and undergoing major renovations also were announced at the event:

• Valerie DeWulf won $250 in Chamber Checks for suggesting Ponderosa Pines;
• Melissa Smith won honorable mention and $50 in Chamber Checks for suggesting Whispering Pines; and
• Brandi Engeman won $250 for suggesting The Cottonwoods at Gold Street as the new name of the former Gold Street apartments.

There was a 3-way tie for honorable mention in renaming the Gold Street apartments Mountain View:

• Elisa Enriquez won $25 in Chamber Checks;
• Brandy Putt won $25 in Chamber Checks; and
• Michelle Debardeleben won $25 in Chamber Checks.

Read more about Los Alamos Business here.

Cutting the ribbon at Wednesday’s grand opening include Plateau Property Management staff from left, Hope Jaramillo, Jeanne Bridge, PPM partner Bruce Norman, Mike Lippiatt, Mike McNiel and Julie Smith. Photo by Carol A.Clark/ladailypost.com

The PPM team cuts the ribbon. Photo by Carol A.Clark/ladailypost.com

PPM Partner Bruce Norman, right, describes to New Mexico Bank & Trust President Alan Austin the various types of siding to be used in renovating the apartment exteriors. Austin’s bank is financing the massive project and attended Wednesday’s grand opening event. Photo by Carol A.Clark/ladailypost.com

Los Alamos Commerce and Development Executive Director Patrick Sullivan, left, speaks with Tony Fox of the LANL Foundation at Wednesday’s grand opening as members of the maintanence crew chat at right. Photo by Carol A.Clark/ladailypost.com

From left, Los Alamos Visitor Center receptionist Kalyn Schultz, her mom Jody Schultz and Chamber Manager Nancy Partridge. Photo by Carol A.Clark/ladailypost.com

Property Manager Mike Lippiatt shares a moment with a large faced elf who wandered into Wednesday’s event. Photo by Carol A.Clark/ladailypost.com