Architecture is one of Santa Fe’s best known features. Generally known as the “Pueblo style,” much of the available Santa Fe real estate incorporates pre-colonial design elements such as adobe. The result is a truly unique dwelling, symbolic of the classic southwest charm and not without modern conveniences. Originally laid out according to Spanish King Phillip II’s “Law of the Indies,” Santa Fe is built around a central plaza or “square,” bordered on the north side by the Palace of the Governors and on the east by the Cathedral of St. Francis. From this central plaza, streets radiate outward in a carefully planned grid. As with many American cities, Santa Fe grew exponentially after the introduction of the railroad, and with this shift its styles changed. By the time New Mexico became a state in 1912, Santa Fe looked like the universal American town, thanks to its variety of architectural styles. After twenty years of economic decline following the expansion of the railroad to the west and the closing of Fort Marcy, the city government decided to harness Santa Fe’s unique history and character to create a popular tourist destination.
This effect was created by imposing the “Spanish Pueblo Revival” look in city buildings. Based on the restoration of the Palace of Governors, the style was itself a merger of various local design elements, the use of which would make Santa Fe, NM real estate stand out from that of other American cities. The style marries adobe-looking exteriors with old churches built in Pueblos, and features flat roofs, which were used in old adobe houses. This design technique successfully makes Santa Fe’s buildings appear part of the natural landscape, as though the city had magically risen out of the ground.
Within two decades, architectural requirements were augmented to include the “Territorial.” This pre-statehood style is known for its portals and triangular, white window and door pediments. In the course of these locally-imposed architectural changes the city, now different, lost much of its more recent architectural variety.
But the city government’s plan worked, and Santa Fe became known nationwide as a unique American city. The architectural requirements that made Santa Fe, New Mexico real estate what it is today are currently under review. A Portland, Oregon consulting group is examining the long-term needs of downtown Santa Fe and will recommend whether to keep the existing restrictions. |
