Jenny's View

Dear Friends,

La Fonda on the Plaza is fully committed to making lasting and positive contributions to Santa Fe’s rich cultural, economic and historic character by being responsible stewards of our storied past and future.  A stay with us means you’ll be immersed in our rich history, thoughtful architecture and authentic works of art on display throughout the entire property.  We work with locals to keep the distinct spirit of our public spaces and guest rooms connected to the roots of our inspired origins.

Every design project we embark on asks the question, “What would Mary do?” Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter — the trailblazing architect for the Fred Harvey Company and the Santa Fe Railway — is, of course, our go-to muse and constantly guides our design and remodel decisions.  Our dear friend and partner architect and designer, Barbara Felix has demonstrated her deep understanding for Colter’s innovative spirit and vision, evident in her successful 2009 renovation of our restaurant, La Plazuela and our guest room renovation completed in 2013.  That’s why we’ve again turned to Felix for assistance with our latest project:  redefining our luxury Terrace suites.

We’re also working closely with the Hogan Group for architectural and planning services. A local firm, the Hogan Group has a rich understanding of our values and commitment to sustainability.  Their  innovative solutions and experience working with historic projects ensures our upgrades will be high quality and lasting.

Perched above Santa Fe at the east end of our property, the Terrace luxury suites have offered a quiet reprieve from the bustle of summer markets for over twenty years, and boasts a serene place to absorb the light and beauty of New Mexico no matter the season.  The rooms are especially sought after during summer markets, that’s why we took advantage of the pandemic pause to move forward with full out renovation of the suites before the bustle of summer begins. 

The reimagined space is inspired by New Mexico’s varied landscapes, distinctive architecture and the Navajo, Pueblo and Hispanic cultures. The 15 lavish suites will boast stylishly appointed furnishings that feature a blend of minimalistic, clean lines with cultural elements and original art unique to the region, including refinished 100-year-old heart pine wood flooring. Every suite opens onto a private patio or balcony that overlooks the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi or the historic Loretto chapel and the sunlit Sangre de Cristo mountains.

The new and improved Terrace experience will be enhanced by a tranquil communal space filled with natural light, complete with a refreshment bar and pantry for custom evening appetizers & cocktails and Continental breakfast service. Staffed with a dedicated concierge and butler, personal assistance will always be close at hand.

Along with Felix, we’re collaborating with Santa Fe resident and Native American artist, Del Curfman from the Crow Nation of Montana, on custom drapery for our updated suites.  The drapery will depict inspired scenes that weave the influence of the Northern Plains and his rich Crow heritage with elements of the Southwest, including a color palette inspired by Dine textiles.

Here’s Curfman in his Santa Fe studio at work on the Terrace drapery project.  His unique process starts by photographing scenes that resonate from his experiences within his culture. In this case, he seeks to emphasize the intergenerational lineage of peoples and the responsibility indigenous leaders have to their youth.  Women, men and children are all represented, along with majestic horses, depicting service and quiet beauty. After refining the photographs, select images are projected onto his studio wall as inspiration and Del starts painting in oil.  The completed paintings will be professionally photographed and scanned for large format printing onto 8’x6’ fabric panels, then sent to a seamstress for hand-finishing.  The final product promises to be a fluid, inspiring addition to each guest suite.

The exciting renovation work is on track for completion in late June and we can’t wait to share the final results with you!  Please stay tuned for more exciting announcements about our Terrace renovation as the project nears completion — just in time for the International Folk Art Market, Spanish Market and SWAIA’s Indian Market.

Yes, you heard that right — Santa Fe’s popular summer markets are on!  The world renowned International Folk Art Market is scheduled for July 7 —18, 2021. To promote health and safety, IFAM has adjusted its schedule to accommodate COVID Safe Practices and will follow the recommendations defined by the State of New Mexico Public Health Order for outdoor gatherings.   All artists accepted into the market in 2020 have been invited to participate in 2021.  I’m thrilled to welcome the global artisans back to Santa Fe — this important event generates more than $2 million annually to artists around the globe and has a powerful economic impact on Santa Fe.  

The Traditional Spanish Market — the oldest and largest juried Spanish Market in the United States — is slated for July 24 -25, 2021.  The celebration includes music and cultural events centered around Santa Fe’s historic Plaza.  The market highlights over 19 art categories defined as part of the artistic traditions of New Mexico through historic, modern and contemporary periods.  Discover Colcha embroidery, pottery, iron works, retablos, straw appliqué, tin work and more!

In addition, The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) has confirmed the 2021 Indian Market will be a hybrid event—combining both the new online marketplace and a smaller curated, in-person downtown market. The hybrid approach is a great way to ensure both artists and visitors are able to participate in the event, even if they cannot do so physically. Scheduled for August 21 & 22, the market will be limited to 75 percent capacity of the 2019 event to promote social distancing.  As always, the market will showcase the best of Native American talent and craftsmanship and celebrate traditional and contemporary work.  This year’s event will be ticketed, so be sure to plan your visit in advance!  Click here for more information.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to Santa Fe!  
Jenny