Jenny's View

May 2022

Dear Friends,

A visit to La Fonda means you’ll be immersed in our rich history and surrounded by the influence of one of New Mexico’s most famous architectural visionaries, John Gaw Meem, whose name is synonymous with Santa Fe style. 

John Gaw Meem designed one of the best-looking places in Santa Fe – our Bell Tower Rooftop Bar!  His volunteer work with the Committee for the Preservation and Restoration of New Mexico Mission Churches during the 1920s and 1930s greatly influenced his design decisions for the key projects he spearheaded throughout the state. Did you know that The Bell Tower at La Fonda is based on one of the Bell Towers at the Mission Church at Acoma Pueblo? 

Now let the countdown begin!  Santa Fe’s favorite rooftop patio opens May 10th!  Raise a glass to the visionary architect after our May 13th Centennial Speaker Series, “Exploring the History of John Gaw Meem” presented by Dr. Audra Bellmore, Associate Professor in the Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections at the University of New Mexico, and Nancy Meem Worth, Mr. Meems’s granddaughter.  Learn about Meem’s instrumental role in the development and popularization of the Pueblo Revival Style – a style embraced by the City Different and throughout the Land of Enchantment.

Adept at preservation and new design, Meem was selected as the official architect of the University of New Mexico in 1933.  If you have the chance to visit the campus in Albuquerque, check out the iconic Zimmerman Library completed in 1938.  The library was built in the Spanish Pueblo style and its interior and exterior both honor the distinct cultures of New Mexico.  And while you’re in the Duke City, visit our friends at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm.  Another Meem property, Los Poblanos exhibits striking design in the heart of the Rio Grande River Valley, and evokes a strong sense of place, nestled among the 25 acres of lavender fields, cottonwood trees and gorgeous floral gardens.

In fact, Los Poblanos collaborated with us to create our signature 1922 Blend products that include a scented candle, face mist and hand soap – all available in our gift shop, Detours at La Fonda.  We love celebrating our shared connection to Meem and the rich history of hospitality embraced by both properties.

Ring in the summer at La Fonda!

Jenny