Historic Review Board reviews Marian Hall and Drury Hotel design proposals

The Historic Districts Review Board (HDRB) of Santa Fe convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including staff communications and a preliminary design presentation for proposed additions to Marian Hall and the Drury Hotel.

The meeting began with a discussion regarding the nonconforming status of a property within the East Side District. A board member raised questions about whether nonconforming buildings were eligible for awards, prompting staff to confirm that further research would be conducted on the matter. The deadline for votes on the awards was set for April 11, 2025, with an award ceremony scheduled for May 15 at San Miguel Chapel.

Following this, the board moved to the next agenda item, which involved a preliminary design presentation for proposed additions to Marian Hall and the Drury Hotel located at 224 and 228 East Palace Avenue. Tjo Dimitrope, representing Drury Southwest, was introduced to present the background and proposed work. The chair noted that the board had not received the plans for the proposal in advance, which could limit the depth of their initial comments. The board acknowledged this oversight and prepared to provide feedback based on the presentation.

The meeting emphasized the importance of understanding the project before the applicant returns for further action. The HDRB aims to ensure that all developments within historic districts align with the community's preservation goals while allowing for necessary updates and improvements.

As the meeting progressed, the board members expressed their willingness to engage with the project, despite the lack of prior materials. The session concluded with a call for volunteers for the upcoming award ceremony, highlighting community involvement in recognizing contributions to the historic districts.

Overall, the meeting underscored the HDRB's commitment to preserving Santa Fe's historic character while navigating the complexities of new developments. The board will reconvene to discuss the Marian Hall and Drury Hotel proposals in more detail in the future.