Context

Existing Site Analysis

Savannah Collaboration Site Information

Brief Overview of Marfa, Texas

For such a small town (Population 2,500), Marfa Is a very diverse city.  A high desert plateau with an altitude of 4,830 feet, Marfa is located in Presidio county about 20 miles from Ft. Davis, Texas and 60 miles from the Mexican border.  Named in 1883 by the wife of a railroad executive, Marfa originated as a water stop for the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railroad.  

Ranching has been the main industry of the Marfa area and is still a strong influence on the Marfan economy.  In addition to the ranching business, there are several large employers located in the Marfa area; the Border Patrol, a large commercial greenhouse company, and the American Plume and Fancy Feather Co., Inc. 

The city of Marfa is characterized by a unique blend of ranching heritage and strong Hispanic influences, and in recent years, Marfa has become home to a variety of artists and Galleries, including Donald Judd and the Chinati Foundation,  the Iota/Westenburg Gallery, a New York Based gallery, and David Kimble, the "Cut-away King".  The quiet, small-town atmosphere is attractive to artists in that it serves as a refuge from the chaotic life found in large cities. 

In addition to the growing artistic community, Marfa offers several other attractions, such as the historic El Paisano Hotel, which housed James Dean, Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and the film crew for the 1955 movie "Giant."  Aside from it's link to Hollywood, El Paisano Hotel is a beautiful Spanish-style hotel that displays the character of the city of Marfa.  

It is impossible to give an overview of Marfa, Texas without mentioning the Mysterious Marfa lights.  Sightings of the Marfa Lights have been reported for over one hundred years, and as an eye-witness, I can honestly say that the Marfa Lights are a strange phenomenon.  Although many have offered explanations for the light's eerie existence, ranging from wandering lost souls to headlight reflections, and I personally hope they are never explained.