Los Poblanos Historic Inn

By Edith Cherry and James See – December 16, 2017

4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NW,  Albuquerque, NM  87107

Access:  505 344-9297  |  Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm  (access to grounds may be limited; call ahead or ask at front desk)

Los Poblanos is considered one of architect John Gaw Meem’s residential masterpieces.  Meem was first commissioned by former member of Congress (R: Illinois) Ruth Hanna McCormick Simms, to convert the U-shaped existing adobe house into a placita-centered residence of the old-style New Mexican haciendas.

Meem’s next assignment was the “Sports House,” now called “La Quinta,” (Spanish for a villa) for entertaining important guests. The design is an H-shape with a large sala, in the center with a grand fireplace. The Beaux Arts scheme focuses to the east over a pond to a wonderful view of the Sandia Mountains. The brick trim on the parapet and the Classical pediments above the openings are characteristics of the Territorial Revival style. A gracious Library and Meeting Room form the north arm of the H.

Artworks include a fresco by Peter Hurd, carved doors and mantels by Gustave Baumann, tinwork by Robert Woodman, and photography by Laura Gilpin. Clem “Pop” Shaffer did the pebble art in the Rose Garden.

Previous names:
Los Poblanos Ranch; Los Poblanos; La Quinta

Completed:  1932
Architect, La Quinta and portions of Meem Rooms:  John Gaw Meem
Landscape Architect, Historic Rose Garden:  Rose Greely
Contractor, La Quinta:  seeking info*

Development and expansion
Completed:  2017
Concept development/architect: Moule & Polyzoides 
Architect:  AOS Architects (Atkin Olshin Schade)
Landscape Architect:  OLIN
Contractor:  g2i Construction

Awards:
Hospitality Design Magazine Midscale Hotel Award (2019)
AIA New Mexico Distinguished Architecture Merit Award (2018)
AIA Santa Fe Honor Award (2017)
AIA Albuquerque Merit Award (2017)

Los Poblanos Historic District
National Register of Historic Properties:  #82003321 (1982)
NM State Register of Cultural Properties:  #853  (3/12/1982)
La Quinta
NM State Register of Cultural Properties:  #394  (7/25/75)

Learn more:
2002    Kammer, David, “Buildings Designed by John Gaw Meem.” National Register of Historic Places, Multiple Property Documentation Form.

1983    Bunting, Bainbridge, John Gaw Meem, Southwestern Architect, pp. 106–111. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

n.d.   Emmer, Regina N., and Christopher C. Mead, “Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm” in Gabrielle Esperdy and Karen Kingsley, eds., SAH Archipedia (University of Virginia Press, online); last accessed Aug. 18, 2019.

9/13/19