NM2007 - Santa Fe - The Guadalupe District

Santa Fe's historical Guadalupe District is building for the future with The Railyard, in the heart of the area, driving the transformation as its 50 acres become a dynamic community center. The permanent home for the Santa Fe Farmers Market — one of the top markets in the country and a powerful magnet to the area — will be ready in 2008.

A contemporary arts district, with several top-flight galleries, has emerged around SITE Santa Fe, an internationally recognized contemporary art exhibition space. A public park, children's play area, and plaza will round out the area, which also features El Museo Cultural, hosting theater, art exhibits, and fairs. A complex with a movie theater, restaurants, and retail will make it a vibrant destination.

The neighborhood already offers lively shopping and dining. The bustling Sanbusco Center and nearby stores offer books, apparel, outdoor gear, jewelry, gifts, ceramics, and toys. And the cuisine is as varied as its restaurants.

The Santuario de Guadalupe, the oldest existing U.S. shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe, anchors the district. It was completed in 1796 near the end of El Camino Real (the Royal Road), a trade route that connected Mexico City and Santa Fe for 200 years.

The neighborhood was a booming trade center during the heyday of railroads — the Atcheson, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad laid a spur line to Santa Fe in 1880. The depot is still in service; Santa Fe Southern Railways runs tours and private party rides from the station, and the New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter train, connecting Albuquerque with the capital city, will begin service in late 2008.

See Visual Art for information about the world-class art scene unfolding in The Railyard District.