By Martha Collaer

In late 1994, Potter County acquired title to the Santa Fe Building because of their need for expansion space and because of the significant civic interest in this highly visible landmark. The Santa Fe Building represented a state-of-the-art skyscraper in 1929, and the company celebrated its grand opening on January 18, 1930. The design and construction of this structure created an impact on Amarillo and its surrounding areas, and it remains as a significant landmark. Among the most striking features of the building were the popular "flame effect" exterior uplights at the roof of the 12th floor and the Santa Fe neon light letters located at the upper roof, which made the building glow at night. Potter County Officials will implement a sensitive restoration and adaptive reuse of the structure. These items will be part of the restoration project.

Potter County, as represented by the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission, applied for and won substantial funding through the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act (ISTEA) and administered by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Because of the building’s significant historic importance and official designation, this federal funding source requires Environmental Review by the Texas Historical Commission. Following the ISTEA funding award, Potter County pursued a competitive project architect selection in which Lavin Associates, Inc. were hired as project architects in association with The Williams Company, AIA, of Austin who are serving as preservation architects and overall project development consultants.

Construction Begin...

Construction Begin...

Construction Begin...

On April 12, 1999 the Commissioners Court of Potter County voted to award two contracts to PAGE & ASSOCIATES CONTRACTORS, INC. The first contract is for work funded by the grant obtained through the Texas Department of Transportation in the amount of $4,742,000. The second contract is for work funded by the taxpayers of Potter County in the amount of $7,172,100.

A community fundraising effort by the properties committee is underway for the restoration of the auditorium and the decorative street lighting work. If the effort is unsuccessful the cost of these items will be deducted from the contract and will be delayed until some future time when funds are available.

Actual construction began at start of business, April 26, 1999. Given the 420 calendar days allowed for construction, the anticipated completion date for the project will be no later than June 20, 2000.

More about Santa Fe Building Restoration Project: Amarillo Globe News Link.

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