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North elevation showing the new building signage in the position of the historic signage. The gallery entrance is under the Marfa Contemporary sign.

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Marfa Contemporary Gallery

Project Goals: Reprogram and renovate the circa 1940’s Webb Brothers Gulf Service Station/Chrysler Dealership. (located at the only stop light in Marfa) to house:

Marfa Contemporary Gallery
Timecar (car sharing rental)
The Pizza Foundation
An Artist in Residence Studio

City Arts Center (Oklahoma City) is expanding its operations in the region. Having a satellite gallery in Marfa, Texas, a town with a well-established reputation in the international art arena, will stimulate further interest in CAC throughout the world. The Mission of Marfa Contemporary Gallery encourages artistic expression in all its forms through education and exhibitions. The Vision states, “we endeavor to instill in the public a lifetime appreciation of the arts and enthusiasm for creative practice.” Marfa Contemporary Gallery incorporates and enhances the existing businesses, and includes a 2156-square-foot art gallery, administration offices, a studio for artists in residence, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a wet bar.

Architectural Concept:

Reinvigorate the historic corner site and building.
Be respectful of the building history.
Capture the spirit of Marfa.
Create a new presence for City Arts Center as a part of the new reinvention
Create a world-class art space

Status: Built
Location: Marfa, TX, US
Firm Role: Architect
Additional Credits: Engineer: Alvine Engineering
General Contractor: Smith & Pickel Construction Co., Inc.
Photographer: Scott McDonald, Hedrich Blessing

View looking SE at the intersection of Highway 90 and E. San Antonio Street. This is the only stoplight in town. The original building is a Gulf gas station originally opened in 1930.

Northwest corner of the building looking east. The gasoline filling functions under the canopy have been replaced with a custom designed concrete table and benches. This corner is the most popular seat in town.

Partial west elevation detail showing the new toilet doors and window. The space is now offices for TimeCar. Most people travel by bicycle in Marfa.

South elevation of the building showing an alley view looking north at a historic service door. Note windows that have been filled in over time. Also notice the window heads are poured in place concrete. A dusk view with the sliding door open.

Northeast corner of the building showing the new corner signage and covered entryway.

Detail under the entry canopy showing the blue polycarbonate and the existing steel windows. The sun creates magical changes throughout the day. The space remains a deep blue during daylight hours.

Main gallery entry looking north

Main gallery entry with light show and the blue glow outside.

An overall view of the gallery looking west. Notice the two mobile walls in the center, the translucent skylight, and the historic service door on the left. The original concrete slab was left in place.

Your first view as you enter the gallery from the Pizza Foundation looking south. Notice the 6’ wide sliding doors that create security between the spaces. The exposed steel is waxed to prevent rusting.

A view of the southeast corner of the main gallery showing the historic service door and the existing concrete floor.

A view of the gallery looking east with a mobile wall in the foreground. The kitchen volume on the left has uplighting to provide fill light for the space.