Plans unveiled for former Lineberry Estate
Proposed Taos Pueblo Heritage Center will showcase its history, culture, art
Taos Pueblo unveiled proposed plans to the town of Taos council for a Taos Pueblo Heritage Center at the site of the old Lineberry Estate, at 501 Paseo del Pueblo Norte.
Taos Pueblo’s governor, warchief and their staffs presented the multiyear plan to the council at the Tuesday (Oct. 13) virtual public meeting.
The pueblo bought back two years ago the 14-acre property that originally belonged to the pueblo and was part of the Taos Pueblo Land Grant. Now the pueblo plans to create a showcase of its history, culture and art along with a hotel and meeting venue at the site, located a half-mile from the historic Taos Plaza. The pueblo has secured a 20-year license agreement to own and operate two Marriott hotels at the property, according to the pueblo’s presentation.
The center will serve as “a gateway to the Taos Pueblo, where visitors can learn about the pueblo’s culture and history. A platform to reinforce multigenerational traditions and secure economic prosperity for the entire pueblo,” according to information from the pueblo.
The pueblo is seeking a federal economic development grant and support from the town and other partners for the endeavor.
An initial design for the property has been created by Peter Butterfield Architects and Sun Capital Hotel.
The Lineberry property includes an existing 14,469-square-foot mansion and 14,415-square-foot museum on the 14 acres that is walled and gated. The property also has existing extensive underground irrigation.
The pueblo, which has been closed to nontribal members since the beginning of the novel coronavirus epidemic, is hoping to create an “alternative venue for visitors” that also can serve during times when the pueblo is closed for “cultural reasons.”
The pueblo plans a heritage building, pueblo agriculture and art space, an event space, farmers market, arts and crafts plaza and Marriott Hotel at the location.
The property, once known as El Rancho de la Mariposa, was at one time owned by Chicago painter Duane Van Vechten, who married businessman Edwin Lineberry.
“Together they built and operated the first grocery store in Taos and also the Kachina Lodge, which bordered their estate,” according to a “Remarkable Women of Taos” profile at taos. org.