by Michael J. Crosbie

How can architecture be contemporary and timeless at the same time? Ricardo Legorreta offers an answer in his design of the Zocalo condominium community in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The name of the development is Spanish for "town square," and its site plan reflects that quality.

Zocalo is organized in eight or nine clusters of "casitas," as Legorreta refers to the units. The casitas face open squares or small courtyards that reinforce a sense of community.

This new development is to eventually encompass 320 units on a nearly 47-acre (19-hectare) parcel, wedged into a sloping site between two highways. The first phase, now completed, is composed of about 75 units, ranging in size from 1,022 to 2,253 square feet (95 to 210 square meters).

At 71, Legorreta is at the top of his form. And winning the AIA Gold Medal in 2001, an award, Zocalo's sales literature notes, that Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry also received, only enhanced his marketable star power. The star architect caché is being harnessed in the marketing of Zocalo. According to the sales brochure: "the opportunity to own an original Legorreta home for less than $500,000 is truly unique."   >>>

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The Zocalo condominium community in Santa Fe, New Mexico, by Ricardo Legorreta, is a "town square" that merges with its site. Photo: Alan Stoker The structures fit well with architecture of the region. Photo: Alan Stoker   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.