Old Martinez Hall is reborn
By Olivia Lewis
For generations, Taoseños two-stepped across the dance floor at Old Martinez Hall, the legendary venue for live bands, quinceañeras and family celebrations. After years of changing hands and sitting empty since 2020, the Ranchos de Taos landmark has re-opened.
Jim Long, founder and CEO of Heritage Hotels & Resorts, purchased the property last summer. Long and his wife Rebecca are 12th-generation New Mexicans whose roots trace to the first Spanish settlers of 1598. A former board chair of the Spanish Colonial Arts Society, Long studied architecture at UNM before founding Heritage Hotels & Resorts in 2005 to showcase New Mexico’s history and culture. The company now operates nine hotels statewide, including El Monte Sagrado and Palacio de Marquesa in Taos.
Cristina Martinez, El Monte Sagrado’s executive chef and Old Martinez Hall’s partner operator
“We felt this was a very important property that should be preserved — and used to enhance the cultural aspects of New Mexico, which we intend to do,” Long says.
The Pueblo Revival structure, built in the early 1900s across from the iconic San Francisco de Asís Church, spans more than 15,000 square feet. The dance hall alone accommodates 600 people and has drawn not just locals but also actors and filmmakers like Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda.
The Old Martinez Hall dance hall measures over 15,000 square feet and holds up to 600 people.
“It’s celebrated many of the community’s historical events — weddings, quinceañeras and special occasions — for hundreds of years,” Long says. “People who’ve lived here a long time have very special memories of the place.”
When German architect and cosmetics entrepreneur Martina Gebhardt purchased the building in 2010, she discovered leaking roofs and crumbling vigas. Undeterred, she poured more than $2 million into restoring the adobe, preserving as much original material as possible. Her efforts paid off: the hall reopened in 2012 as Old Martina’s Hall and quickly regained its place as a cultural hub.
Now, thanks to her meticulous renovations, very little work is needed. Long praises her commitment: “It’s rare to inherit a historic property that’s ready to move in. The community should tip their hat to Martina for preserving that asset. She put her heart and soul into it.”
A window view of the San Francisco de Asís Church in Ranchos de Taos, as seen across the street from the Old Martinez Hall
Music and Tradition
Old Martinez Hall will once again echo with music. Grammy-winning Taos Pueblo musician Robert Mirabal will coordinate live performances, from Friday and Saturday night concerts to free Sunday afternoon events featuring traditional New Mexican village music — a blend of polka and ranchera once played at weddings and fiestas across the region.
Old Martinez Hall, the famed site of countless live band nights and parties reopens fall 2025 under the ownership of Heritage Hotels & Resorts.
“That sound is something we’re rapidly losing in New Mexico,” Long says. “We want to preserve it.” Expect performances from groups like Lone Piñon, along with flamenco shows by artists such as La Emi.
Cristina Martinez, El Monte Sagrado’s executive chef and Old Martinez Hall’s partner operator
The hall’s restaurant will operate under the leadership of Cristina Martinez, El Monte Sagrado’s longtime executive chef. Martinez, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate with 25 years of professional experience, will manage operations as a partner.
Her vision is to keep the venue accessible and welcoming. “I’m going to be doing counter service, and it’s going to have a really fun vibe,” she says. “We can celebrate culture with New Mexican-inspired food — cuisine that pairs perfectly with beer.”
Long hopes the revived hall will once again serve as a community gathering place. “There will be a lot of fun at Old Martinez,” he says. “It will be a fantastic location for music, food and family celebrations.”
Martinez agrees: “Culturally, it’s important to keep this beautiful, historic building alive. For it to be used in a meaningful way shows the community we really do care.”
For more information about Old Martinez Hall, visit oldmartinezhall.com.
Old Martinez Hall
4140 NM 68, Ranchos de Taos (across from San Francisco de Asís Church)
Hours to be determined