Santa Fe is gearing up to redefine its creative and economic landscape with the highly anticipated Midtown Development Project. At the heart of this ambitious plan is the expansion of Aspect Media Village, which aims to become northern New Mexico’s largest film studio, a game-changer for the region’s film and television production industry.
Six years in the making, this redevelopment of a 64-acre site in the heart of Santa Fe marks a major step forward for the city. The first phase, spanning 11 acres, focuses on combining an existing private studio with newly renovated spaces to create Aspect Media Village, a comprehensive creative hub. “We’re not knocking anything down; we’re renovating all these buildings, essentially making lemonade out of old lemons,” said Phillip Gesue, real estate developer for Aspect Media Village.
The development promises to be more than just a studio—it’s a mixed-use, urban district designed to attract and retain talent in Santa Fe. Alongside the film studio, Aspect Media Village will feature apartments, a restaurant, a café, and even a movie theater. This blend of creative infrastructure and community amenities creates a dynamic village-like atmosphere that’s primed to attract major productions and foster local growth.
Santa Fe Film Commissioner Jennifer LaBar-Tapia emphasized the project’s importance: “If they don’t do it here, they’re going to do it somewhere else in the state. Of course, we want it here in our hometown.”
With a $100 million price tag, the studio’s expansion is expected to catalyze further investment in the Midtown area, bringing in developers and transforming the district into a bustling hub for arts, entertainment, and housing. “The studio is a critical first step,” said Daniel Hernandez, director of the Santa Fe Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency. “It will attract other developers and investors to Midtown. That’s what we want.”
For the local film industry, the stakes are high. Aspect Media Village aims to position Santa Fe on the national stage, not just as a location but as a world-class production destination. “The whole concept here is to try to attract bigger shows to Santa Fe and really create a world-class studio that’s not just good for Santa Fe but that’s on a national level,” Gesue explained.
Santa Fe has long been a favorite for filmmakers, with its stunning landscapes and unique cultural identity. This latest investment ensures the city is ready to meet the growing demand for cutting-edge production facilities while providing a sustainable foundation for the region’s creative economy.
Pending city council approval, the first phase of Aspect Media Village could be completed within one to two years, marking a significant milestone in Santa Fe’s evolution as a key player in the global film industry.
