HOTEL EL CAPITAN
The Spanish Colonial Revival style was first prominently displayed in 1915 with buildings built for the Panama-California Exposition held in San Diego in today ’ s Balboa Park . This style was primarily used from 1915-1931 in residential and small commercial designs in the arid Southwest – from California ( Santa Barbara being a prime example ), to Texas and into Florida .
Trost , having moved to Tucson in 1899 ( prior to his move to El Paso ) was introduced to and influenced by existing Spanish architecture . He wrote , “ With accurate instinct the old Spanish builders adapted their structures to the requirements of environment . The object , therefore , is to build so as to cut off the intense heat of the sun in the summer , to retain the artificial warmth of the house in the winter , and to create a green flowery oasis for man ’ s pleasure and comfort . This threefold end was attained by the Spaniards with their thick walls , patios ,
deep porches , and large , high-ceiled rooms .”
This view would carry forward into many of his later designs and into the very design vision of his El Paso firm .
THE HOTEL PAISANO MARFA , TEXAS
Trost made his first study for a hotel in Marfa in 1919 . This early design was a Mission Revival style that was modified to Spanish Colonial by the time the hotel was built in 1930 . It features the typical elements of red tile roof parapets , ironwork balconies , exterior ornamentation , extensive interior tile and wood beams and courtyard .
The 35,000 square foot building was developed by Charles Bassett and constructed by McKee Construction , both of El Paso , as part of a chain of hotels Bassett built . Constructed in eight months with 65 rooms all with private baths , it was known as the most elegant hotel be-
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