MARFA — The Donald Judd Historic District, comprising 15 buildings and one work of art, has been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. This listing encompasses and expands the existing Fort D.A. Russell Historic District to include Donald Judd’s contributions to art and architecture from 1973 until the artist’s death in 1994. Following the establishment of the Central Marfa Historic District in 2022, it is the second district in Marfa associated with Judd.
The Donald Judd Historic District acknowledges the artist’s efforts in preservation and adaptive reuse in his living and working spaces, and in buildings used for the permanent installation of his art and that of other artists. Today, these buildings are maintained by the Chinati Foundation, which oversees nine buildings and one work of art included in the district, and Judd Foundation, which stewards six of the listed buildings.
The 15 buildings have been recognized for their association with the artist and for the modifications he made to them. Judd’s architectural interventions to elements such as the doors, windows and spatial divisions of the buildings were sympathetic to their existing character and histories, a core tenant of his approach to renovation. These buildings are notably joined by Judd’s 15 untitled works in concrete, permanently installed as part of the collection of the Chinati Foundation.
“This important recognition provides a context through which to understand Don’s work,” said Flavin Judd, artistic director of Judd Foundation. “Few people make their own world of art, design, and architecture. Even fewer leave that behind to be experienced by the public. Through this joint designation for Judd Foundation and the Chinati Foundation, we will continue our work for the historic preservation and future access of these sites.”
“We are honored that many of Donald Judd’s contributions to art and architecture, which we are fortunate to work among at the Chinati Foundation, have received this important distinction,” said Caitlin Murray, director of the Chinati Foundation. “Context is central to visitors’ experience of Chinati and Judd’s living and working spaces in Marfa, and this recognition heightens our shared awareness of the conditions, histories, and environments that he considered when imagining the permanent installation of large-scale works of art.”
The Donald Judd Historic District expands the historical, architectural and cultural significance of Judd’s contributions within the City of Marfa, joining the 11 buildings already associated with the artist in the Central Marfa Historic District. All buildings within the Donald Judd Historic District are located in structures associated with Fort D.A. Russell, an active military installment from 1911 to 1946. Fort D.A. Russell has been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 2006, as it represents one of the most intact early 20th century military installations in Texas. At the Chinati Foundation, situated on the fort base, these include the Arena, the Artillery Sheds (which house Judd’s 100 untitled works in mill aluminum), the library, the print studio, exhibition spaces, and two unfinished concrete buildings designed by Judd. Six buildings stewarded by Judd Foundation are sited at La Mansana de Chinati/The Block, Judd’s primary residence in downtown Marfa, which was part of the original fort.
“Listing the Donald Judd Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places gives this special place the nationwide recognition it deserves,” said Joseph Bell, executive director for the Texas Historical Commission. “Judd’s legacy and cultural impact on Presidio County’s heritage are well worth preserving for future generations to enjoy.”
The Central Marfa Historic District comprises 183 contributing buildings and architectural resources concentrated near Marfa’s commercial core. The district builds on the current historic designations for Fort D.A. Russell, a military base that was active until shortly after World War II, and that of the Blackwell School, the only public institution built for the education of the Mexican American community of Marfa, which it served for more than 50 years.
The Donald Judd Historic District was recommended for listing in the National Register of Historic Places by the Texas Historical Commission in September 2024. It was added to the National Register in June 2025 by the National Park Service.