The Santa Fe Plaza Renewal Project pertains to the 1960s revitalization of Santa Fe's historic plaza. In 1966 a number of local citizens formed the Santa Fe Development Committee for the purpose of stimulating commercial growth while at the same time preserving Santa Fe's distinctive historical and architectural heritage. John Gaw Meem joined with the Development Committee to raise support for this urban renewal project. Meem's master plan for the Plaza proposed construction of Spanish colonial style portals in keeping with those of the Palace of Governors, brick sidewalks, new curbing and guttering, and more uniform and tasteful shop signs. John Newton Eddy, another Santa Fean, became Manager of the so-called Plaza Renewal Project. Demolition and construction began in February of 1967. The project was completed in the summer.
From the guide to the Santa Fe Plaza Renewal Project Collection, 1966-1968, (Museum of New Mexico. Fray Angélico Chávez History Library.)
