Santa Fe’s midtown campus is undergoing a significant transformation with the recent arrival of new tenants at the Aspect Media Village, a mixed-use development on the site of a former college campus. Among the six businesses moving in is Wise Fool New Mexico, a nonprofit circus arts school and performance troupe that faced uncertainty after losing its long-term location at Siler Road in late 2024.
After searching for nearly a year, Wise Fool has secured a new home in the Garson building at Aspect Media Village. This relocation represents a crucial step for the organization, which has been a staple of the Northern New Mexico arts community for over 25 years. Wise Fool’s director of development and marketing, Alexis Kubicki, expressed relief at the rapid progress of the move, stating, “We thought it would be two or three years before we moved in somewhere.”
New Development and Future Prospects
Aspect Media Village is designed to serve as a major film production hub, anchored by ArtHouse, a 129-unit apartment complex set to open in spring 2026. Other tenants include Tender Fire Kitchen, a full-service restaurant; Sky Cinema, a film screening venue; Deadeye Post, a boutique post-production studio; Woodruff Engineering, a manufacturer of advanced magnets; and the New Mexico Innovation Hub, which will support early-stage tech and STEM businesses. Each of these businesses is expected to contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the new development.
Phillip Gesue, a principal with PE Real Estate Holdings LLC, which purchased the property from the city of Santa Fe, remarked on the quality of the businesses moving in, stating, “They’re interesting and unique, and they are really good at what they do.” He believes these tenants will set a strong precedent for future businesses considering the area.
While the new midtown location is smaller than Wise Fool’s previous headquarters, it meets essential needs for circus arts equipment, allowing the troupe to resume programming activities soon. Despite the ongoing renovations, Wise Fool plans a soft opening in mid-October, with additional programs launching in January. The new space will accommodate around 50 to 60 people for performances, compared to the 135-person capacity of the old venue, necessitating adjustments for larger events.
Community Impact and Future Growth
The move has not been without challenges. Wise Fool’s previous venue also generated revenue by serving as an events space, a feature that will not be replicated in the new location. Kubicki noted this loss will impact the organization financially. However, a generous donation of $150,000 from a supporter last year, coupled with a planned fundraising campaign aiming to raise another $100,000, provides some financial relief.
Gesue expressed optimism about the overall progress of the Aspect Media Village. “The number and quality of businesses is a testament to the great public interest in this project,” he stated. He acknowledged earlier concerns about development in an area of Santa Fe that has historically seen little growth, saying, “Sometimes, I wake up in the middle of the night wondering, ‘What am I doing?’”
As the midtown project continues to evolve, all six new tenants are expected to be operational by early 2025. Gesue confirmed that most renovation work required for the new businesses is manageable, although some projects, like the addition of a second theater at Sky Cinema, are more complex. The new cinema will feature a main auditorium with 120 stadium-style seats and a smaller theater for 30 guests, as well as an events space.
The Tender Fire Kitchen, set to open in October, marks the first brick-and-mortar location for a mobile business founded by renowned local chef Ben Crosky. This venture has been well-received within the community, offering sourdough pizzas and salads at various locations.
With the initial tenants established, Gesue anticipates further interest from other business owners who may want to join the developing community. “This is the tip of the iceberg,” he said, emphasizing the potential for future growth in the area.
The transformation of the midtown campus represents a significant moment for Santa Fe, as the Aspect Media Village aims to foster creativity, innovation, and community engagement in the heart of the city.