Chamberlain Building

The John Chamberlain Building at the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, TX, a former wool and mohair warehouse, was adapted by Donald Judd in 1983 to house 23 large-scale John Chamberlain sculptures for public viewing. After decades of withstanding the harsh desert environment, the building required careful restoration. The work consisted of painstakingly restoring the structure, including Donald Judd’s architectural interventions. The roof and skylights were completely replaced, trusses reinforced, stucco and plaster restored, and Judd’s original designs for the building’s pivot doors, fixed windows, adobe perimeter walls and sotol garden restored to their original intent. New ADA ramps and handrails make the building accessible while keeping with the building’s character. The restoration returns the historic structure to Judd’s original vision and ensures that it can continue to serve as a cultural destination. (Photos: Alex Marks)