Permits have been issued for a $50 million construction project at El Cosmico, the iconic retreat in Marfa. The permits, reported by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, signal the start of an ambitious expansion set to commence on August 1, 2024, with completion expected by August 2026. Spanning approximately 100,000 square feet, the new construction will include single-family residences, hotel lodging units, and several common amenity buildings.
Located at 1813 and 1980 Antelope Hills Rd, the project is entirely privately funded and situated on private land. This expansion is designed to both enhance and extend the lodging and residential options at El Cosmico.
Collaborators on this project include El Cosmico’s founder Liz Lambert, ICON—a pioneer in 3D-printing construction technology—and the globally renowned architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). The innovative construction technique used will leverage large-scale 3D printing, aiming to expedite the construction process while minimizing waste and reducing carbon emissions.
The design will feature revolutionary architectural elements such as domes, arches, vaults, and parabolic forms. Additionally, the project will introduce BIG-designed Sunday Homes, available in configurations ranging from two to four bedrooms and sizes between 1,200 sq. ft. and 2,200 sq. ft., all boasting expansive views of the Davis Mountains.
The expansion also promises new hospitality features, including a pool, spa, and shared communal facilities, complementing the existing guest units at El Cosmico and reinforcing its reputation as a nexus of creativity and minimalist desert aesthetics.
While this phase involves a significant investment, further expansion phases may follow as El Cosmico continues to evolve its footprint in the Marfa landscape. For more information about the El Cosmico expansion project and updates on homes for purchase, visit www.elcosmicohomes.com.
