Ballroom Marfa is reportedly interested in purchasing the Bull Barn, the Presidio County-owned property the nonprofit arts organization began leasing last year.
According to information provided to the Big Bend Reporter, Ballroom Marfa representatives have discussed a possible purchase with county officials, including Precinct 1 Commissioner Diedre Hisler and County Attorney Blair Park. Vance Knowles of Ballroom Marfa has reportedly participated in those discussions.
The Big Bend Reporter has not independently confirmed that Ballroom Marfa has submitted an offer or that Presidio County has formally decided to sell the property.
The county could issue a request for proposals inviting Ballroom Marfa and other prospective buyers to submit plans to purchase the Bull Barn, according to the information provided to the newspaper. The timing and terms of any potential solicitation remain unclear.
The possible purchase would come about a year after commissioners approved leasing the property to Ballroom Marfa.
The Big Bend Sentinel reported in June 2025 that Ballroom Marfa was the only organization to respond when the county sought proposals to lease the Bull Barn. Under the agreement described by the Sentinel, the organization would pay the county $12,000 annually and planned approximately $1 million in renovations intended to transform the aging structure into an event venue for residents and visitors.
It is unclear how much of that planned renovation work has been completed.
The Bull Barn, located near Vizcaino Park off Golf Course Road, was historically used for cattle sales. The Sentinel reported that the property had previously been leased to the Hereford Cattle Association under a 99-year agreement dating to 1932. After that arrangement ended, the county sought new proposals for the property.
Supporters of a possible sale say permanent ownership could give Ballroom Marfa greater certainty as it invests in renovating and operating the venue. Others have raised concerns about whether discussions have occurred privately before the public was informed and whether any eventual sale would be handled through an open and competitive process.
Preliminary conversations about a possible transaction do not establish that county officials have agreed to sell the property or that Ballroom Marfa would receive preferential treatment.
The Big Bend Reporter has contacted Hisler, Park and Knowles seeking information about the reported discussions, whether Ballroom Marfa has made an offer and what process the county would follow if it decides to sell the property.
Image Credit: Ballroom Marfa
