Historic Luna Mansion is set to reopen
July 24, 2009
Landscaping takes place before the Luna Mansion reopens.
The historic Luna Mansion, located in the heart of Los Lunas, is set to reopen in just days as a restaurant featuring steaks and other dishes, as well as beer, wine and mixed drinks.
The mansion was closed for renovation during the last seven months. It’ll open its doors under new ownership, having been purchased by the Torres family, who also owns Teofilo’s Restaurante directly across Main Street.
Hortencia Torres made the announcement last night at a Village of Los Lunas council meeting, as the village council approved the sale of liquor at the restaurant, one of the last steps before the mansion reopens. She didn’t provide a date, only saying it would open “within the next 10 days.”
The Luna Mansion, sometimes referred to as the Luna-Otero Mansion because of the two families who lived in it, has a long and important history in Los Lunas.
“I’ve always been impressed it’s an adobe building and by the reason it was built,” Mayor Robert Vialpando said.
In the late 1800s, the mansion was constructed by the Santa Fe Railroad, which sought permission from the Luna family to build a new rail line in Los Lunas through the then-expansive Luna land and the Lunas’ original home. The Lunas allowed it under the condition that the railroad build them a new home. The result was the Luna Mansion that stands today.
The mansion is considered particularly historically significant because it has a Southern style but was constructed with sun-dried adobe. The original structure didn’t include the solarium, front portico and ironwork, which was added in the early 1900s and later.
“It’s such a beautiful place and it’s great it’s here,” Vialpando said.
Two chimneys rise from the Luna Mansion's roof.
In terms of economic development, Art Mondragon, the village’s community development director, said the mansion is a major tourist attraction.
“I used to work down in El Paso, Texas, and a lot of people recognize the name down there,” Mondragon said. “It has quite a following, quite a history.”
He said fine dining is necessary for tourists, who when attracted to Los Lunas, stay in hotels and shop at businesses.
“It’s great it’s reopening. We’re all looking forward to it,” said Councilor Cecilia Castillo, who represents the area where the mansion is located. “I think it’s great for the village. When you say Los Lunas, you think of the Luna Mansion.”
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