MEA’s Rising Circle Ranch In Santa Fe Trusts Jaynes Millwork For Historically Sensitive Remodel

The Jaynes Structures Millwork team recently completed a unique custom project for Owner Modern Elder Academy (MEA). MEA is the world’s first midlife wisdom school dedicated to consciously empowering people to curate their futures. MEA remodeled the historic Rising Circle Ranch, formerly Saddleback Ranch, to conduct destination workshops, seminars, and online programs that further their mission “to reframe aging and help people thrive in midlife and beyond.”

The Jaynes Millwork team subcontracted with Sarcon Construction, a Santa Fe-based general contractor that specializes in historic commercial construction and remodels.

MEA’s Rising Circle Ranch, nestled in 2,600 picturesque acres under the endless New Mexican sky with incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo, Sandia, Ortiz, Jemez mountain ranges, and the Galisteo Basin, is a historic working ranch with an award-winning architectural legacy. Going back over 100 years, Rising Circle Ranch has connections to Hollywood filmmaking, as the western series Longmire and Johnny Depp’s Lone Ranger were filmed at the ranch.

Rising Circle Ranch’s location in northern New Mexico is also notable. Time Magazine named it one of the “100 Greatest Places to Visit.” Time writer AnneLise Sorensen comments, “The sprawling ranch has 43 rooms, including both rustic Pueblo Revival-style and elegantly modern ones, liberally sprinkled with the bohemian, free-spirited flavor of Santa Fe.”

The ranch’s natural beauty is breathtaking, but the historic buildings are not overshadowed by the classic New Mexican landscape. Having been awarded both the American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Top Architecture and the Jeff Harnar Award for Contemporary Architecture, Windland House has been toured by New York’s M.O.M.A. and the Whitney Museum of Art. Another is Drogheda House, MEA’s primary facility for workshops and seminars, a 7,200 square foot traditional adobe-style facility featuring exposed beams, wood finishes, and lofted ceilings. The Jaynes Structures Millwork team remodeled the cabinetry in the Drogheda House.

Historically Sensitive Millwork by Jaynes

Custom millwork and casework in historically significant buildings like these require a professional team with a track record in high-end millwork. Jaynes Structures Millwork was the team that was called in to help complete the remodel.

Above: The interior designer’s inspiration sketches inspired the casework design. The conversion varnish finish was tinted to match the designer’s Farrow and Ball paint color palette for each color of cabinetry. Custom paneling was applied to the Bertazzoni fully integrated refrigerator. From photographer Matt Oberer.

Above:  These bookcases were built to fit inside the framed opening on the wall. The wood face frame covers any imperfections in the framing, giving this casework a built-in look. From photographer Matt Oberer.

Above: The Jaynes Millwork team modified this existing casework. Panels were used to cover old appliance openings and additional base cabinets were added. The team flawlessly matched the historic wood species, construction, profile, and finish. From photographer Matt Oberer.

Above: Custom paneling was applied to the Bertazzoni fully integrated refrigerator. From photographer Matt Oberer.

Above: Period-correct kitchen shelves and cabinetry with a hint of modern, ready for use in the Ranch’s Chamisa House Bread Kitchen. The Jaynes Millwork team engineered this casework to ensure it meets American Woodworking Institute performance standards while matching the aesthetic of the designer’s inspiration sketch. The professionals at Jaynes Millwork strive to craft beauty and function into one. From photographer Jessica Marquez.

Above: This floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall run of bookshelves was custom-sized to fit field dimensions. The wood fillers and crown molding were scribed to follow the walls and ceiling, closing any gaps caused by framing irregularity. From photographer Matt Oberer.

Above: The shelving seen here is supported by concealed cleats to give it a “floating” appearance. The base cabinetry below is fitted with touch-release latches and high-end, concealed European hinges to eliminate exposed hardware. From photographer Matt Oberer.

Jaynes Millwork Capabilities

The Jaynes Structures Millwork division team brings decades of experience to every project. Quality is the main focus, from fully custom pieces to institutional casework. Jaynes Structures Millwork works with General Contractors throughout the Southwest and specializes in fast project starts and an ability to assemble a professional, qualified team to begin fabrication immediately.

With an in-house Building Information Modeling and drafting team, Jaynes Structures can quickly mock up and verify the logistics of millwork pieces in any space, decreasing project delays and potential costly rework.

Jaynes Structures Millwork is an Architectural Woodwork Institute’s (AWI) Certified Corporation and has earned AWI’s Quality Certification Program (QCP) designation. Equipped with the latest production management software, automated production systems, and design software to provide best-in-class finishing, stain-matching, painting, and fabrication of custom millwork items like cabinets, doors, and trim, Jaynes Millwork can help remodel any commercial job to exacting detail.

Are you a General Contractor looking for millwork support on a large commercial project? Visit our website or let us know about your millwork project needs.