Mt. Franklin Rancho Club Resort
El Paso, Texas

Description: Mt Franklin Rancho Club Resort
Address: On the North Mesa
Type: hotel/club
Original Client: Mr. Fortner’s company in Chicago
Historic Inventory: none
Date: ca. July 24, 1912
Condition: Not built

Architect or firm: Henry C. Trost
Contractor:
Dimensions and Orientation: four stories, Spanish style
Budget/ Cost: $300,000

Foundation: Concrete construction covered with pebbledash
Wall Materials:
Other Materials: red roof tile

Remarks: The Chicago company had to purchase that land for the resort. Mr J. H. Nation was a held out in selling his share of the land. The price was $6.50 an acre. Zach White and H. B. Steven tried to find another site.

The busy season would be November 1 to April 1. A paved auto speedway (circular) to host winter auto meetings. Horseback rides into the Franklin Mountains. Paved road connect with Dyer Street to get to the city. Polo games, golf and tennis court available. Camping Outfit Company is available for trip to the mountain. The purpose of the club was to attract the wealthy businessmen of the east and Middle West who normally go to California.

Bibliography: El Paso Herald, July 24, 1912

Prepared for the El Paso Public Library by Lloyd C. and June F. Engelbrecht under a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, 1990