ELLEN NOËL ART MUSEUM
Odessa, Texas | Civic
Founded as a nonprofit in 1977 and opening in 1985, the Ellen Noël Art Museum of the Permian Basin (ENAM) was created through community initiative to bring fine arts to the region. In 1995, the museum was renamed to recognize Ellen W. Noël’s leadership and philanthropy. The facility is currently undergoing a significant renovation and expansion.
The project introduces a striking spiral staircase, additional gallery space, and distinctive architectural enhancements. Site constraints require careful planning to maximize efficiency and maintain an open, welcoming environment. The design emphasizes minimizing vehicle-dedicated areas while ensuring full accessibility. A particular challenge is integrating an access drive between the west and east wings without compromising the museum’s artistic façade.
To address this, the main drive will be designed as a seamless, curb-free plaza, providing an inviting entry while maintaining pedestrian flow. Parking will be relocated farther from the building, reconfigured for efficiency, and enhanced with landscaped areas that strengthen connections to the UTPB campus. Native stone and plantings will further anchor the museum within its natural context, while an expanded sculpture garden and additional site-specific artwork will enrich the outdoor experience.
Project Team | RJ Lopez, AIA, ALEP – Client Manager / Design Architect, Dan Searight, AIA, RID, LEED AP – Senior Design Architect, James Njuguna, AIA, MBA, LEED AP – Project Architect, Zach Garrett, PE – Structural Engineer Blane Potts, PLA, ASLA – Landscape Architecture Design Lead, Ty Sisco, RLA, ASLA – Project Manager, Cameron Beeman, ASLA – Designer
Project experience of Blane Potts, PLA, ASLA with previous firm
Renderings by Blane Potts, PLA, ASLA for portfolio purposes only