The courtyard side is hugely pleasant and peaceful, despite the building itself being occupied by a row of shops. I'm guessing the courtyard is being preserved for historical purposes despite allowing the building to be rented out to commercial tenants. When Don Juan Sena bought this land in 1796, Santa Fe was part of Spain. When Maj. Jose D. Sena built this house for his bride in 1831, Santa Fe was part of Mexico. Then in 1846 it became part of the US.