A closer look at the Wigwams

The Press-Enterprise newspaper in the Los Angeles region posted a story about the origins of the famed Wigwam Motel on Route 66 in on the San Bernardino and Rialto line.

What got overlooked in the story is that the motel was a haven for prostitution and other shady activities for many years. The property was turned around by Jagedish and Ramila Patel after they bought it in 2002. The family renovated the grounds, chased out the bad elements, and improved the whole neighborhood. They won the Cyrus Avery Award in 2005 for their efforts.

There’s another Wigwam Motel on Route 66, it being in Holbrook, Ariz. It’s also well-run and well-preserved.

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