A Bernalillo County commissioner asked for a marketing study for the proposed Route 66 Visitor Center planned for Albuquerque’s west side before it breaks ground.
According to the Albuquerque Journal:
County Commissioner Debbie O’Malley recently introduced a resolution requiring that a third party consultant evaluate the “proposed uses for the Route 66 Visitors Center and to ascertain whether or not there is a current or future market” for them. […]
Evaluating the viability of a project is “something most businesses do,” O’Malley said, adding that it would inform the county as to the expected financial operating budget and maintenance required.
The commission passed the resolution unanimously. The resolution requests the market evaluation be completed within 60 days.
O’Malley’s request undoubtedly was at least partially motivated by the ballooning cost of the project. It’s now slated to cost over $12 million, compared to a projected cost of just $3.4 million three years ago.
City Councilor Klarissa Peña said the cost rose because the initial estimate was a rough guess, and residents wanted additions to the facility, including a commercial kitchen.
The facility would have a lowrider museum, taproom, visitor center, event space, commercial kitchen and drive-in movie area.
The Route 66 Visitor Center would be situated atop Nine Mile Hill next to Central Avenue (aka Route 66), which affords spectacular views of the city nestled below in the Rio Grande Valley.
One could argue, however, a better site would have been on the east edge of the city because about 60% of Route 66 travelers are going west, according to the Route 66 Economic Impact Study. And the nearby town of Los Lunas is planning a Route 66 visitors center, as well.
(Artist’s rendering of the proposed Route 66 visitors center in Albuquerque)