Preservation Online, a publication by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has a story about the City of Albuquerque fending off an attempt by a developer to demolish the historic El Vado Motel on Route 66. Much of the information in the Preservation Online story has already been reported here and in other media. But … Continue reading El Vado Motel update
Category: Motels
Winslow, such a fine sight to see
The New York Times has an excellent article about the rebirth of the Route 66 town of Winslow, Ariz. When my wife and I first visited the town in 2001, it seemed a bit down on its luck. But the story indicates that things are looking up after a long decline. Empty storefronts still dot … Continue reading Winslow, such a fine sight to see
Oklahoma’s “endangered” Route 66 motels
A couple of days ago, the Oklahoma Historic Preservation Office and Preservation released their list of what they considered to be the most endangered historic places in 2007. The list included "motels on Route 66 from Miami to Sayre," which is darned near the entire length of 66 in the state. I asked for a … Continue reading Oklahoma’s “endangered” Route 66 motels
Even the losers need to a place to sleep
While doing a search for Route 66 news items, it was a jolt to find this New York Times book review of Charlie LeDuff's new book, "US Guys: The True and Twisted Mind of the American Man." In this nonfiction book "about folks who claw and hang on by their fingernails," the review says: Things … Continue reading Even the losers need to a place to sleep
The case of the mysterious traffic surge
Traffic at Route 66 News jumped to record levels today, fueled mostly by a link from the Wigwam Motel in Rialto, Calif. The motel showed how its teepee design inspired the Cozy Cone Motel in the animated hit movie, "Cars." That link to here has existed for nearly 10 months, so I was flummoxed on … Continue reading The case of the mysterious traffic surge
Historic hotel reverts to city ownership
The Eagle Hotel in Wilmington, Ill., described as the oldest hotel on all of Historic Route 66, has reverted to city ownership after its holder wasn't able to reopen it by a Jan. 15 deadline, according to the Daily Journal. The hotel, built in 1836, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and … Continue reading Historic hotel reverts to city ownership
La Posada de Albuquerque update
Don Pizzolato of Duke City Fix met with Gary Goodman, the developer of La Posada de Albuquerque. The historic hotel, as you may recall, is in limbo because renovations have been more expensive than anticipated, and Goodman is seeking $9 million in industrial revenue bonds to finish the project. Pizzolato's entry is worth reading as … Continue reading La Posada de Albuquerque update
El Vado demolition request rejected
From today's Albuquerque Journal: The historic El Vado Motel on Central is safe for now. By a 4-2 vote, the city Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission on Wednesday denied a request to demolish the 70-year-old tourist court, in part finding the property owner, Richard L. Gonzales, failed to show that no means of preserving the … Continue reading El Vado demolition request rejected
A death in the family
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch today tells the tragic story George F. "Fred" Kiesel. Kiesel lived in one of the rooms at the Wayside Motel, one of the few surviving vintage motels along old Route 66 in the suburb of Marlborough. The Wayside is across the road from the famed Coral Court Motel, which was torn … Continue reading A death in the family
Route 66 among Arizona’s top spots
The Arizona Republic has named the top 10 travel spots in the state. One of them was Route 66, and the newspaper compiled a list of things to do on the Mother Road, where to eat and where to stay (although I wish it hadn't chose a chain hotel in Kingman when historic mom-and-pops were … Continue reading Route 66 among Arizona’s top spots