A few weeks ago, Richard L. Gonzales filed for a certificate of appropriateness for demolition of the historic El Vado Motel in Albuquerque. At the time, I expressed doubts such a certificate would be issued. That opinion has been reinforced after I received a report by Maryellen Hennessy, the city's senior planner for the Landmarks … Continue reading El Vado demolition permit will likely be rejected
Category: Motels
Firm chosen to restore De Anza motel
Big news out of Albuquerque: The city has chosen a developer to renovate the historic De Anza Motor Lodge on Route 66 (shown above in a vintage postcard), according to the New Mexico Business Weekly. The city purchased the motel three years ago for $1 million in the hopes a developer would come in and … Continue reading Firm chosen to restore De Anza motel
Media picks up on El Vado story
The Albuquerque Journal has picked up the story about owner Richard Gonzales filing an application to demolish the historic El Vado Motel. Much of the backstory has already been covered on this site. But there's this excerpt: To get the demolition permit, Gonzales will have to show the city Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission that … Continue reading Media picks up on El Vado story
Albuquerque blog reports on El Vado situation
Duke City Fix, a prominent community blog based on Albuquerque, has picked up the story about Richard Gonzales still trying to tear down the historic El Vado Motel. A lively discussion (pro and con) has resulted in the comments section. But at least the management of Duke City Fix has landed square on El Vado's … Continue reading Albuquerque blog reports on El Vado situation
Lawsuit thins wallet of Aztec Hotel owner
Kathie Reece-McNeill owns the historic Aztec Hotel in Monrovia, Calif., and is carefully restoring the Route 66 landmark. However, her pocketbook is lighter after fighting a lawsuit that alleged Americans with Disabilities Act violations, reports the Sacramento Bee. Reece-McNeill rebutted attempts to settle out of court, and she won the lawsuit. But the battle cost … Continue reading Lawsuit thins wallet of Aztec Hotel owner
City will try to shut down Western Motel
A reader pointed out this article Thursday from the Daily Oklahoman in which the City of Bethany, Okla., is trying to shut down the Western Motel on Route 66. The motel, which was built at 7600 NW 39th in 1953, was declared a public nuisance by the city council after complaints of prostitution there. According … Continue reading City will try to shut down Western Motel
El Vado Motel situation clarified
Last week, I heard through the grapevine that some sort of appeal to demolish El Vado Motel in Albuquerque was being considered. I subsequently contacted the city, requesting more information. Today, I received an e-mail from Ed Boles of the City of Albuquerque, who helpfully clarified some things about the situation. The owner of El … Continue reading El Vado Motel situation clarified
Route 66 Corridor Program gets some ink
The Associated Press did a story about the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and its advisory council, which met in Oklahoma City last week. Of particular (and deserving) focus is John Dunning, who is slowly renovating Owl Court in Oklahoma City into a small motel for Mother Road travelers. Dunning also is owner of the … Continue reading Route 66 Corridor Program gets some ink
Scuttlebutt from the road
I attended the morning session of the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Council on Thursday in Oklahoma City. There, I heard some news tidbits that should be of interest to roadies: Reluctant El Vado Motel owner Richard Gonzales is up to his old tricks again. This time, he's filed for a demolition permit to raze the … Continue reading Scuttlebutt from the road
Route 66 State Park to host open house
The Route 66 State Park near Eureka, Mo., is holding an open house from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the visitors' center. The park wants public comments and suggestions on how the grounds are run. Route 66 author Shellee Graham will make a presentation about the defunct Coral Court Motel at 1 p.m. and … Continue reading Route 66 State Park to host open house