Fire heavily damaged the main office building and one room Friday afternoon at the long-closed Paradise Motel on the western edge of Tucumcari, New Mexico. The fire didn't damage the motel's distinctive neon sign, its garage or much of the rest of the complex. But the blaze doesn't portend well for the motel's already-grim future. … Continue reading Fire damages Paradise Motel in Tucumcari
Category: Motels
Tucumcari Motel sign emerges from the ashes
The last time most people saw the old Tucumcari Motel sign near downtown Tucumcari, New Mexico, the long-closed business was destroyed by a suspected arson fire about three years ago. Because it stood about 20 feet from the building, the fire left the neon sign for the motel unscathed. Locals hauled away the sign a few … Continue reading Tucumcari Motel sign emerges from the ashes
What to do about the deteriorating Hotel Beale in Kingman?
The century-old Hotel Beale and its rooftop sign in downtown Kingman, Arizona, are one of the most-photographed landmarks in the city, but it has been closed for nearly 20 years and deteriorating because of it apparently neglectful and intractable owner. Kingman Daily Miner columnist Hubble Ray Smith lays out the problems with Hotel Beale, citing … Continue reading What to do about the deteriorating Hotel Beale in Kingman?
Axl Rose wears Coral Court Motel shirt during St. Louis show
Among the many fascinating things that occurred during the Guns N' Roses concert Thursday in St. Louis was frontman Axl Rose wearing a Coral Court Motel T-shirt. For those unfamiliar, the Coral Court Motel was one of the most distinctive Art Deco motels along Route 66. It stood on the southwest side of St. Louis … Continue reading Axl Rose wears Coral Court Motel shirt during St. Louis show
The man behind many Route 66 neon sign restorations
KSDK-TV in St. Louis recently produced a story about neon signs along Route 66 in Missouri -- especially signs restored by the Route 66 Association of Missouri's Neon Heritage Preservation Committee. The fellow behind many of these restorations is David Hutson of Neon Time in St. Charles, Missouri. Hutson said: “When people tour Route 66, … Continue reading The man behind many Route 66 neon sign restorations
Large sign stolen from Fabulous 40 Motel in Adrian
A large "Motel" sign that graced the Fabulous 40 Motel in Adrian, Texas, apparently was stolen after a windstorm blew down its support structure weeks ago. The owners of the Route 66 motel, which is next to the landmark Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, had let the sign lie on the ground behind the motel until … Continue reading Large sign stolen from Fabulous 40 Motel in Adrian
Developers unveil De Anza Motor Lodge renderings in Albuquerque
Developers of the historic but long-closed De Anza Motor Lodge in Albuquerque on Tuesday showed off artist's renderings of the upcoming project, which is expected to break ground in October and take about a year to complete. According to the Albuquerque Journal, the Route 66 motel will be demolished and rebuilt as a hotel, apartments, … Continue reading Developers unveil De Anza Motor Lodge renderings in Albuquerque
Palomino Motel in Tucumcari gets a new owner
The Palomino Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, quietly underwent an ownership change, and many improvements are planned at the historic Route 66 property in the coming months. The change in owners was announced in a Facebook post June 30 on the Tucumcari and Quay County Then and Now page. The deal closed May 5. New … Continue reading Palomino Motel in Tucumcari gets a new owner
Restoration of Boots Court architectural neon to begin soon
Repairs to the hail-damaged architectural neon lighting at the Boots Court motel in Carthage, Missouri, will begin by mid-July after Route 66 enthusiasts donated more than $4,100 for the project. Ron Hart of the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce on Friday presented a check for $4,113.41, representing the proceeds of a GoFundMe campaign after a … Continue reading Restoration of Boots Court architectural neon to begin soon
New owner takes over Motel Safari in Tucumcari
Larry Smith, formerly of Knoxville, Tennessee, this week took over ownership of Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Motel Safari posted this Thursday on its Facebook page of now-former owners Richard and Gail Talley, right, doing the ceremonial turning over the motel keys to Smith: The Talleys officially announced the motel was for sale earlier … Continue reading New owner takes over Motel Safari in Tucumcari