Developer appeals city’s decision for De Anza project

A developer that finished second in bids to redevelop the historic De Anza Motor Lodge in Albuquerque is appealing the city's choice for the project, according to the Albuquerque Journal. Jerry Landgraf of De Anza Co., which proposed converting the long-closed Route 66 motor lodge into a 65-unit boutique motel, said the city's scoring system on … Continue reading Developer appeals city’s decision for De Anza project

Bel-Aire sputnik will be restored for sign company’s museum

For those who worried about the fate of the sputnik structure atop the doomed Bel-Air Motel in Springfield, Illinois, do not worry. Ace Sign Co. of Springfield removed the sputnik over the weekend and eventually will restore it for its neon museum that coincidentally opens today, according to the State Journal-Register. The fiberglass ball of … Continue reading Bel-Aire sputnik will be restored for sign company’s museum

Two Williams businesses featured in ‘Hotel Impossible’ show

The Canyon Hotel and RV Park and the Red Garter Bed and Bakery will be featured in an episode of the Travel Channel's reality show "Hotel Impossible" later this year, according to the Williams News. "Hotel Impossible's" premise is hotels receive an extensive makeover by veteran hotel operator and hospitality expert Anthony Melchiorri and his … Continue reading Two Williams businesses featured in ‘Hotel Impossible’ show

Pixar short film uses Route 66 motel as its setting

An upcoming short film by Pixar Animation Studios, "Sanjay's Super Team," uses a Route 66 motel as its setting. That's because the short's director, Sanjay Patel, saw his parents buy and operate Route 66's Lido Motel in San Bernardino, California, according to the Los Angeles Times. His family still owns the motel. The short film will be … Continue reading Pixar short film uses Route 66 motel as its setting

What I did on my vacation

The answer is: not much. It is supposed to be R&R time, after all. However, my ever-creative companion Emily (aka Redforkhippie) was busy at the historic Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, painting images of extinct neon signs that once graced Route 66 in Tucumcari, plus one in nearby San Jon, in one of … Continue reading What I did on my vacation

Students show design proposals for Tulsa’s Route 66

A group of University of Oklahoma architecture students on Thursday unveiled their redesigns of 11th Street in Tulsa that incorporates modern looks but pays tribute to the street's Route 66 history. The News on 6 station in Tulsa had this report: NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com | The … Continue reading Students show design proposals for Tulsa’s Route 66

Two people found slain in Bristow motel

A man and a woman were found dead Sunday at the Carolyn Inn motel on Route 66 in Bristow, Oklahoma, according to several media outlets in the area, including KWTV. The Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation is treating the scene as a homicide. Dead were Jake Allen Wright, 19, and Ruth Ann Rex, 31, The state Medical Examiner’s … Continue reading Two people found slain in Bristow motel

Albuquerque’s Aztec Motel sign taken down

The sign for the Aztec Motel, the only remainder of the historic Route 66 motel in Albuquerque that was torn down in 2011, was taken down Friday, according to several sources that included one eyewitness. The fate of the sign remains uncertain, although the city's Route 66 Action Plan mentions including it as part of a pocket … Continue reading Albuquerque’s Aztec Motel sign taken down

66 Motel in Flagstaff converted into affordable rental housing

The historic 66 Motel in Flagstaff, Arizona, is being turned by a nonprofit group into a place for affordable rental housing until its residents can save enough money for better rentals or a down payment on a home. And the nonprofit, ANEW Living, wants to do the same thing to other distressed motels along Route … Continue reading 66 Motel in Flagstaff converted into affordable rental housing

Albuquerque board approves ‘condotel’ plan for De Anza

The Albuquerque Development Commission on Thursday approved an $8.2 million plan to convert the long-closed De Anza Motor Lodge into a condominium and hotel hybrid, according to Albuquerque Business First. It won out over four other proposals, including a $12.4 million plan by an investing group to turn De Anza into a boutique motel that … Continue reading Albuquerque board approves ‘condotel’ plan for De Anza