The Luna Lodge along Route 66 in Albuquerque, which dates to 1949, officially reopened today as housing for low-income residents after a $3 million renovation that kept its historic aspects. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque filed this good report about the motel's rebirth: Historic Rte. 66 lodge gets new lease on life The next project for NewLife … Continue reading Former Albuquerque motel officially reopens as apartments
Category: Preservation
New Gold Dome owner files for demolition permit
The new owner of the historic Gold Dome building along Route 66 in Oklahoma City has filed for a demolition permit -- a reversal of his earlier pledge to keep the structure, according to a report in The Oklahoman newspaper. David Box, who bought the building in September, said renovating the Gold Dome would be … Continue reading New Gold Dome owner files for demolition permit
Rock Creek Bridge closed to traffic
The historic Rock Creek Bridge on the old Ozark Trail alignment of Route 66 in Sapulpa, Okla., was closed to traffic Thursday after a state inspection deemed it unsafe, reported the Sapulpa Daily Herald. A visit to the 1921 bridge Friday revealed that in addition to "Bridge Out" signs, large chunks of concrete laid onto … Continue reading Rock Creek Bridge closed to traffic
Red Oak II apparently going into the motel business
At least three vintage duplexes from Joplin, Mo., were moved to the Red Oak II property near Carthage, Mo., on Wednesday, according to several photos and posts on Red Oak II's Facebook page. The sprawling Red Oak II complex, a few miles north of Route 66, serves as a re-creation of old-time, small-town America by artist Lowell Davis. … Continue reading Red Oak II apparently going into the motel business
Boots Motel needs help with “Raze the Roof” project
The Boots Motel, a Route 66 landmark in Carthage, Mo., needs both volunteer and financial assistance in the coming weeks for its "Raze the Roof" effort. The new owners want to remove the motel's gabled roof so its original flat roof can be restored. More from a news release by Ron Hart of the Route … Continue reading Boots Motel needs help with “Raze the Roof” project
C-SPAN takes a look at Route 66 in Albuquerque
Cable channel C-SPAN posted this video yesterday that examines the history of Route 66 and the preservation of its historic properties, especially in Albuquerque. Longtime New Mexico Route 66 advocate Johnnie Meier and Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program director Kaisa Barthuli star in this clip. https://youtu.be/MpKZNhuU69M The video is part of C-SPAN's Local Content Vehicles … Continue reading C-SPAN takes a look at Route 66 in Albuquerque
A look at a future boarding house on Route 66
About a year ago, a Springfield newspaper reported that the Route 66 town of Atlanta, Ill., was reviving an old boarding house that housed overnight Route 66 travelers until the 1940s. Here's the excerpt: The community also has purchased an 1891 residence that served as a rooming house for Route 66 travelers in the 1940s, … Continue reading A look at a future boarding house on Route 66
Carlyle Motel neon sign listed for sale on eBay
The historic neon sign of the Carlyle Motel on Route 66 in Oklahoma City is listed for sale on eBay after its owners removed it several weeks ago. Steve Davis, whose eBay account is mr.classicars, has the sign listed for $99, but it carries an unnamed minimum price. The auction ends March 3. According to the … Continue reading Carlyle Motel neon sign listed for sale on eBay
Route 66 billboard museum planned in Bethany, Okla.
A print story hasn't been posted yet, but The Oklahoman newspaper posted this video yesterday about an idea for a Route 66 billboard museum in Bethany, Okla.: Longtime Oklahoma roadie Kathy Anderson came up with the idea. And, as you can tell by the video, the idea is that neon signs and porcelain signs will … Continue reading Route 66 billboard museum planned in Bethany, Okla.
Bond fund cuts may jeopardize future motel revitalization in Albuquerque
The City of Albuquerque is proposing an 83 percent cut in bond funds for affordable housing, jeopardizing possible future renovations and reuse of old Route 66 properties in the city, according to an op-ed in the Albuquerque Journal. John Bloomfield, executive director of NewLife Homes, wrote the piece. NewLife guided the renovation and reuse of the … Continue reading Bond fund cuts may jeopardize future motel revitalization in Albuquerque