This report from KOB-TV about the demolition of the abandoned State Fair Mercado Motel on Central Avenue (aka Route 66) in Albuquerque irked me a bit. https://youtu.be/2ORphUSaJSE Listen, I understand that Route 66 tourism remains a cottage industry, and that only so many vintage motels can operate in the Duke City. I also realize that … Continue reading It’s demolition, not salvation
Category: Preservation
Joliet prison may become tourism attraction
The long-closed Joliet Correctional Center, located off Route 66 in Joliet, Ill., and the setting for the opening scene of "The Blues Brothers," is seriously being considered as a tourism site, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune. The Joliet prison opened in the 1850s, and during the early years, inmates were used to build the … Continue reading Joliet prison may become tourism attraction
No friend of Route 66 — again
You have to admit, at least Sen. Tom Coburn is consistent. The Republican U.S. senator from Oklahoma has targeted the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program in his newly published "Oklahoma Waste Report" (pdf document) -- his latest salvo against the much-praised Mother Road program. In one chapter of the report, "Get Your Federal … Continue reading No friend of Route 66 — again
2011 cost-share grant awards announced
Today, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced the awarding of 10 cost-share grants to Route 66 property owners for the 2011 fiscal year. Here's the listing, straight from the agency: Route 66 Motel sign and roof rehabilitation, Kingman, Ariz. ($10,319 federal grant, $10,319 match by owner) -- The Route 66 Motel has been a welcoming … Continue reading 2011 cost-share grant awards announced
El Vado seen as catalyst for area redevelopment
It's vague on plans for the historic El Vado Motel in Albuquerque, but a city official indicated that preservation would be a priority in whatever redevelopment plan comes forward, according to a report this weekend in the Albuquerque Journal. Ben Ortega of the city’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency is set to propose to the city council … Continue reading El Vado seen as catalyst for area redevelopment
Magic Lamp Inn will host preservation fundraiser
The historic Magic Lamp Inn on Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., is hosting the Cucamonga Classics Route 66 Car Show on July 30 to help benefit the California Historic Route 66 Association's preservation fund. The flyer for the event is at left (click to enlarge). It will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. … Continue reading Magic Lamp Inn will host preservation fundraiser
Building near Round Barn being repaired
The old Brooks Building that sits just east of the Round Barn on Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla., is being rehabilitated into an information center, reported the Edmond Sun in nearby Edmond. Jimmy Blue of Arcadia said as far as he knows, the 90-year-old Brooks building has been a grocery store, feed store and welding … Continue reading Building near Round Barn being repaired
Bank accepts offer for Boots Motel
A news release from Ron Hart at the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce about the historic Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., came over today. It says, in part: The Route 66 Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that two Route 66 “Roadies” (fans of the Mother Road) have made a purchase offer for the … Continue reading Bank accepts offer for Boots Motel
Another new paint job at an old station
In recent months, volunteers in Tucumcari, N.M., have engaged in a noteworthy project of nostalgic paint jobs to abandoned gas stations along Route 66 in town. The result is a better-looking main drag without a lot of money being spent. Here's the latest abandoned gas station that was repainted. It's been given an old Phillips … Continue reading Another new paint job at an old station
New photo-op in Albuquerque
If you love the glow of neon, you'll find a new attraction among the many you'll find along Central Avenue (aka Route 66) in Albuquerque. A re-created sign was installed on the side of the KiMo Theatre during a ceremony on June 3. Because the theater was originally opened in 1927, the street during the … Continue reading New photo-op in Albuquerque