Redforkhippiechick received an interesting comment a few days ago from Karim Hakam about her post in February about the endangered El Vado Motel on Route 66 in Albuquerque. Hakam's father ran El Vado for a number of years. Here's what he had to say: ... It never ceases to amaze me how passionate the Route … Continue reading An interesting note about El Vado Motel
Category: Preservation
One to watch
The Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph compiles an annual "10 to Watch" list of central Illinois residents who are rising fast in prominence and influence. One who made the list is Geoff Ladd of the Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County, who's already attracted attention for his preservation efforts of an area Route 66 icon. Ladd started … Continue reading One to watch
For sale — one historic police station
The Bloomington Pantagraph published a story that the State of Illinois may auction off surplus property to add a few million dollars to the state budget. That's routine in many states. But one of the pieces of property is anything but routine. It is the former Illinois State Police District 6 headquarters near Pontiac. It … Continue reading For sale — one historic police station
Tucumcari train station in line for $400,000 grant
The train station in Tucumcari, N.M., isn't on Route 66, but it and the railroad are so strongly linked to the Mother Road that any news about it is noteworthy. The Quay County Sun in Tucumcari reports that the historic train station is set for $400,000 worth of improvements to become a centerpiece of downtown's … Continue reading Tucumcari train station in line for $400,000 grant
Thoughts on El Vado hearing
Johnny Meier, a longtime member of the New Mexico Route 66 Association, attended the recent hearing regarding the demolition application of El Vado Motel in Albuquerque. Here are excerpts from an e-mail of his thoughts: The projected income was argued by the developer to be considered as an unreasonable rate of return given the cost … Continue reading Thoughts on El Vado hearing
Re-use of a historic Route 66 motel
Following a discussion about preserving historic Route 66 motels on the Albuquerque blog Duke City Fix, contributor Arizona Phil found this fascinating Albuquerque Journal story about developers converting the old Cactus Motel, along old Route 66 in Santa Fe, into the Cactus Centro business center. The anchor is the Sun Loan Company, where the former … Continue reading Re-use of a historic Route 66 motel
El Vado’s fate remains in limbo
The City of Albuquerque's Landmarks and Urban Commission held a hearing for 3 1/2 hours Wednesday, but no decision was made about whether to allow a demolition permit for the historic Route 66 motel, according to the Albuquerque Tribune. The commission will hold another meeting Jan. 10 to hear more witnesses and testimony. Based on … Continue reading El Vado’s fate remains in limbo
Historic service station in limbo
Here's an item from the Ontario (Calif.) Daily Bulletin that's a bit discouraging: RANCHO CUCAMONGA - The historic gas station on Foothill Boulevard west of Archibald Avenue, one of the last relics of the Route 66 days, has been fenced off for some time now but the city says no plans for the station have … Continue reading Historic service station in limbo
Western Motel in Bethany gets a reprieve
Several weeks ago, it appeared the historic Western Motel in Bethany, Okla., was in jeopardy. The manager was busted during a prostitution sting, and the city filed a notice to abate the nuisance -- usually a first step that leads to a motel's demolition. But things have changed. The motel's owner, Ken Patel, has taken … Continue reading Western Motel in Bethany gets a reprieve
Two Route 66 towns to enroll in Main Street program
The Tulsa World reports today that the City Council is expected to allow part of southwest Tulsa, known as Red Fork, to participate in the Oklahoma Main Street revitalization and preservation program. It would last for three years and cost $150,000. It would recognize what is being called Red Fork Main Street, which encompasses two … Continue reading Two Route 66 towns to enroll in Main Street program