A couple weeks ago, the Albuquerque City Council narrowly denied an appeal of the Landmarks Commission's decision to designate El Vado Motel on Route 66 as a city landmark. El Vado owner Richard L. Gonzales wanted to raze the historic motel and build luxury townhouses in its place. But after outcry from Albuquerque preservationists and … Continue reading Praise the good votes, gently chide the bad votes
Category: Preservation
Tucumcari theater named to historic register
The Odeon Theater, a few blocks north of Route 66 in Tucumcari, N.M., was added to the New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties, reports the Quay County Sun. Murphey said the Odeon was recognized for its Art Deco details and for the dedication of its owner, Ramon Martinez, to keep the theater an on-going operation … Continue reading Tucumcari theater named to historic register
Steak ‘n Shake may land on historic register
The Steak 'n Shake at St. Louis Street and National Avenue in Springfield, Mo., may soon be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reports the Springfield News-Leader. This particular franchise was built in 1962, and its owner, Gary Leonard, has made it a point to keep the retro-looking restaurant looking spiffy. The article … Continue reading Steak ‘n Shake may land on historic register
Help the Triangle
Red Fork Hippie Chick is planning to help a volunteer work crew on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Triangle Motel in Amarillo, Texas. Read about why she's going, and why you ought to help out, too.
Good news for El Vado; bad news for Horn Oil Co.
Route 66 advocate Johnny Meier reports to us that the Albuquerque City Council on Monday rejected 5-4 an appeal by Richard Gonzales to reconsider the city landmark status that's protecting El Vado Motel from redevelopment. I'm a bit shocked the vote was that close, but as they say in the NFL, a win's a win. … Continue reading Good news for El Vado; bad news for Horn Oil Co.
Lucille’s Roadhouse is open
The diner portion of the new Lucille's Roadhouse in Weatherford, Okla., has been open for a couple days. For now, it is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day but Sunday. Eventually, it will be open seven days a week. It's at 1301 Airport Road in Weatherford, at a T-intersection of Route 66 … Continue reading Lucille’s Roadhouse is open
Owner of run-down landmark is fined
Dennis Koehler, owner of the long-closed The Mill restaurant along Route 66 in Lincoln, Ill., was fined $32,200 by a county judge for allowing the building to be unsafe, or $100 for each day, reports the Lincoln Courier. It undoubtedly didn't help that Koehler showed up 25 minutes late for the court hearing. What really … Continue reading Owner of run-down landmark is fined
Twin Oaks sign damaged by storm
The historic Twin Oaks Gas for Less sign along the Old Chain of Rocks Road, aka Route 66, in Granite City was damaged apparently by the series of severe storms that ravaged the St. Louis area about 10 days ago. The gas station itself has been long gone, but the sign remained as a nice … Continue reading Twin Oaks sign damaged by storm
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge nominated to National Register
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which once carried Route 66 from Madison, Ill., to north St. Louis, has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, reports digitalBurg.com of Warrensburg, Mo. The nominations will be considered by the Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation on Aug. 11 in St. Joseph. The image above … Continue reading Old Chain of Rocks Bridge nominated to National Register
Fontana’s Route 66 motels cling to survival
Route 66 through Fontana, Calif., has one of the biggest clusters of vintage motels in Southern California. According to an article Sunday by the Press Enterprise, about a dozen independently owned motels still stand along a stretch of Foothill Boulevard. "There are your cities along 66 that have motels left, but I don't think anything … Continue reading Fontana’s Route 66 motels cling to survival