The closed Desert Sands Motel of Albuquerque, perhaps best known for being used in a scene in the Oscar-winning movie "No County for Old Men," was torn down last month after three fires since May. The Albuquerque Journal reported the Route 66 motel was razed in early December. Construction equipment reappeared on the site last week, … Continue reading Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque torn down
Tag: Albuquerque
Central Avenue businesses report 30 percent drop from ART construction
Construction on the Albuquerque Rapid Transit bus project began on Central Avenue in earnest a few weeks ago, and the results are not pretty -- several businesses are reporting as much as a 30 percent drop in revenue. KOAT-TV cited the 30-percent figure during a recent story about the project along the city's Route 66 corridor. Gabriel … Continue reading Central Avenue businesses report 30 percent drop from ART construction
Albuquerque buys land for a Route 66 visitors center
Albuquerque city officials on Wednesday morning celebrated the purchase of land on Route 66 west of the city for a Route 66 visitors center. The Albuquerque Journal reported the $3.4 million facility will funded by the city, state and county, and a series of community meetings will help decide the visitors center's design. City Councilor … Continue reading Albuquerque buys land for a Route 66 visitors center
Appeals court clears ART project; city still hasn’t received grant
An appeals court this week affirmed a lower court's ruling the massive Albuquerque Rapid Transit project along Central Avenue (aka Route 66) can proceed. However, the city still hasn't received a crucial $69 million grant to fund the mass-transit bus project, more than 10 months after it was recommended by the Federal Transportation Administration. The fact the 10th … Continue reading Appeals court clears ART project; city still hasn’t received grant
Should Albuquerque set up a Route 66 state park?
Jon Knudsen, a longtime resident of Albuquerque and a University of New Mexico instructor, posited an intriguing idea during an op-ed piece in the New Mexico Market Place: Placing a Route 66 state park in the middle of the city to help draw visitors with RVs or large trailers. He writes: What about a place … Continue reading Should Albuquerque set up a Route 66 state park?
Construction begins for Albuquerque Rapid Transit project
Construction began in earnest Monday on the controversial Albuquerque Rapid Transit project that will affect about nine miles Central Avenue (aka Route 66) for nearly a year. According to the Albuquerque Journal, crews began removing the concrete medians and their trees so two lanes eventually would be dedicated to city buses and their stations. The city … Continue reading Construction begins for Albuquerque Rapid Transit project
A look at “Route 66: Radiance, Rust and Revival on the Mother Road”
The "Route 66: Radiance, Rust and Revival on the Mother Road" show at the Albuquerque Museum ends in about 10 days. If you are unable to see it, this well-produced and remarkably comprehensive video from the city's television channel may suffice: https://youtu.be/O_zNQQQVhMY The show's curator said something notable, which is quoted here without irony: "You can see how things like signage have … Continue reading A look at “Route 66: Radiance, Rust and Revival on the Mother Road”
Albuquerque task force takes over Desert Sands Motel
Albuquerque's Safe City Task Force took over control of the Desert Sands Motel after the property experienced a third fire there since May. The Route 66 motel faces an Oct. 1 deadline to make a good-faith effort to repair the property or the city will demolish it, reported KRQE-TV in Albuquerque. The city acted less than a … Continue reading Albuquerque task force takes over Desert Sands Motel
Third fire strikes closed Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque
A third fire since May broke out Saturday night at the now-closed Desert Sands Motel along Route 66 Albuquerque. According KQRE-TV, firefighters said homeless people started the blaze on a ground floor at the motel. They extinguished the blaze quickly, with no injuries. The first fire in May destroyed two-thirds of the structure, which was being … Continue reading Third fire strikes closed Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque
Contract signed for Albuquerque Rapid Transit construction
For better or for ill, Mayor Richard Berry on Wednesday signed a $82.6 million contract for a local firm to begin construction of the controversial Albuquerque Rapid Transit project along Central Avenue (aka Route 66). According to the Albuquerque Journal: Heavy demolition and disruptions along a nine-mile stretch of Central Avenue are expected to begin in … Continue reading Contract signed for Albuquerque Rapid Transit construction