New park planned along Route 66 in Albuquerque’s east side

The City of Albuquerque is planning a new park along Central Avenue (aka Route 66) and Louisiana Boulevard in the International District, with a new emphasis on public safety in the area. The $3.5 million park will break ground later this summer, before Route 66's centennial in 2026, reported KRQE-TV in Albuquerque. “In addition to … Continue reading New park planned along Route 66 in Albuquerque’s east side

Friends of the Orphan Signs in Albuquerque wins $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant

Friends of the Orphan Signs, a nonprofit organization that repurposes abandoned signs into art along Route 66 in Albuquerque, recently received a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper, which reported on the award, said it was one of 19 organizations in New Mexico that received the … Continue reading Friends of the Orphan Signs in Albuquerque wins $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant

M’tucci’s restaurant in Albuquerque receives $10,000 grant to upgrade its patio

M'tucci's Bar Roma restaurant, located in the iconic Jones Motor Co. building in Albuquerque, received a $10,000 grant from the city's tourism bureau to upgrade its patio. Howie Kaibel of M'tucci's told KRQE-TV in Albuquerque the upgrades via the Visit Albuquerque grant would allow it to be an all-weather patio with misters and a water … Continue reading M’tucci’s restaurant in Albuquerque receives $10,000 grant to upgrade its patio

El Camino Motor Hotel in north of Albuquerque goes up for sale

The historic El Camino Motor Hotel, located along the older alignment of Route 66 north of Albuquerque, has been placed on the market for $2.5 million. The motel actually is located in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, a small village north of Albuquerque. Albuquerque Business First (subscription required) reports the motel went on the market in … Continue reading El Camino Motor Hotel in north of Albuquerque goes up for sale

Albuquerque shuts down Loma Verde Motel due to code violations, crime

The City of Albuquerque shut down the Loma Verde Motel last week because of poor living conditions for its tenants and persistent crime. KOAT-TV in Albuquerque reported: "We knew there would be lots of problems, but it was beyond what we even imagined," said Alan Varela, the director of the Planning Department for the city … Continue reading Albuquerque shuts down Loma Verde Motel due to code violations, crime

Longtime TV travel host Samantha Brown will feature western Route 66 in future episodes

Longtime television travel host Samantha Brown revealed in a recent interview that she will feature Route 66 from Albuquerque to Santa Monica in future episodes of her PBS show. Brown, who is marking 25 years on television, sat for an interview with USA Today before the season premiere of "Samantha Brown's Places to Love." It … Continue reading Longtime TV travel host Samantha Brown will feature western Route 66 in future episodes

Albuquerque police close Tewa Lodge; owner says he’ll consider buyout offer

The City of Albuquerque last month closed the crime-ridden Tewa Lodge. Still, the owner said he'll consider a buyout offer of the motel, including from the city or a private developer. Several Albuquerque news outlets reported on the Route 66 motel's closure after an official-involved shooting there. In addition to rampant crime there, reports also … Continue reading Albuquerque police close Tewa Lodge; owner says he’ll consider buyout offer

Former Hotel Blue in Albuquerque expected to reopen in early 2025

The former Hotel Blue in downtown Albuquerque is expected to reopen in the first quarter of 2025 after renovations. According to Albuquerque Business First (subscription required), the hotel at Central Avenue (aka Route 66) and Eighth Street will be rechristened as Arrive Albuquerque. Los Angeles-based Palisociety is developing it. The Arrive Albuquerque project was announced … Continue reading Former Hotel Blue in Albuquerque expected to reopen in early 2025

Grand reopening set for Nov. 20 at The Imperial motel in Albuquerque

The reborn Imperial Inn motel in Albuquerque, also known as simply The Imperial, is holding its grand reopening celebration from 3 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 20. KOB-TV in Albuquerque the celebration will include tours of the motel's retail spaces, some of which are still available for rent. The motel's website states: This 1960's gem … Continue reading Grand reopening set for Nov. 20 at The Imperial motel in Albuquerque

Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque now slated to open by May 2025

After multiple delays, the Route 66 Visitor Center on the west edge of Albuquerque now is scheduled to open sometime in May next year. Shelle Sanchez, the city's Department of Arts & Culture Director Shelle Sanchez, gave the tentative date during a tour of the property on Thursday, according to the Albuquerque Journal. Arts & … Continue reading Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque now slated to open by May 2025