Last week, I heard through the grapevine that some sort of appeal to demolish El Vado Motel in Albuquerque was being considered. I subsequently contacted the city, requesting more information.
Today, I received an e-mail from Ed Boles of the City of Albuquerque, who helpfully clarified some things about the situation.
The owner of El Vado Motel has applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission to demolish the motel. The City’s Landmarks and Urban Conservation Ordinance requires any such request to be justified as follows:
“Demolition shall only be permitted of it is determined that the property is incapable of producing a reasonable economic return as presently controlled and that no means of preserving the structure has been found. In making a determination regarding reasonable economic return the Commission may consider the estimated market value of the building, land and any proposed repalcement structures, financial details of the property including, but not limited to, income and expense statements, current mortgage balances and appraisals, the length of time that the property has been on the market for sale or lease, potential return based on projected future market conditions, the building’s structural condition, and other items determined to be relevant to the application.”
Based on the strict criteria, the chance of the Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission allowing such a certificate of appropriateness for demolition is slim.
The agency also was the same which unanimously designated El Vado a city landmark designation in December. Based on comments its members made at the time, I don’t think they’re likely to relent.
Still, Boles says a hearing is set for Dec. 13. We’ll keep you posted.
Boles also noted that a filing an application for a demolition permit is a separate action, and no such application has been received so far.