The Paradise Motel neon signs that once stood at a long-closed motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, recently returned to the Land of Enchantment. The Facebook account for Glorieta Station in Albuquerque recently revealed that it had obtained the signs from John and Mary Thoresen of Wisconsin. The signs are now undergoing restoration by West Hand … Continue reading Paradise Motel signs removed from Tucumcari return back to New Mexico
Category: Motels
Neon sign removed from Silver Spur Motel in Amarillo
The distinctive neon sign for the Silver Spur Motel along Route 66 in Amarillo was removed last week. It will be at least partially restored, but it won't be going back up at the property because it has new owners. James Benson, an apparent sign collector based on his Facebook account, posted photos of the … Continue reading Neon sign removed from Silver Spur Motel in Amarillo
Western Hills Motel in Flagstaff being converted into affordable workforce apartments
The former Western Hills Motel along Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, will soon be converted into 29 apartment units by Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona. The nonprofit organization recently purchased the motel and will rent its rooms to households making up to 80% of the area median income, which is $69,840 for a Flagstaff household … Continue reading Western Hills Motel in Flagstaff being converted into affordable workforce apartments
Steel jackrabbit sculpted from a 1953 Chevy Bel Air unveiled in Gallup
Artist Robert Wilson and the City of Gallup, New Mexico, announced the installation of "‘RUN," a large steel sculpture commissioned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Inspired by the design language of 1950s American cars and the speed of the native jackrabbit, Wilson used a plasma torch to deconstruct the body of a … Continue reading Steel jackrabbit sculpted from a 1953 Chevy Bel Air unveiled in Gallup
About 100 people attend relighting of Cotton Boll Motel sign in Canute
Nearly 100 people witnessed the relighting Saturday of the Cotton Boll Motel sign along Route 66 in Canute, Oklahoma. The motel no longer operates and is now a private residence. Its sign, however, glowed for the first time in decades. Here are images from those who attended the ceremony: About a year ago, the City … Continue reading About 100 people attend relighting of Cotton Boll Motel sign in Canute
Cotton Boll Motel sign in Canute will have a relighting event on March 21
The long-dark neon sign for the closed Cotton Boll Motel in Canute, Oklahoma, will glow again during an event on March 21. Dusk on that day will be approximately 8:15 p.m., though it could come earlier if cloudy skies occur. Several people on social media reported the relighting date, and one even snapped a recent … Continue reading Cotton Boll Motel sign in Canute will have a relighting event on March 21
Four accused of burglary, extensive vandalism in Casa Grande Hotel in Elk City
Four people have been arrested after being accused of breaking into and vandalizing the historic but closed Casa Grande Hotel in Elk City, Oklahoma, that is being renovated. According to a news release from the Elk City Police Department: During the course of this heinous act, numerous historical artifacts were taken and the property sustained … Continue reading Four accused of burglary, extensive vandalism in Casa Grande Hotel in Elk City
Shamrock Court begins taking reservations, scheduled to reopen in late May
The long-closed Shamrock Court motel along old Route 66 in Sullivan, Missouri, announced on Facebook on Sunday that it will begin taking online reservations in late May. Rich Dinkela, recent past president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri, acquired the motel, then spent years making huge -- and costly -- repairs to the building, … Continue reading Shamrock Court begins taking reservations, scheduled to reopen in late May
National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis opens Route 66 exhibit in mid-March
Coinciding with Route 66's centennial, the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis will open a special Route 66-themed exhibit, “Roads, River, Rooms, and Reels,” on March 14. The exhibit will "explore the stories, memories, and modes of travel that shaped America’s most iconic highway and the communities connected to it." The museum is open … Continue reading National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis opens Route 66 exhibit in mid-March
New owners of El Don Motel in Albuquerque hope to reopen it by summer
The new owners of the historic El Don Motel in Albuquerque told a local news outlet they hope to have it reopened as a boutique motel within six months. Co-owner Randy Bowen recently told Albuquerque Business First (subscription only) that contractors are working on the facility's plumbing. Fair and Square Builders of Albuquerque is the … Continue reading New owners of El Don Motel in Albuquerque hope to reopen it by summer