Here’s the short version of this: Route 66 wins.
On Wednesday, the City of Albuquerque’s Landmarks & Urban Conservation Commission unanimously recommended that El Vado Motel on Route 66 be designated a city landmark.
A city staffer told me today that the landmark recommendation has to receive final approval from the city council in the next 90 days. However, the staffer told me that even in the interim, El Vado is protected as a landmark.
So new owner Richard Gonzales can do nothing to alter the property until the city council decides otherwise.
On a related note, Gonzales’ application to change the zoning of El Vado from commercial to residential has been deferred indefinitely.
Congratulations, Route 66 aficionados. You protested the proposal to raze El Vado, and the city of Albuquerque heard you loud and clear.
That is great news indeed!
YES!
Sometimes, the pen is mightier than the bulldozer. Keep those cards and letters coming!
Wonderful News!
great