I got word today from the city of Albuquerque that the appeal of Richard Gonzales, owner of El Vado Motel on Route 66, was denied.
He was seeking to overturn the Landmarks Commission's recommendation to designate El Vado a city landmark, thus giving the historic motel greater protection. Gonzales was wanting to tear down the motel and build luxury townhouses on the property. After much public outcry, the city intervened and put a halt to the project.
The rejection of the appeal wasn't surprising, given the shaky or nonexistent legal grounds that Gonzales cited.
I'm set to get a copy of the decision in a few days. I'll report more if there's anything interesting.