This guy needs a big thank-you note.
The Triangle Motel in Amarillo at 7954 E. Amarillo Blvd. in Amarillo, Texas, was built on Route 66 in 1945 as a tourist motor court. But the current owner hadn't used it as a motel since 1977 and hasn't even had water since 1984, reports the Amarillo Globe-News. The City Commission had voted to condemn it because of its deteriorating condition and the fact it's an eyesore (see the photo with the story). It's been estimated it would take $250,000 to bring it up to code. There was an order on May 16 to condemn the property.
However, the Amarillo Board of Review voted 9-0 on Thursday to approve a one-year moratorium on the property's demolition. The reason? A local man named Alan McNeil.
Alan McNeil, 52, of Amarillo disputed the cost estimate. McNeil has paid Price a $2,000 down payment for the property and plans to rehabilitate it for use as an apartment/motel facility.
He said he could do the work for substantially less cost by doing it himself and with the help of laborers he knows.
"It doesn't need near as much money as it needs attention," McNeil said. "And I've got plenty attention to give it."
In a year, if the property doesn't meet code standards or doesn't reflect a good-faith effort to bring it up to code, the condemnation process will start over for it, Finney said.
Wes Reeves, president of the Amarillo Historical Preservation Foundation, also spoke for the moratorium. Preserving the landmark could help boost northeast Amarillo's economy, he said.
Every year, tourists from countries such as Germany, Japan and other nations visit the route for its history, he said. He explained the route's nostalgia value saying the Radiator Springs setting in the new animated film "Cars" depicts a place reminiscent of the old Route 66 in Amarillo.
"We're talking about something that makes Amarillo unique on the map, and that's Route 66," Reeves said.
Amarillo has been known for years as not being particularly interested in Route 66 preservation. The fact the moratorium was unanimous is maybe a sign that things are starting to turn around.
Here's a vintage postcard of the Triangle Motel.
Cool,
Now the Texas Association needs to get behind this guy & help him. It’s a start, & we all can do more to promote & preserve.
Croc, Prez, Texas Assn.
Wonderful news! Count me in for elbow grease, Croc.
My family built and operated the Triangle Motel, thne Dream Diner, and the Phillips 66 service station at the site. It was not built in 1945–it was a couple of years after the war. It had two rooms that were “singles” i.e. One double bed. The other 9 were “doubles” i.e. two bedrooms with one double bed in each. The bathrooms had only showers with terrazo floors and walls. The exterior was originally white stucco with green awings. The fake brick look that it has now was added in the mid 50’s. My grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Clayton were the owners.
Ron, can you e-mail me your contact information? I think the new owner can certainly use your information.
Good news, and hats off to Alan McNeil for his vision to restore the historic old motel. May his example take on in other cities across the US–especially along Route 66! Vivian Stewart, Piedmont, Oklahoma
Alan, we sent you a ballot for voting on officers and board members for the Old Route 66 Association. I mailed it to: 7003 Amarillo Blvd.#16 but it came back. Send me your new address so you will get our next newsletter next month
If anyone knows how I might contact Mr. McNeil please email frankiezmole@yahoo.com