Alan McNeil, the man who seeks to restore the long-closed Triangle Motel at 7954 Amarillo Blvd., aka Route 66, in Amarillo, Texas, recently put up his Web site about his renovation efforts for the 1940s motel. You can find the site here.
I held some initial skepticism about McNeil’s ability or will to restore it. But the fact he found original blueprints tells me he’s serious. The fact the Triangle also was built beyond even current city codes also builds optimism about its prospects for restoration. For more background, read this.
These pictures, by the way, were taken by Robin Jett of the Red River Historian site. She not only shot a photo of the Triangle’s sign, but also of one of the buildings and a courtyard that has a big tree growing in the middle of it.
I’ve received some private e-mails that indicate that McNeil is receiving resistance from one person in particular with the city, despite the Community Historic and Preservation board voting unanimously to give McNeil a chance. I’ll keep the obstructionist’s name and contact information around in case I need it.
But in the meantime, I think the best course of action would be to write a letter to the Amarillo Globe-News, expressing your support for McNeil’s bid to restore the property. I know I’d jump at the chance to stay at a restored, historical motel like the Triangle. I think if Globe-News readers saw an outpouring of support, it would gain more local support for McNeil and reinforce his stance.
To write a letter to the editor via e-mail, write john.kanelis@amarillo.com . Letters should be fewer than 200 words, and include your name, address and daytime phone number for verification purposes. One letter to the editor is permitted each calendar month.
Sent to the Amarillo paper this date:
I have been reading about a guy named Alan McNeil who wants to restore the Triangle Motel. It is going to be quite an endeavor, but if he can accomplish this, it will be a great victory for the City of Amarillo and for its Route 66 heritage. Each year, thousands from around the world travel Route 66, and they are all looking for places like this. And when someone like Alan McNeil puts his or herself on the line to restore a piece of the Route’s history, the effort is noticed by those travelers. These travelers will bring their money to Amarillo to see this newly restored icon, and that will benefit everyone. Here’s to Alan McNeil, here’s to the restoration of the Triangle Motel, and here’s to Route 66 in the great City of Amarillo! Kip Welborn, 3947 Russell, St. Louis, MO 63110; 314-853-7385
andarás bien, por la 66
Pappo
My brother bought property at 8600 triangle drive. We found a drawer full of keys and key chains with triangle motel on them.If interested please contact Arthur Dyke at 8616 . thought you might like some original pieces of the motel