The Albuquerque Journal has picked up the story about owner Richard Gonzales filing an application to demolish the historic El Vado Motel.
Much of the backstory has already been covered on this site. But there’s this excerpt:
To get the demolition permit, Gonzales will have to show the city Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission that the property is “incapable of producing a reasonable economic return.” Gonzales, aided by hired engineers and architects, made that argument at a hearing last month, complete with various financial statements and renovation estimates.
But the city, at least so far, isn’t convinced [my emphasis] that El Vado has to be such an unprofitable venture.
The information Gonzales put forth “is inconclusive with regard to potential economic return,” according to a report written by Senior Planner Maryellen Hennessy. “Opportunities for reuse are too easily disposed of in the evidence presented.”
The city-hired engineer, meanwhile, is taking a closer look at the economic story ahead of a Dec. 13 hearing, where the issue is scheduled to be hashed out further.
This reiterates the notion that the city is taking a dim view to Gonzales’ latest antics.
But again, we’ll keep you posted.