The historic Belvidere Motel — along with a house, cafe, and gas-station building — on Route 66 in Litchfield, Illinois, are up for sale for $255,000, according to a listing by Dorthy Lowe of Century 21 Commercial.
Here’s the description of the property at 825 S. Old Historic Route 66:
OWN A PIECE OF ROUTE 66 HISTORY with this property consisting of one ENTIRE BLOCK including the Famous Route 66 iconic Belvidere Hotel and Restaurant! Includes A 2,700 square feet Automotive Garage building with 5 overhead doors, new windows and roof, A single family residence with garage consisting of 1,232 SF, 2 bedrooms and very Well Maintained! All buildings have a new roof! The Belvidere Hotel and Restaurant are in the National Registry of Historical Places. All properties have new roofs. A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY!
Century 21 Commercial also uploaded this video:
https://youtu.be/ww1upc4WMMk
The Belvedere Cafe and Motel were built about 1935 by European immigrants Albina and Vincenzo Cerolla. According to the National Park Service:
During the 1940s and 1950s, the Belvidere Café was an especially popular stop along the highway. As one resident recalled, “The Belvidere was the Cheers of its time. You know, where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.” Edith became known for her roast beef, pork, and outstanding fried chicken. The Belvidere had a small dance floor, a juke box, and the occasional small combo. But most of all, the Belvidere had Mary Levy. Considered a treasure at the Belvidere, Mary played the piano and sang. No customer was a stranger to Mary. Locals and Route 66 travelers alike felt welcome at the lively Belvidere.
The restaurant was open about 15 years ago as the Route 66 Cafe, which later moved east down the road to another building.
The Belvidere Motel and Cafe were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
Given all that comes with the property and its potential, a quarter-million dollars for it seems an excellent value.
(Images via Century 21 Commercial)
I have driven by this place several times in recent years. I couldn’t tell it was even active. Looked rundown and neglected. Would take significant money and effort to bring this place up to modern standards and expectations. Hardly “an excellent value.” Good luck getting anyone to buy this place.
The ghosts of the past are always around watching what happens to them in the here and now
“If I had the money”…this would be a nice place to bring back. I like the idea that it’s a whole complex…live on site, bring back the gas station, restaurant, hotel. A whole block. But man, starting at quarter million, then start fixing things…I can’t even dream that big short of a lottery win!
I say it’s a good value because 1) it’s been reroofed; 2) you can live on the premises; 3) there are multiple options for revenue.