Bernalillo County recently awarded a $350,000 grant to help build infrastructure for the redevelopment of the historic De Anza Motor Lodge in Albuquerque.
The Associated Press reports county commissioners unanimously approved the grant to developers Anthea @ Nob Hill LLC to rebuild the Route 66 motel into a boutique motel.
According to a document from the county:
Anthea at Nob Hill, LLC acquired the former De Anza Motor Lodge from the City of Albuquerque in November 2017 for the development of a 40-unit Boutique Hotel, utilizing both short term and long-term stay capacities, while enhancing and preserving the Zuni Murals, Turquoise Café Floor, and the De Anza sign existing on the site since the 50’s. The estimated value of the improvements to the entire site upon completion will be $9,250,000. Once operating, the center expects to generate about $280,000 in annual purchasing. The facility has committed to creating six new full‐time permanent jobs with an average annual salary of $35,833.
The former motor lodge is well-known for its Murals located in its basement hall. During the construction process it was determined that an additional $350,000 would be needed in order to safely preserve the murals. The additional costs include a new staircase, elevator access, sprinklers, HVAC, and new electrical. Historical Information and Existing Funding (include match and in-kind funding) – Anthea at Nob Hill, LLC acquired the former De Anza Motor Lodge from the City of Albuquerque in November 2017 for the development of a 40-unit Boutique Hotel, utilizing both short term and long-term stay capacities, while enhancing and preserving the Zuni Murals, Turquoise Café Floor, and the De Anza sign existing on the site since the 50’s.
The AP reported the company will use some of the gross receipt taxes it collects to repay the grant awarded by the county.
De Anza Motor Lodge closed in 2002. The city of Albuquerque purchased the property in 2003, and it look almost 15 years to find a developer to rework the property.
Zuni trader and Indian art collector Charles G. Wallace built De Anza Motor Lodge in 1939. The motel at 4301 Central NE is on the National Register of Historic Places.