One year after groundbreaking, construction of the $12 million Route 66 Visitor Center on Albuquerque’s west side remains largely on schedule and likely will open by June or July.
KRQE-TV checked into the progress of the project on Nine Mile Hill:
Despite concerns over potential delays in construction caused by the pandemic, crews are right on schedule. The bones of the building are up, the outdoor amphitheater is taking shape, and they’re starting work on the parking lot which Pena says will be perfect for outdoor movie nights, with an area to accommodate food trucks.
Here’s the station’s video report:
The city originally projected the Route 66 Visitor Center would be finished by spring this year, though a city official said on camera it likely would be June or July instead.
The report also stated the city hoped it would receive about $1 million in state capital outlay funds for the project so the center can add a restaurant.
As the legislature’s session ended last week, it appears the city did receive that proposed allocation, though such projects still are subject to line-item vetoes by the governor until early March.
In addition to it paying homage to Route 66 and information about the city, the facility will house a New Mexico Music Hall of Fame, a taproom and a reception area for parties and events.
(An artist’s rendering of the Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque via City of Albuquerque)
Or, instead, they could provide capital grants to motels and restaurants with the goal of reducing recurring expenses. For instance, helping a motel replace ancient, energy-hungry air conditioners would reduce energy cost, increase customer satisfaction, and help the motel survive for years into the future. I think ensuring the health of independent businesses along 66 is much more worthwhile than building some shrine.