The closed Western Motel in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, was torn down a few days ago, and the similarly shuttered Sun ‘n Sand Motel in town likely is next, reported a local newspaper.
The latest print edition of The Communicator newspaper, based in Santa Rosa, posted a photo with the headline “History Passing” and this text:
Another relic along Historic Route 66 recently came down in a massive cleanup after the long-vacated Western Motel burned. Pacheco Construction purchased the property along with the Sun & Sand Motel a few blocks east, which has also burned, with demolition and cleanup there expected soon. It remains uncertain what Pacheco will do with the properties once they’re cleaned up.
According to Route 66 Times, the Western Motel was built in 1951, and it closed after a fire.
The city has been fighting a losing battle for years to get the Sun ‘n Sand Motel property cleaned up after it apparently was abandoned nearly a decade ago.
The motel itself was built during the 1950s and remodeled about 1998, but it closed in 2012 or 2013. A historic hailstorm in July 2013 left up to two feet of hail and damaged innumerable roofs, including the motel’s.
The Sun ‘n Sand Restaurant, which sits near the motel, continues to operate and remains a favorite with locals and Route 66 travelers.
(Image of the Western Motel in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, by moominsean; image of the Sun ‘n Sand Motel and Restaurant in Santa Rosa by Erica, both via Flickr)
Ron, sad to see these go but with the cost of materials now, I understand what a huge expense it would be to bring them up to standards. Do you know if the signs have been saved? I certainly hope so…
Indeed. Sorry to see both of those go. I ate at the Sun & San Restaurant adjacent to the hotel. Good food and good service.