The long-moribund Imperial Inn in east downtown Albuquerque probably will reopen to overnight travelers sometime next month after city officials hailed a $7 million redevelopment of the Route 66 motel.
The Imperial, located at 701 Central Ave. (aka Route 66), now has 56 guest rooms, 16 residential suites and 4,400 square feet of commercial space available for rent, according to a news release from the city’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency.
The finished project is the result of a public-private partnership between MRA and Palindrome Communities LLC, supported by $700,000 in gap financing from MRA. This strategic investment ensured the financial feasibility of the project, aligning with the City’s commitment to fostering economic growth while preserving the unique character of our city.
“We at Palindrome are excited to introduce Albuquerque to The Imperial, our newest hospitality offering on Route 66,” said Chad Rennaker, President of Palindrome Communities. “This is a project that looks to the past and to the future, honoring the legacy of the Mother Road while updating the property to be an alluring destination for locals and visitors for many years to come. Thanks to our partners at the Albuquerque Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency and Clearinghouse CDFI for sticking with us through this challenging, but ultimately successful, redevelopment. We are proud that The Imperial will join so many other great businesses in the EDo neighborhood, and look forward to having a cocktail at the Imperial Dive with all of our new and old friends.”
Palindrome Communities LLC preserved and restored the original pool, as well as an iconic butterfly sun flap roof over the front lobby that was designed by the original architectural firm, Palmer and Krisel in 1959.
KRQE-TV in Albuquerque posted recollections of residents about how the Imperial Inn once was a crime-infested place before its closure and renovations.
Palindrome Communities has redeveloped several historic Route 66 motels in Albuquerque, most notably the landmark El Vado Motel.
Here are images from a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday at the motel:
According to RoadsideArchitecture.com, the Imperial Inn opened in the early 1960s as the Imperial 400 Motel, part of a chain that originated in Los Angeles.
The chain essentially ceased to exist after another company bought it out in 1987.
(Artist’s rendering of the renovated Imperial Inn motel in Albuquerque)