Search Results for: el vado

El Vado Motel developer to revamp Imperial Inn Motel in Albuquerque

The same developer who revamped the El Vado Motel and Monterey Motel in Albuquerque also will transform another Route 66 motel in that city — the Imperial Inn Motel. According to Albuquerque Business First (subscription required), the motel will become a mix of residential, restaurants and retail: The city announced Saturday it is moving forward … Continue reading El Vado Motel developer to revamp Imperial Inn Motel in Albuquerque

Thoughts on Route 66 on its 95th birthday

Today marks what is considered by many as the 95th anniversary of the creation of U.S. Highway 66, aka Route 66. As one who has run this website for 16 years and been involved on Route 66 for more than 20, I’ve got a few random thoughts from my time of reporting about this fabled … Continue reading Thoughts on Route 66 on its 95th birthday

7 to 1 for El Vado

The Albuquerque City Council just voted 7-1 to approve the designation of the historic El Vado Motel as a city landmark. The designation will take effect June 1, with a provision in the ordinance stating that no demolition permits can be issued for the property between now and then. Film at 11 (ABQ time, that … Continue reading 7 to 1 for El Vado

Details from El Vado meeting

Highlights, quotes, etc. from the Albuquerque City Council meeting: Richard Gonzales, the developer who bought El Vado last fall with the intention of tearing it down and replacing it with luxury townhouses, started his comments to the council with this gem: I’m not prepared to make any presentation to you this evening, because I just … Continue reading Details from El Vado meeting

Horn Motor Lodge in Albuquerque threatened

The historic Horn Motor Lodge (pictured here in present-day and an old postcard), on Route 66 in Albuquerque, is being threatened by development. The Sandia Theatre is also threatened. There’s a proposal, called Country Club Plaza (scroll down to the lone Southwest listing to read it), to raze the properties for a mixed-use development of … Continue reading Horn Motor Lodge in Albuquerque threatened

“Remember the Alvarado!”

During the ongoing El Vado Motel saga, I’ve been struck by Albuquerque residents’ willingness to fight to preserve this historic property on Route 66. That’s because their energies are fueled by regret. A little background: The Alvarado was one of the fabled Fred Harvey Houses that served railroad passengers. According to the Albuquerque Convention and … Continue reading “Remember the Alvarado!”