The long-planned West Central Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque should break ground in December, with a planned opening by January 2022.
Luis Hernandez Jr., West Central Community Development Group’s executive director, revealed the timeline for the $12 million project on Nine Mile Hill in a recent report by the Albuquerque Journal.
The development group also called for applications from beer brewers to operate the 4,500-square-foot taproom at the visitor center. It also would include a patio. Taproom applications are due Oct. 15.
The city in 2016 purchased the land on Nine Mile Hill, which affords spectacular views of Albuquerque below.
The visitor center at 12200 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) would include a banquet hall, outdoor amphitheater, Route 66 museum, gift shop and administrative offices.
The parking lot also can be converted into a makeshift drive-in theater and host car shows and other events.
(Artist’s rendering of West Central Route 66 Visitor Center via West Central Community Development Group website)