The Motel DuBeau in Flagstaff, Arizona, still is going after 95 years, and the owners hope to have its famous tower sign fully relighted by Route 66’s centennial in 2026.
Peter Corbett, a longtime reporter on Route 66 businesses in Arizona, recently posted a story on the motel in the Flagstaff Business News.
John and Lisa McCulloch purchased the property at 19 W. Phoenix Ave. about 25 years ago and renovated it into a boutique motel, ending its longtime reputation as a party-hearty hostel.
The story contained these descriptions of the modern-day DuBeau:
The rooms and bathrooms are smaller than modern motels, but the DuBeau has its charms and more moderate room rates. It features windows that swing open to let in cool summer breezes. Parking is right next to most rooms.
A comfortable lobby features McCulloch’s woodworking gems. The room hosts a light breakfast spread of coffee, tea, cereal, yogurt and breakfast bars, along with a kitchen, refrigerator and microwave. Plus, the location is convenient for walking downtown and on the Southside.
The DuBeau is well positioned to be part of the Route 66 Centennial in 2026 and, in fact, it will be a showcase historic property for the yearlong celebration.
“We want the [tower neon] sign lit,” McCulloch said.
It has proven tricky keeping the old sign working and, for years, it read “Mo DuBeau.”
“There’s always something [to repair]. It’s an old motel,” he said.
Albert DuBeau opened the 20-room red brick motel in August 1929.
Phoenix Avenue to Mikes Pike served as the original alignment of Route 66 through Flagstaff until 1934. After the highway was realigned, DuBeau erected the 80-foot-all neon sign tower to attract Rotue 66 travelers’ eyes.
(Image of the Motel DuBeau sign by John Matthies via Flickr)
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