The City of Albuquerque last month closed the crime-ridden Tewa Lodge. Still, the owner said he’ll consider a buyout offer of the motel, including from the city or a private developer.
Several Albuquerque news outlets reported on the Route 66 motel’s closure after an official-involved shooting there. In addition to rampant crime there, reports also indicated problems with filth and squatters.
City Desk ABQ reports the Tewa’s longtime owner, 81-year-old Amir Nathoo, said he’s put the motel up for sale for $1.2 million, but added he’d entertain any offer from the city or a private party.
The Tewa appears to be a fit similar to other Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) efforts to rehabilitate historic but dilapidated Route 66 motels and properties to a semblance of their former glory. Nob Hill has the De Anza Motor Lodge and, most recently, The Imperial in East Downtown reopened anew.
“If the owner is interested in selling, the city is certainly willing to have that discussion,” MRA spokesperson Sarah Supple said last week.
Natoo would likely benefit from bringing the property into code compliance to help maximize any sale. Built in 1946, the one-story development consisting of units on a lower level and a manager’s residence located above a portion of the east building, needs considerable repairs and upgrades.
Planning spokesperson Tim Walsh said the city is optimistic, especially since Natoo has filed the proper permits to launch repairs.
The Tewa Lodge remains one of the best-preserved Route 66 motels in the city. It was added to the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties and the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
(Image of the Tewa Lodge in Albuquerque in 2010 by John Phelan via Wikimedia)
The TEWA, one of my all time favorites!
Who wants to buy it and clean it up and make it Super Cool and afordable?
I’ll be the manager!