The Vega Motel boasts a new owner who’s converted part of the historic Route 66 motel in Vega, Texas, into a business center, and wants to reopen part of the property for overnight guests again.
Darren Elliott, pastor of Christ’s Community Fellowship church in Vega, bought the property during a tax auction in June, remodeled a few rooms, and opened it for its first business tenant in September.
The Vega Motel now plays host to a coffee shop, gift shop and boutique store, a barbershop, and a nail and cosmetology business.
“I’m not looking to get rich off this,” Elliott said during a phone intereview. “We’re just trying to keep it as original as possible. It’s just going to take quite a bit of money to do it.”
Elliott said he’s planning more remodeling in the spring. For one thing, he wants to install the neon tubing created for the Vega Motel’s sign that’s in storage. And that’s not all.
“Eventually, I’d like to remodel the other rooms, then rent them out (to overnight guests),” he said. “It’s going to take a while.”
Elliott remains uncertain whether the motel’s south building remains salvageable. Erosion in a nearby drainage ditch compromised the structure’s integrity years ago.
Elliott explained that his interest in the Vega Motel came partly from his wife, a lifelong resident who always wanted to buy the property and restore it. Elliott, with a background in carpentry and remodeling, decided to make a bid when the mothballed motel came on the market.
Built in 1947, the motel originally was named Vega Court, as you can see from the old postcard shown above. It remains one of the few motels with enclosed garages next to the rooms. A more recent photo can be seen here.
Harry and Tresa Whaley ran the motel for years. But they shuttered the Vega Motel for months in 2006 when Harry encountered serious health problems. It closed for good not long after that with the death of Tresa’s brother.
Any small business interested in renting space at the Vega Motel should call 806-267-0442.
(Hat tip: Linda Drake)
The Vega Motel plan to rent the rooms as “incubators” for small businesses is a great idea, and a win-win for the owner and the tenants. In time, the motel could become fully restored and operational as a lodging facility once again.
Perhaps this concept could help find a buyer for the Boots Motel in Carthage, MO. The original building would be initially restored for lodging while the rear units could be leased as small business offices. The main house would make a great Route 66 Visitors Center. Just a thought.
FYI. The Vega Courts was built and operated by Ervin and Josephine Pancoast until they retired.
When they remodeled the Courts, the office and live in quarters (building in the center) was moved two blocks to a new location and turned into a rent house.
KUDOS – I’m extremely happy to finally see something going on at the Vega. It’s potential for lodging will come along in time, but the inventiveness for use to at least save it for the future is commendable. Nice Job!
I guess I’m behind on info, but I thought the Boots was still owned and in operation as rental units and an RV park?
It seems unfortunate but it looks like theeconomy stilltook its toll in vega. Drove through theother day andall the buisnessesthat were in themotel are gone. Hope somebody savesthisplace from the recking ball.