Monterey Motel renovations in Albuquerque will finish by September

Renovations on the historic Monterey Motel in Albuquerque will be completed by September in its conversion to a higher-end hostel. Downtown Albuquerque News recently talked to Chad Renneker, a Portland, Oregon-based developer who also brought El Vado Motel back to life as a boutique motel with a taproom and several shops. The bunk beds will … Continue reading Monterey Motel renovations in Albuquerque will finish by September

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

More details emerge about restoration of Monterey Motel in Albuquerque

The Monterey Motel in Albuquerque, next door to the redeveloped and equally historic El Vado Motel, is undergoing renovations that will take it back to its original look. Above is a vintage postcard of the motel, back when it was called the Monterey Court. The Albuquerque Journal had some details about the work being done: … Continue reading More details emerge about restoration of Monterey Motel in Albuquerque

Motel Safari in Tucumcari to receive New Mexico Route 66 Association Heritage Award

Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, later today will receive the 2020 New Mexico Route 66 Association Heritage Award because of its historic-friendly preservation. The association stated in a news release Wednesday the award comes “in recognition of numerous renovations to the Classic Googie Style Motel, a New Mexico Route 66 landmark.” The award ceremony … Continue reading Motel Safari in Tucumcari to receive New Mexico Route 66 Association Heritage Award

Tulsa weighs location for another Route 66 museum

Update: A few corrections have been made regarding the Route 66 Experience. The Route 66 Alliance intends to stay the course in building the facility. Tulsa is considering a location for a Route 66 museum at the 11th Street and Lewis Avenue area near the Mother Road Market — with blessings from a Route 66 … Continue reading Tulsa weighs location for another Route 66 museum

Monterey Motel in Albuquerque to be restored

It was speculated this would happen, and now it’s confirmed: The same development group that revamped El Vado Motel in Albuquerque will restore the nearby Monterey Motel, once known as the Monterey Non-Smokers Motel. KOB-TV got the scoop. Chad Rennaker of Palindrome Communities told the station the Monterey restoration project would begin late this year. … Continue reading Monterey Motel in Albuquerque to be restored

El Vado to host annual Route 66 Road Ahead reception, board meeting

The revitalized El Vado Motel in Albuquerque will host next month’s Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership’s annual board of directors meeting, plus a stakeholders reception that’s open to all. The board of directors meeting will be from 9:30 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 22 and from 9:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 23 at the  motel at … Continue reading El Vado to host annual Route 66 Road Ahead reception, board meeting

Two neon signs reinstalled along Route 66 in Albuquerque

Thursday was a big day for neon signs along Route 66 in Albuquerque. One historic sign that was refurbished was reinstalled, and a reproduction of a badly damaged sign also was installed. First is the refurbished De Anza Motor Lodge sign at the historic Route 66 motel that’s largely being redeveloped as part of a … Continue reading Two neon signs reinstalled along Route 66 in Albuquerque

Scenes from El Vado Motel’s grand reopening

Hundreds of people flocked to the grand reopening Friday night of the historic El Vado Motel in Albuquerque after a 13-year hiatus. KOB-TV filed this 2 1/2-minute report from the scene: A few facts about El Vado Motel and its $18 million redevelopment: The complex exists as a combination boutique motel, events center and a … Continue reading Scenes from El Vado Motel’s grand reopening