El Don Motel in Albuquerque to undergo an extensive renovation

The El Don Motel along Albuquerque's Route 66 corridor soon will undergo an extensive renovation that will convert it from long-term rentals into a boutique motel. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reported that native resident Randy Bowen recently acquired the 24-unit property at 2222 Central Ave. (aka Route 66). “So the plan for it right now is … Continue reading El Don Motel in Albuquerque to undergo an extensive renovation

Plans unveiled for Route 66 Research Center at UNM in Albuquerque

An award-winning architect recently unveiled plans for the federally funded Route 66 Research Center at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The center, part of UNM's library system and its Center for Southwest Research, will be housed in a former Cadillac dealership. Architect Mark Baker is behind the plans. Among his numerous award-winning projects … Continue reading Plans unveiled for Route 66 Research Center at UNM in Albuquerque

Albuquerque unveils website to count down to Route 66’s centennial, related events

The City of Albuquerque unveiled a new website last week that counts down to Route 66's centennial in 2026 and events related to it. The $34,000 website -- at visitalbuquerque.org/route-66-centennial -- was announced on Tuesday at the still-not-open, $13 million Route 66 Visitors Center on the city's west side. The Albuquerque Journal reported an opening … Continue reading Albuquerque unveils website to count down to Route 66’s centennial, related events

National Trust announces latest round of Preserve Route 66 grant recipients

The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced its latest grants from its Preserve Route 66 program totaling $135,835. Among the grants awarded are preservation work on an Albuquerque building where Microsoft started, funds to pursue a National Register of Historic Places listing for the Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri, and an educational program about … Continue reading National Trust announces latest round of Preserve Route 66 grant recipients

New park planned along Route 66 in Albuquerque’s east side

The City of Albuquerque is planning a new park along Central Avenue (aka Route 66) and Louisiana Boulevard in the International District, with a new emphasis on public safety in the area. The $3.5 million park will break ground later this summer, before Route 66's centennial in 2026, reported KRQE-TV in Albuquerque. “In addition to … Continue reading New park planned along Route 66 in Albuquerque’s east side

Friends of the Orphan Signs in Albuquerque wins $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant

Friends of the Orphan Signs, a nonprofit organization that repurposes abandoned signs into art along Route 66 in Albuquerque, recently received a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper, which reported on the award, said it was one of 19 organizations in New Mexico that received the … Continue reading Friends of the Orphan Signs in Albuquerque wins $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant

M’tucci’s restaurant in Albuquerque receives $10,000 grant to upgrade its patio

M'tucci's Bar Roma restaurant, located in the iconic Jones Motor Co. building in Albuquerque, received a $10,000 grant from the city's tourism bureau to upgrade its patio. Howie Kaibel of M'tucci's told KRQE-TV in Albuquerque the upgrades via the Visit Albuquerque grant would allow it to be an all-weather patio with misters and a water … Continue reading M’tucci’s restaurant in Albuquerque receives $10,000 grant to upgrade its patio

El Camino Motor Hotel in north of Albuquerque goes up for sale

The historic El Camino Motor Hotel, located along the older alignment of Route 66 north of Albuquerque, has been placed on the market for $2.5 million. The motel actually is located in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, a small village north of Albuquerque. Albuquerque Business First (subscription required) reports the motel went on the market in … Continue reading El Camino Motor Hotel in north of Albuquerque goes up for sale

Albuquerque shuts down Loma Verde Motel due to code violations, crime

The City of Albuquerque shut down the Loma Verde Motel last week because of poor living conditions for its tenants and persistent crime. KOAT-TV in Albuquerque reported: "We knew there would be lots of problems, but it was beyond what we even imagined," said Alan Varela, the director of the Planning Department for the city … Continue reading Albuquerque shuts down Loma Verde Motel due to code violations, crime

Longtime TV travel host Samantha Brown will feature western Route 66 in future episodes

Longtime television travel host Samantha Brown revealed in a recent interview that she will feature Route 66 from Albuquerque to Santa Monica in future episodes of her PBS show. Brown, who is marking 25 years on television, sat for an interview with USA Today before the season premiere of "Samantha Brown's Places to Love." It … Continue reading Longtime TV travel host Samantha Brown will feature western Route 66 in future episodes