The lengthy quest to rehabilitate and reopen the long-shuttered De Anza Motor Lodge in Albuquerque took another significant step forward last week. The city’s Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission on Wednesday approved a redevelopment plan for the Route 66 motel that would keep most of its vital historical elements, reported, the Albuquerque Journal. As proposed, … Continue reading De Anza Motor Lodge project takes another step forward
Tag: Albuquerque
The enduring fascination with Oklahoma Joe’s in Albuquerque
One of the most popular comment threads in the nearly 12-year history of Route 66 News is the one about Oklahoma Joe's, a restaurant along Route 66 that also became a tavern popular with University of New Mexico students. It also was known as Okie's or Okie Joe's. At last count, more than 220 comments … Continue reading The enduring fascination with Oklahoma Joe’s in Albuquerque
Redevelopment of De Anza Motor Lodge begins next month
The long-awaited redevelopment project for the closed De Anza Motor Lodge in Albuquerque begins in June, setting up the Route 66 property's reopening as an extended-stay hotel sometime in summer 2018. Construct Southwest, chosen by the city to redevelop the neglected but historic property, will begin to raze three buildings down on the property in June, … Continue reading Redevelopment of De Anza Motor Lodge begins next month
Professors honored for preserving vintage neon-sign drawings
Two professors from the University of New Mexico were given a state preservation award for saving hundreds of old drawings from the state's oldest neon-sign company. Many of them mock-ups of signs eventually were installed on Route 66. The New Mexico Historic Preservation Division honored Ellen Babcock and Mark Childs in the Heritage Publication division … Continue reading Professors honored for preserving vintage neon-sign drawings
Artist who works in miniature gets part of his inspiration from Route 66
An Albuquerque artist who makes exacting miniature models of buildings and vehicles from the past acknowledged old Route 66 gives him some of his inspiration. In a profile in the Albuquerque Journal about Tim Prythero, one section of the story focuses on one of his works -- an old, grimy gas station: A decaying Conoco gas station … Continue reading Artist who works in miniature gets part of his inspiration from Route 66
Federal spending bill includes some funding for Albuquerque Rapid Transit
A federal spending bill passed by Congress this week and signed by President Donald Trump on Friday gives most of the money -- but not all -- to finish the controversial $119 million Albuquerque Rapid Transit project. The Albuquerque Journal confirmed a few days before the signing the $1.1 trillion bill contained funds for the project that would … Continue reading Federal spending bill includes some funding for Albuquerque Rapid Transit
El Vado Motel project begins; may be finished by Aug. 1
Almost 12 years after the Route 66 landmark closed, developers began construction on the historic El Vado Motel and hope to reopen it as a boutique motel by late summer. KOB-TV in Albuquerque reported that construction began last week. Ponderosa Brewing is expected to open a tap room on the property next to 21 small … Continue reading El Vado Motel project begins; may be finished by Aug. 1
Trump budget contains no money for Albuquerque Rapid Transit — for now
President Donald Trump's proposed budget for the 2018 fiscal year contains no federal money for Albuquerque Rapid Transit -- news that caused anxiety with some city officials and ART supporters. Mayor Richard Berry remains confident the $119 million ART project to convert nine miles of Central Avenue (aka Route 66) into dedicated bus lanes will receive its $69 … Continue reading Trump budget contains no money for Albuquerque Rapid Transit — for now
Albuquerque Rapid Transit foes drop lawsuit against it
Opponents of the ongoing Albuquerque Rapid Transit project along Central Avenue (aka Route 66) this week dropped a lawsuit that sought to stop the construction. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to stop construction after a lower court ruled the project could proceed. The Albuquerque Journal reported: Yolanda Gallegos, an attorney for the plaintiffs … Continue reading Albuquerque Rapid Transit foes drop lawsuit against it
Albuquerque relights El Vado Motel sign to mark redevelopment project
The city of Albuquerque earlier this month held a ceremonial relighting of El Vado Motel's neon sign to mark the beginning of a redevelopment project there that will preserve the historic Route 66 motel. Palindrome Communities and FDHC are redeveloping El Vado Motel and the adjacent Casa Grande site for $18 million, including about $3.5 … Continue reading Albuquerque relights El Vado Motel sign to mark redevelopment project