As Albuquerque and dozens of businesses awaited a judge's ruling this week on a lawsuit against the Albuquerque Rapid Transit plan, the city unveiled a new website touting the Route 66 corridor and gave details about a loan program for those affected businesses. The city launched ABQ66.com, which includes interactive listings of restaurants, retail, coffee shops, bars, entertainment, motels, … Continue reading Albuquerque offers olive branch to Route 66 businesses
Tag: Albuquerque
Albuquerque gets federal approval for rapid-transit project
The city of Albuquerque said it received federal approval for Albuquerque Rapid Transit, but the city will hold off on any action until a federal judge hears a lawsuit against the project next week. The Albuquerque Journal reported: In a letter to U.S. District Judge Kenneth J. Gonzales, City Attorney Jessica Hernandez said the city … Continue reading Albuquerque gets federal approval for rapid-transit project
Redevelopment deals signed with De Anza, El Vado motels
The city of Albuquerque on Wednesday announced the signing of contracts earlier this month to redevelop the historic but long-closed De Anza Motor Lodge and El Vado Motel, both along old Route 66. According to a news release from the city: The agreement with Anthea @ Nob Hill for the De Anza Motor Lodge is a … Continue reading Redevelopment deals signed with De Anza, El Vado motels
Desert Sands Motel catches fire again
Albuquerque firefighters on Sunday responded to a second fire in 40 days at the now-closed Desert Sands Motel along the city's Route 66 corridor. A passerby alerted the fire department about 3 p.m. after seeing a fire burning in the back of the motel, KOAT-TV reported. Just one unit burned before firefighters brought the blaze … Continue reading Desert Sands Motel catches fire again
Albuquerque Rapid Transit finds rough seas
The massive Albuquerque Rapid Transit project, slated to break ground next month, has run into a bunch of trouble in recent days. Albuquerque Rapid Transit, or ART, proposes to devote nine miles of two center lanes of Central Avenue (aka Route 66) for bus usage and terminals. City officials hoped to begin the $120 million project … Continue reading Albuquerque Rapid Transit finds rough seas
Michael Wallis to give “state of the road” speech at Vinita festival
Michael Wallis, writer of the best-selling "Route 66: The Mother Road" and more than a dozen other books, will give a "State of the Mother Road" speech June 18 during the Vinita Route 66 Festival in Vinita, Oklahoma. Wallis long was known for his fiery "state of the road" speeches with his big, baritone voice during … Continue reading Michael Wallis to give “state of the road” speech at Vinita festival
What will happen to Gathering of Nations?
Organizers for the annual Gathering of Nations Pow Wow are looking for a new venue -- including in other states -- after the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque recently canceled its contract after 30 years of hosting the event. Gathering of Nations was one of the biggest annual events in Albuquerque, and it commonly was included … Continue reading What will happen to Gathering of Nations?
Fire heavily damages Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque
A fire early Tuesday engulfed two-thirds of the historic Desert Sands Motel along old Route 66 in Albuquerque and left 57 long-term residents there homeless, according to varying media accounts. The Albuquerque Journal reported 22 firefighting units were called to the scene at 1:45 a.m. At least two people were hospitalized with smoke inhalation. KOB-TV … Continue reading Fire heavily damages Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque
Albuquerque adopts budget for Route 66 visitors center design
The Albuquerque City Council on Monday night passed a $526 budget that includes $1.45 million for a design of a Route 66 visitors center on the city's west side. Councilors voted unanimously to approve the budget, reported the Albuquerque Journal. There was no timetable of when the Route 66 visitors center would be designed or … Continue reading Albuquerque adopts budget for Route 66 visitors center design
Albuquerque budget includes designing a Route 66 visitors center
Tucked into a half-billion-dollar budget proposal for the city of Albuquerque is $1.45 million to help design a Route 66 visitors center. The Albuquerque Journal reported the Route 66 visitors center would be built on the city's west side. No money was allocated for the actual construction of the site. The visitors center wasn't in the … Continue reading Albuquerque budget includes designing a Route 66 visitors center