Replica of Hotel Castaneda sign unveiled

Hotel Castaneda in Las Vegas, New Mexico, on Sunday unveiled a new replica of a sign that graced the historic hotel's main tower for decades. The 1898 hotel hasn't reopened yet, but the big moment Sunday serves as a major sign of the imminent revival of the former Harvey House. Hotel Castaneda probably will reopen … Continue reading Replica of Hotel Castaneda sign unveiled

Affeldt acquires historic saloon near Santa Fe

Allan Affeldt, the savior of La Posada hotel in Winslow, Arizona, who is restoring the Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, recently acquired another historic property south of Santa Fe, New Mexico. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, Affeldt now owns the Legal Tender restaurant and saloon in the village of Lamy, New … Continue reading Affeldt acquires historic saloon near Santa Fe

Amtrak may end service in northern New Mexico

Amtrak may end service of its fabled Southwest Chief train from Dodge City, Kansas, to Albuquerque -- affecting a slew of towns in northern New Mexico. Instead, the 450-mile gap in the route would be covered by buses. One of several Route communities that would be affected by the removal of passenger-train service is Las … Continue reading Amtrak may end service in northern New Mexico

Volunteer crew aims to have Santa Fe 2926 steaming again by 2019

A group of volunteers in Albuquerque has labored for years to restore a Santa Fe 2926 steam locomotive that hasn't rolled down a set of tracks in 65 years. With more work and a bit of luck, the locomotive will chug into Las Vegas, New Mexico, about the time the long-closed Castaneda Hotel there reopens … Continue reading Volunteer crew aims to have Santa Fe 2926 steaming again by 2019

Needles chamber may move to El Garces

  The chamber of commerce of Needles, California, is proposing a move into the historic El Garces railroad complex, built in 1908 as a Harvey House in that city. Jerry Telles, a member of the chamber, made the pitch during a recent Needles City Council meeting, according to the Needles Desert Star. The chamber of … Continue reading Needles chamber may move to El Garces

Formosa Cafe wins Partners in Preservation grant

The Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood, California, and 10 other historic sites -- including a fire station in Las Vegas, New Mexico -- earned Partners in Preservation: Main Streets grants after a monthlong online vote by the public to decide the winners. The 11 sites will receive a total of $1.5 million in grants to … Continue reading Formosa Cafe wins Partners in Preservation grant

La Castaneda shoots for a summer 2019 reopening

Allan Affeldt, known for restoring La Posada in Winslow, Arizona, is hoping for a summer 2019 reopening of his latest project, La Castaneda in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper published a long article about the former Harvey House restaurant and hotel built in 1898. Affeldt so far has spent about … Continue reading La Castaneda shoots for a summer 2019 reopening

You may help land a grant to rehab the Formosa Cafe

With the help of Route 66 enthusiasts, the historic Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood, California, could be rehabilitated for the enjoyment of future Mother Road travelers and Hollywood stars. American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Main Street America have teamed to launch the Vote Your Main Street campaign, in which 10 of … Continue reading You may help land a grant to rehab the Formosa Cafe

La Posada to begin restoration of east grounds, depot next month

La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona, will begin a $2 million first phase of restoration of its east grounds and railroad depot in July. According to a Facebook post a few days ago from hotel owner Allan Affeldt, the project eventually will become the Winslow Arts Museum. More details: The Winslow Art Museum will explore … Continue reading La Posada to begin restoration of east grounds, depot next month

Hotel Castaneda renovation funding hits a snag

A state office's rejections of tax-credit loan applications may slow Allan Affeldt's bid to renovate the historic but long-closed Hotel Castaneda in Las Vegas, New Mexico. According to a story in the Albuquerque Journal, the New Mexico Finance Authority nixed several applications for a loan that's meant to aid real-estate development in troubled areas. “It’s … Continue reading Hotel Castaneda renovation funding hits a snag