Grand reopening set for Nov. 20 at The Imperial motel in Albuquerque

The reborn Imperial Inn motel in Albuquerque, also known as simply The Imperial, is holding its grand reopening celebration from 3 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 20. KOB-TV in Albuquerque the celebration will include tours of the motel's retail spaces, some of which are still available for rent. The motel's website states: This 1960's gem … Continue reading Grand reopening set for Nov. 20 at The Imperial motel in Albuquerque

Imperial Inn in Albuquerque erects restored neon sign, reopens to overnight travelers

The redeveloped Imperial Inn motel in Albuquerque showed off its restored neon sign shortly before it reopened to overnight travelers on Wednesday. Here's an image from the Route 66 motel's Instagram account of the sign, complete with its chasing lights: View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Imperial (@theimperialabq) Palindrome Communities, which … Continue reading Imperial Inn in Albuquerque erects restored neon sign, reopens to overnight travelers

Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari makes cover of current issue of New Mexico Magazine

The landmark Blue Swallow Motel of Tucumcari, New Mexico, landed the cover image of the current issue of New Mexico Magazine. Not only does the Route 66 motel that dates to 1939 appear in the magazine's lead article "The Magic of Route 66" and others in the issue, but so do Motel Safari and Roadrunner … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari makes cover of current issue of New Mexico Magazine

Two Albuquerque businesses receive Heritage Award from New Mexico Route 66 Association

Two Albuquerque businesses, including the Monterey Motel, on Friday received the Heritage Award from the New Mexico Route 66 Association. The association stated in a news release the Monterey was honored "in recognition of the preservation and retro-nouveau adaption of a classic Route 66 motel, originally opened as David Court in 1946 - renamed Monterey … Continue reading Two Albuquerque businesses receive Heritage Award from New Mexico Route 66 Association

Monterey Motel in Albuquerque likely to reopen Aug. 4 after renovations

The historic Monterey Motel and its attached MOMO Lounge are expected to reopen Aug. 4 after extensive renovations and redesigns that bring the property back to its earlier roots, according to a local newspaper. The Paper in Albuquerque published many details about how Rupal Engineer of Design Plus LLC tackled the face-lift for the Route … Continue reading Monterey Motel in Albuquerque likely to reopen Aug. 4 after renovations

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

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

Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announces final cost-share grants

The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program this week announced what will be its final cost-share grants, barring a very unlikely renewal of the program by Congress. Since 2001, the program awarded $2.27 million with $3.57 million in cost-share matches to 152 projects, totaling $5.84 million in public-private investment toward the revitalization and commemoration of Route … Continue reading Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announces final cost-share grants

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

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