Route 66 in the News
El Vado Fate Still in Doubt
2008-01-08 21:17:26
The Albuquerque City Council voted 5-4 Monday night to designate a classic Route-66-style motel on Central Avenue a historic landmark, but it might not be enough to save the El Vado from a bulldozer.
Both the owner of the property, who would like to develop high-end condominiums on the site, and preservationists agree that the city's statutes state that historic landmarks must be economically viable. If not, the owner can do whatever he or she wants with the property.
"The record is very clear the property is not economically viable," said owner Richard Gonzales. "The record is also clear that I've attempted to put forth something of a compromise for two years."
Assistant City Attorney Peter Pierotti says Gonzales and the city continue to negotiate.
"They [the City Council] sent a message to the city to try and negotiate a reasonable settlement," said Pierotti. "I think that 'reasonable' quotient is what's at issue here and we will certainly be working toward that."
A hearing on demolishing the structure is on the agenda for the next City Council meeting scheduled for January 15.
~Eric Kahnert, Eyewitness News 4, and Reed Upton, KOB.com
See also:
- Previous article on El Vado Motel
- Full List of Route 66 In The News Articles
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