Using the restoration of Roy’s in Amboy, Calif., to anchor the story, the New York Times’ real-estate section a few days ago reported there are signs of new interest in protecting and refurbishing old motels on Route 66.

The whole article is excellent, but this excerpt about the City of Albuquerque’s long, continuing fight to preserve El Vado Motel from a developer jumps out:

“If we can’t come to a resolution with the developer, we’ll condemn it and take it,” said Martin J. Chavez, the mayor of Albuquerque, who would like to see the El Vado and others like it turned into boutique motels catering to Route 66 tourists. “Route 66 is very much a state of mind,” he said. “It’s part of who we are. It would be like New York without the Statue of Liberty.” (my emphasis)

That ought to end any lingering questions about whether Chavez really wants to preserve the motel. That statement is unequivocal.

Historic preservation is one reason why I’m not willing to completely toss out eminent domain as a tool. Cities need a weapon like this to protect historic properties from indifferent developers.

(Hat tip: Duke City Fix.)