A few weeks ago, Albuquerque’s Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission unanimously recommended that the historic El Vado Motel on Route 66 be designated a city landmark to protect it from demolition.

Today, I learned the Albuquerque City Council will decide whether to officially designate El Vado as a city landmark during its Jan. 7 meeting. Council meetings begin at 5 p.m., at 1 Civic Plaza (map here). If you’re in the area, it would be good to attend and show your support.

This long fight started in October 2005 when Richard Gonzales, who recently purchased El Vado, said he would tear it down and build luxury townhouses in its place. In response to outcries from Route 66ers and area preservationists, LUCC recommended that El Vado be declared a city landmark, and the city council approved it. But the designation was overturned on a technicality. The matter was sent back to LUCC again, which gave an even stronger recommendation for city landmark status. Now the matter is back on the city council’s desk again.

If you cannot attend, send an e-mail or letter to the council. This online form makes it easy to do so. If you have five minutes, you can send a message to all nine councilors. Encourage the council to do the right thing. Correspondence should be sent by New Year’s so the councilors have plenty of time to digest it before their meeting.

Even if El Vado can no longer be a motel (which is by no means certain), it can be preserved and adapted for re-use, such as a museum or some other Mother Road-friendly business.

If you want to use snail mail, go here for a list of councilors. The page has a mailing address on the left side.

This legislative file to the council makes a good case on why El Vado deserves the protection of city landmark protection. In short, it says El Vado is:

• Architecturally significant.
• Well-known to Route 66 travelers around the world.
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1993.

I doubt the city council will go against the LUCC’s strong recommendation and reject the city landmark designation. Also, Mayor Marty Chavez has been adamant about protecting El Vado from the wrecking ball. And recent publicity about the plight of historic Route 66 motels has added subtle pressure to city leaders.

Still, it would be good to hedge your bets and write the council. There’s nothing like positive reinforcement to ensure that the proper action is taken.

(Photo courtesy of The Lope.)

The San Bernardino (Calif.) Convention and Visitors Bureau, producers of the massive Route 66 Rendezvous classic-car extravaganza, is announcing the formation of the Berdoo Bikes & Blues Rendezvous on May 2-3.

According to the news release:

The San Bernardino Convention and Visitors Bureau is partnering with the San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters, Local 891, to create a springtime event featuring motorcycles and music — complementing the city’s Route 66 Rendezvous that takes place each September.

Attractions will include a chili cook-off, live entertainment, a poker run, “Show & Shine” bike show, custom builders displaying their masterpieces and vendor and sponsor exhibits.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Children’s Burn Unit.

The map shows that the festival will be fairly compact. But if it becomes as successful as the Rendezvous, don’t be surprised if this event expands greatly in scope.

(Hat tip: Helen Baker.) 

The restoration and revitalization of Cool Springs Camp between Kingman and Oatman, Ariz., will continue after the county’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved the historic Route 66 site’s rezoning, reports the Kingman Daily Miner.

Sounds like the commission is enthusiastic about owner Ned Leutchner’s efforts:

Commissioner Joe Bibich said he thought the project was great.

Commissioner Syd Ervin said he had been following the project and was very excited about it.

Jim Cannellis said he and the Central Sacramento Area Plan Committee supported the project “110 percent.”

A few predicted gloom and doom when the zoning problem arose. But, having talked to Leutchner shortly after learning about the situation, I was firmly convinced he would find a way to rectify the situation. And he did.

UPDATE: I received this e-mail message from Leutchner:

The only hold-up now is that we have to wait for the County Board of Commissioners to approve the recommendation from the Zoning Board. That meeting will be held on Jan 8, 2008. If the County board approves us, then there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period to then operate and have the zoning change become effective.

In the meantime, we were told that we can have visitors, but not operate business as usual. So if Route 66 travellers stop by , and see the lights on, they are welcome to stop in. The manager, Betsy Miller, is frequently there and more than accommodating.

Country star Alan Jackson sings the “Mercury Blues.” And there are some fine-looking rides in this video.

And playing lead electric guitar is a fellow by the name of Keith Urban.