Food court, retail shop will give old Route 66 motel new life

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A West Central motel is the latest of Albuquerque’s iconic Route 66 motor courts to get a makeover.

“We’re super excited,” said property owner Karina Chavez.

Another old Route 66 motel is getting a new life. La Hacienda Motel on Central near Coors will no longer be checking in guests for overnight stays. Instead, it will be serving those looking to grab a bite or a drink, get a haircut, and more.

After shuttering the motel earlier this year, the new owners are transforming the space into eight restaurants, two bars, and seven retail shops.

“The whole idea started because of my father. My father loved the Southwest, and he wanted to bring in more jobs to stimulate and bring our people restaurants and shops and just make this a family, fun-friendly place,” said Chavez.

Chavez said she took on the project after her father passed away.

She said revitalizing the old motel has come with challenges since it needed new plumbing, updated electrical systems, and roof repairs, but they’re keeping the character of the building.

“We have to honor our past. We didn’t want to come in and just demolish the building. We want to honor the past [and] make this a fun family-friendly place,” she said.

Along with remodeling the rooms to suit the new businesses, the project also includes adding a fountain and glass doors to what will be a beer garden.

“The check-in was right there which is now going to be our bar window,” said Chavez.

They hope to have all the restaurants, shops, and bars open by the spring of 2025.

The owner estimates the project will cost $2 million, and they plan to keep the historic neon sign.

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