The Aztec Auto Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico, stands as a poignant reminder of the golden era of American road travel and the iconic influence of Route 66. As the very first motel constructed on East Central Avenue, which would later become the historic U.S. Route 66, its legacy is deeply intertwined with the development of automobile tourism in the Southwest. For an impressive 78 years, until its demolition in 2011, the Aztec Auto Court proudly held the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating motel in Albuquerque, making it not just a local landmark but a significant national icon along the Mother Road.
Its story is one of innovation, transformation, decline, and a remarkable, if temporary, resurgence, embodying the spirit of adaptability that characterized many establishments lining Route 66. From its pioneering design to its later incarnation as a canvas for folk art, the Aztec Auto Court captured the imagination of travelers and locals alike. This article delves into the fascinating history of this cherished landmark, exploring its architectural significance, its role in the evolving landscape of travel accommodations, and the unfortunate circumstances that led to its ultimate demise, leaving behind only memories and a legacy of charm.
The Birth of a Roadside Gem: Architecture and Early Functionality
Conceived and constructed in 1933, the Aztec Auto Court predated the official designation of Central Avenue as Route 66 by four years, yet it was perfectly positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning automotive travel trend. Its design was a prime example of the Southwest Vernacular style, a regional architectural approach that drew inspiration from local building traditions and materials. This distinct style was evident in the motel’s defining features: a stepping parapet that echoed Pueblo revival architecture, a setback second story creating visual interest, and unique viga-like porch supports that added a rustic, indigenous charm.
The exterior boasted a rough stucco finish, giving it an earthy, textured appearance that blended seamlessly with the New Mexico landscape. Small, flat-roofed stucco porches provided welcoming entryways to each unit, offering guests a shaded spot to relax. Initially, the property was laid out with two primary building units arranged parallel to each other, forming a linear courtyard—a common and efficient design for auto courts of the era, which provided both convenience and a sense of community for travelers. This innovative layout initially included three carports positioned adjacent to the guest rooms, a clear testament to its purpose of accommodating motorists directly at their lodging.
Adapting Through the Decades: From Auto Court to Motel
As the mid-20th century progressed, so did the demands of travelers and the design trends in hospitality. The Aztec Auto Court underwent significant remodeling in the 1950s, a period of rapid expansion and modernization along Route 66. During this renovation, the original carports, once a defining feature of the “auto court” concept, were thoughtfully enclosed and converted into additional guest rooms. This strategic change effectively increased the number of units from a modest 13 to 17, allowing the motel to serve more weary travelers navigating the Mother Road.
The 1950s updates also saw the office and residence area, strategically located at the front of the property to shield the courtyard from the bustling street, receive a facelift. A new metal canopy, supported by elegant wrought-iron posts, was installed over the office entry, adding a touch of contemporary flair. Crucially, a vibrant new neon sign replaced the original, capturing the attention of motorists day and night. These changes reflected the motel’s transition from a simple auto court, where cars were often parked directly outside rooms, to a more conventional motel experience, characterized by increased capacity and eye-catching roadside appeal, essential for competing on the increasingly busy Route 66.
From Disrepair to Artistic Revival: The Aztec’s Transformation
The golden age of Route 66 began to wane with the advent of the Interstate Highway System. When Interstate 40 was completed, effectively bypassing Central Avenue and, by extension, the Aztec, the motel’s fortunes dramatically faltered. The once-booming business diminished rapidly, leading to a period of severe disrepair and a decline in its reputation. The Aztec, like many other roadside establishments along the bypassed sections of Route 66, regrettably became associated with illicit activities, serving as a haven for prostitution and drug dealing, a stark contrast to its glorious past.
However, the story of the Aztec took an unexpected turn in 1991 when a new owner stepped in. With remarkable patience, unwavering hard work, and a burst of creativity, the new proprietor embarked on the arduous task of rehabilitating the motel. Slowly but surely, the Aztec began to shed its tarnished image, returning to its rightful function as a welcoming lodging for both short-term and long-term stays. The most striking aspect of this revival was the dramatic artistic update to its exterior, orchestrated by a retired professor who became a part-time resident. This individual transformed the old motel into a living canvas, adorning its walls with an eclectic collection of decorative elements: bright velvet paintings, charming plastic flowers, old coins, broken pottery, and an array of disparate figurines. This unique “architectural art” was so meticulously arranged that one visitor aptly described it as “a cross-cultural mélange of broken pottery, old coins, and disparate figurines — all ordered in a manner too artistic to be random, too creative to be mass-produced.” This bold and unconventional approach made the Aztec Motel truly stand out once more to Route 66 travelers, breathing new life and a distinct personality into the historic structure.
A National Landmark: Preservation and Neon Restoration
Recognizing its profound historical significance and its relatively unaltered state as a pre-World War II tourist court on Route 66, the Aztec was rightfully listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. This designation acknowledged its status as one of the finest surviving examples of an early American auto court, preserving its place in the nation’s architectural and cultural heritage. The listing brought renewed attention to the Aztec Motel and underscored its importance in understanding the evolution of roadside architecture.
Further preservation efforts materialized in 2003 when the Aztec received crucial cost-share grant funds from the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. These funds were specifically allocated for the restoration of its iconic neon sign, a beacon that had guided countless travelers along the highway. This project was not an isolated event but rather a vital part of a broader, collaborative initiative. Supported by the National Park Service, the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office, and the New Mexico Route 66 Association, this comprehensive program aimed to restore nine significant neon signs across New Mexico Route 66. The successful revival of the Aztec’s sign, along with others, played a pivotal role in sparking a much-needed revival of neon signage throughout the entire Route 66 corridor, celebrating these luminous symbols of American Americana.
The Unprofitable Dream: Demolition of the Aztec Motel
Despite its historic designation and the renewed interest in Route 66 preservation, the story of the Aztec Auto Court took a disheartening turn. In 2006, the property, by then widely known as the Aztec Motel, was sold to a development company. This company had a track record of successfully purchasing and renovating other historic motels along Route 66, which initially fostered optimism for the Aztec’s future. The developers expressed serious intentions to undertake a comprehensive renovation, promising to bring the beloved landmark back to its former glory.
However, the reality proved far more challenging. After engaging architects and engineers to assess the structural integrity and determine the most viable renovation strategies, a grim conclusion was reached. The experts determined that the historic auto court, due to its age, construction, and potentially costly required upgrades to meet modern building codes and guest expectations, could not be renovated in any manner that would be financially profitable. Even with its protected status on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places, the economic realities of large-scale preservation proved insurmountable. Thus, in 2011, after serving the road for 79 years, the iconic Aztec Motel was regrettably demolished, marking a significant loss for Route 66 history and preservationists alike.
Lingering Legacy: The Undetermined Future of the Neon Sign
Following the demolition of the main structures of the Aztec Motel in 2011, a small beacon of hope remained: its distinctive neon sign. For several years, this vibrant symbol of Route 66 continued to stand on the vacant lot, a ghostly sentinel against the Albuquerque skyline. There was a stated intention by the city and developers for the sign to be incorporated into any future development on the site, preserving at least a piece of the Aztec’s rich history.
However, this hope was also short-lived. In March 2015, the remaining sign was finally removed from the property. While the City of Albuquerque publicly declared its intent to restore and eventually reinstall the iconic sign at a yet-to-be-determined location, years have passed, and the sign has unfortunately not been reinstalled anywhere in Albuquerque. Its current whereabouts and future remain uncertain, leaving enthusiasts of historic Route 66 to wonder if this final piece of the Aztec will ever brightly glow again, marking a new chapter in its storied existence.
Conclusion: The Enduring Spirit of the Aztec Auto Court
The story of the Aztec Auto Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a microcosm of the larger narrative of Route 66 itself—a tale of innovation, vibrant life, challenging decline, and persistent efforts at revival. From its pioneering role as Albuquerque’s first motel on what would become America’s most famous highway, to its unique artistic transformation, the Aztec captured the hearts of many. It represented not just a place to rest, but a vibrant cultural touchstone, reflecting the evolving tastes and needs of the American traveler.
Despite its tragic demolition, driven by economic realities rather than a lack of historical value, the legacy of the Aztec Motel endures. It reminds us of the fragility of historic landmarks in the face of progress and changing urban landscapes, even those protected by national registries. While only an open space remains at 3821 Central Avenue NE today, the memory of the Aztec—its distinctive architecture, its colorful artistic embellishments, and its iconic neon sign—continues to inspire and inform. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Route 66 and the countless stories woven into its fabric, urging us to cherish and protect the remaining fragments of our shared automotive heritage. The Aztec Auto Court may be gone, but its spirit as a legendary Route 66 icon shines on in the annals of American travel history.
