Aztec Court (Motel) Albuquerque, MEXICO Vintage Postcard Route 66
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:56283299 | Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown |
| Type: Printed (Lithograph) | State: New Mexico |
| City/Region: Albuquerque | Era: White Border (c. 1915-1930) |
An early postcard of the Aztec Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A little more about this motel below. Interesting history -- enjoy!
The Aztec Auto Court in Albuquerque was the first motel constructed on East Central Avenue, which became historic Route 66. Today it is the oldest continuously used motel in Albuquerque making it one of the most important Route 66 icons. Constructed in 1933, four years before Central Avenue became Route 66, the Aztec Auto Court is an ...example of the Southwest Vernacular style with a stepping parapet, a setback second story, and viga-like porch supports. The motel has a rough stucco finish and small flat roofed stucco porches.
The property consists of two building units constructed parallel to each other to form a linear courtyard. Originally, the auto court had three carports adjacent to the motel rooms. During a 1950s remodeling, the garages were walled in to create more sleeping units, which increased the number of units from 13 to 17. The office/residence is located at the front of the property, protecting much of the courtyard from the street. During the remodeling of the 1950s, a metal canopy with wrought iron support posts was installed over the office entry and a new neon sign replaced the original.
The motel changed hands a number of times. When Interstate 40 bypassed Central Avenue, the booming business of the auto court faltered dramatically, and the motel fell into disrepair and disrepute. In 1991, however, a new owner purchased the Aztec. With patience, hard work, and creativity, the new proprietor brought the motel back to working condition as a short- and long-term-stay motel.
The Aztec Auto Court in Albuquerque was the first motel constructed on East Central Avenue, which became historic Route 66. Today it is the oldest continuously used motel in Albuquerque making it one of the most important Route 66 icons. Constructed in 1933, four years before Central Avenue became Route 66, the Aztec Auto Court is an ...example of the Southwest Vernacular style with a stepping parapet, a setback second story, and viga-like porch supports. The motel has a rough stucco finish and small flat roofed stucco porches.
The property consists of two building units constructed parallel to each other to form a linear courtyard. Originally, the auto court had three carports adjacent to the motel rooms. During a 1950s remodeling, the garages were walled in to create more sleeping units, which increased the number of units from 13 to 17. The office/residence is located at the front of the property, protecting much of the courtyard from the street. During the remodeling of the 1950s, a metal canopy with wrought iron support posts was installed over the office entry and a new neon sign replaced the original.
The motel changed hands a number of times. When Interstate 40 bypassed Central Avenue, the booming business of the auto court faltered dramatically, and the motel fell into disrepair and disrepute. In 1991, however, a new owner purchased the Aztec. With patience, hard work, and creativity, the new proprietor brought the motel back to working condition as a short- and long-term-stay motel.
