More on Old Route 66 Motels & Triangle Motel

The June 3rd Amarillo Globe-News ran an article about the cleanup of the Triangle Motel and went into news about the old motels.

Workmen have removed 70 tons of trash from the grounds of the Triangle Motel on 7954 E. Amarillo Boulevard. The new owner, Alan McNeil, didn't even know the place had sidewalks, that's how bad it was. He is valliantly trying to save a dying Route 66 landmark from demolition. Whether he'll succeed is still to be seen.

Many of the old motels, diners, and service stations have, or are in the process, of falling apart. Time is their worst enemy. The coming of Holiday Inns and other motel chains, fast food franchises, and the interstates have spelled their doom. Neon and quirky are out, prefab and fast are in. Many of the old places have become no-tell motels with no-frills accomodations, extended stay, efficiency apartments, or worse.

There are still 13 old Route 66 motels along the two mile stretch of Amarillo Blvd between Nelson and Columbine streets .

Woods Inn- 4600 E. Amarillo Blvd, was converted to apartments long ago.

The owner of the Palo Duro Motel at 2820 E. Amarillo Blvd. , says the motels change owners about every 3-5 years.

McNeil bought the Triangle last year, before the 1945 structure was condemned by the city. The former owner had only used it for personal storage. He has since spent a long time trying to resuscitate the old building.

We drove by these old motels both times we went through Amarillo, but opted for a place off I-40 as we did not like the looks of them.

Hopefully We'll be Able to put this into the Saved Category. --RoadDog