The De Anza Motor Lodge is an iconic hotel along historic Route 66 that has been a landmark for New Mexico, Albuquerque, and the Nob Hill neighborhood. It was a trading post for the Pueblo of Zuni, a welcome respite for tourists and local attraction. Granted Landmark status by the City of Albuquerque, the De Anza required a transformation to again act as a gateway to Nob Hill and a beacon along Central Avenue.
The design of the De Anza Motor Lodge was a balance between keeping the historic motor court motel typology while reviving this Nob Hill neighborhood. The design maintained the motor court concept, but the buildings changed from hotel rooms opening inward to the motor court to modern apartments opening outward and activating the surrounding neighborhood. The apartments are energy efficient, have high ceilings, large windows and offer views of the mountains, City, and historic Route 66. The massing, scale, color, tones and textures of the project reflect the historic De Anza Motel.
The buildings are oriented to take advantage of the breathtaking Sandia mountain views. An amenity building was built in the center over an existing basement that houses historic Zuni murals that are preserved. This amenity building offers a fitness center, coffee bar, game room, bar area, outside grills, and multiple outdoor patio spaces.
In addition to the apartments, several historic commercial buildings were restored along the Central Avenue commercial edge, and new buildings replace the structures that could not be preserved. This project will provide long term rental opportunities to the film industry and other growing industries in our community. The historic Route 66 restored neon De Anza sign and its new plaza celebrating New Mexico have become a popular Instagram spot in this part of the city and celebrate the historical and cultural importance of this project along Route 66.
Square Feet: 49,000
Construction Cost: $6,518,400
