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Mountain Lodge Motel Sign Donated to Route 66 Visitor’s Center

The motel was destroyed by a fire in 2014.

April 17, 2020

The Mountain Lodge had been located on Historic Route 66 near I-40 and Carnuel before it was destroyed by a fire in December of 2014. The old motor lodge had been converted into an apartment complex before the fire. This week, the sign was removed and transported to Belen for storage until the Route 66 Visitor’s Center is completed. The owner Owen St. Germain, donated the sign that sat along Route 66, since the 1940’s, to the upcoming Route 66 Visitor’s Center.

“I am very thankful for your interest in saving our historic Route 66 Mountain Lodge sign,” said St. Germain. “I was close to having it demolished. I recently bought the property to build a residence on. I have been amazed at the the interest the sign has been to locals, as well as tourists who would stop by daily to take pictures.”

“The Build It Right Team was very excited to be part of this initiative to preserve our country and states history. For us, this project really hit home once the crowd started appearing at the sign location and began telling all the family stories of people staying at the lodge and how the sign was like an old friend they passed every day on their drive to work or daily bike ride. We are very interested in preserving history so thank you for including us,” said Lucas Luna from Build It Right who transported the sign.

City Councilor Klarissa Peña has been working with the State, Bernalillo County, and the West Central Community Development Group to bring the Route 66 Visitor’s Center to life.

“Obtaining the Mountain Lodge sign is incredibly exciting for the Visitor’s Center,” said Councilor Peña. “The Lodge was part of Route 66 history and it will remain on display for future generations to appreciate and learn from. We thank Mr. St. Germain for his generosity and foresight to preserve the sign at the Visitor’s Center.”

“On behalf of the West Central Community Development Group, Operators of the Route 66 Visitors & Destination Center, we are very grateful to have taken possession of the Historic Mountain Lodge Neon Sign,” said WCCDG Executive Director, Luis Hernandez Jr. “It is an honor to be able to feature a piece of Route 66 history from our own back yard. Given its rich history as a staple on route 66, we plan to display the restored Mountain Lodge Sign at the new Route 66 Visitors & Destination Center on Albuquerque’s West Side that is set to break ground within the coming months.”

Mr. St. Germain added; “Your Route 66 museum will be very popular. Myself and many locals are looking forward to visiting and seeing the Mountain Lodge sign on display.”