What Is the De Anza Motor Lodge?
This was history’s first motor lodge and an outpost for Zuni artisans to sell their jewelry at the height of Route 66!
What Makes It Historical?
In the late 1930s, with Route 66 now running down Albuquerque’s Central Avenue, new opportunities for tourist dollars abounded! For entrepreneurs, Charles Wallace and S.D. Hambaugh, the best way to capitalize on Route 66 was to build a 30-room “motor lodge” (considered classier than a “motel” or “cabins”) and name it the De Anza Motor Lodge after Juan Bautista de Anza, governor of New Mexico from 1778 to 1788! At its height, the complex housed 67 units!
In addition to housing motorists, the De Anza was an outpost for Zuni jewelers, as Mr. Wallace was a prolific trader with the pueblo and authentic Native art was in hot demand along Route 66. Craftsmen like Leonard Martza worked onsite, and Zuni artist, Anthony Edaakie Sr., painted the basement conference room with a polychromatic mural of the winter Shalako procession! So unique was the De Anza’s business model that this motor lodge stayed open into the ’90s while larger franchise motels pushed out its peers. Plus, unlike many motels in the heyday of Route 66, the De Anza welcomed Black motorists, earning it a listing in the Green Book!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Albuquerque Historical Society!
- Become a member of the Nob Hill Neighborhood Association!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
4301 Central Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Enjoy the historic signage whenever you like, but the rest of the property is now made up of private residences!
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