A Look at Some of Amarillo's Famous Abandoned Buildings

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter any of these properties. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

What is it about Amarillo's abandoned buildings that we love so much?

Maybe it's the fact that once upon a time, not that long ago, these buildings were alive and part of our day-to-day lives. They were part of a bustling city and the fabric of said city's history. And now they lay silent, a quiet structure on the landscape. And all that remain are echoes of the past.

We've covered some of Amarillo's most well-known buildings and while there will likely be more in-depth looks, it's worth doing a quick recap of the ones we've done so far.

(Scroll to the bottom to see some incredible photos of these places)

The Garvey

This gigantic monolith of a grain tower has been subject to legends and urban explorers for years.

The Herring Hotel

The Herring Hotel is an important historical site in the city of Amarillo. Don't try breaking into it though! It's right next to the police department, and they're more than happy to keep an eye on the structure.

Puckett Place Apartments

One of the true headscratchers of Amarillo history is how the Puckett Place Apartments fell into such disrepair. It's located in one of the busiest areas of town, and it seems nearly impossible that such a prime spot of real estate fell into such a state. Rumor has it that it will soon be restored to its former glory, though.

Ranchotel

The Ranchotel in itself is fascinating and heartbreaking. It's one of the last few remaining tourist courts of Route 66's history that remains in its true form. It's a historic landmark, but who knows for how much longer.

St. Anthony's

The one, the only, the legendary St. Anthony's Hospital on Amarillo Boulevard. This is arguably the city's most beloved abandoned building. And the history of the place is bar none. Don't believe me? Ask any long-time resident around you what their connection to St. Anthony's is.

The Derelict Beauty of Amarillo's Abandoned Buildings

What is it about abandoned buildings tempts our imagination? Perhaps it's the fact that all of these places were once alive at one point of time. All of these buildings were once a part of everyday life.

But as they are now, they are empty and barren. All we have left of these abandoned properties in Amarillo are memories left to the echoes of time.

Ranchotel: The Forgotten Landmark of Old Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas

The Ranchotel, located at 2501 W. 6th St., is a product of Route 66's heyday.

When Americans first began long-distance automotive travel, they typically stayed in hotels or camped beside the road. In response, clever entrepreneurs began to build what were called tourist courts. The Ranchotel is one of these.

It was built in 1940 and until recently, it was considered one of the best preserved examples of Route 66's tourist facilities. It was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 and was well maintained until 2020.

Even now, in spite of the building's fading beauty, there is still the nostalgic air held by many a historic landmark.

The Abandoned Herring Hotel in Amarillo, Texas

You may have passed it a million times while driving downtown, or you may be new to town. Either way, chances are you've seen the beautiful Herring Hotel. The beautiful aging brick tower sits unoccupied on 3rd and Pearce streets. It's a grand building that stands as a reminder of Amarillo's early days as a cattle and oil town and it tells the stories well.

If you've ever wondered what's inside this towering building, just take a peek below.