Is This Amarillo Landmark Primed To Make A Comeback?
Route 66 is nothing but history. You walk down it and recognize all sorts of things you've seen in movies, TV, etc. I remember taking my kids down 6th Street and showing them all the buildings they used to model the buildings in the Cars movies.
Some of those places are still standing and you can visit them inside and out, some are run down and primed for demolition.
One of those historic icons is the Ranchotel. Unfortunately, this one has long been a building you can't go inside. In fact, you aren't even supposed to walk the property.
The history within the building is detailed here.
Earlier this year, a fire started by transients did some damage to the historic Route 66 icon's already precarious structure. It seemed like it was a wrap for the cornerstone structure.
However, it looks like we just might see a second life out of the Ranchotel after all.
I caught wind that someone had bought the place and I couldn't believe it. Surely not. What was even left of the building to save?! Well....One quick search or two later, the property records for 2501 SW 6th do indeed show that it has been purchased.
And the same source where I first heard about this assured me that the buyer has spent a significant amount of time cleaning it up and securing the perimeters in order to prevent any further fires or damage. And apparently, the intent is to restore it to its original condition.
I reached out to the fella listed on the records and he did indeed confirm that he was the new owner. However, he went silent after I asked a little more about his plans--I can respect that.
But...I'll be damned. The Ranchotel may yet live again.
First there was the Barfield, then the Herring, and now the Ranchotel. I'll take it!