The Triangle Motel: Another Forgotten Landmark On Old Route 66

The Texas panhandle is home to several landmarks along Route 66. Several of those reside in Amarillo. Unfortunately, some have fallen into disrepair.

The Ranchotel, for instance. Another forgotten landmark is the Triangle Motel.

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A Decayed Reminder Of The Mother Road's Glory Days

According to the available information, the Triangle Motel opened in 1945. Triangle Motel is another example of the motor courts that used to be popular along Route 66.

Motor courts looked like the food courts you'll find in shopping malls. The courts were constructed so that the office was the central point of the property, with rooms all facing inward.

There were garages attached to the rooms at many motor courts. That's an amenity I wish we would bring back.

The Triangle Motel was known for its signage and design.

John Margolies

The Beginning Of The End Was 1977

In '77, the owner of the property sold Triangle Motel. It stopped operating as a motel around that time. By the mid-80s, Triangle Motel was in disrepair.

A Second Lease On Life For A Route 66 Landmark In Amarillo

Sadly, Triangle Motel seemed to be a lost cause until being saved from demolition. An Amarillo local said he would tackle the project of bringing the landmark up to code.

This video on YouTube features an interview with that man, Alan McNeil.

That was back in 2014. Eight years have passed since that time. The Triangle Motel is still a long way away from the glory days of Route 66, but the hopes are still to see it restored.

Google Maps

It's interesting how much history and culture were lost when the interstate began bypassing the Mother Road. Some called it "progress." I wonder what the abandoned buildings that were once booming businesses would say.

Look at How Amarillo's Old Route 66 Motels Looked Then & Now

The heyday of the Mother Road may be long gone, but would you believe that there's still plenty of the old motels where many a weary American family rested their heads during their interstate travels?

You won't believe some of these are still standing, much less still alive and (wait for it..) kickin'!

Amarillo's Cursed Buildings – Historic Route 66, 2813 SW 6th

There are some places around town that just can't seem to stay in business for very long. This is one of them.

The address of the cursed building is 2813 SW 6th Street. This building was originally built in 1930. This place was originally a service station. I'm sure in the heydays of Rt. 66, this place was the place to stop to get your car serviced. However, in the last 15 years, this building has seen many different faces.

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.