Built from blueprints dated October, 1944, the Triangle Motel at 7954 Amarillo Boulevard East Amarillo, Texas, was one of the first motels built on Route 66. Cream-colored brick veneer was hand-cut and oven-dried in Amarillo. Scalloped wooden awnings in deep blue shaded the windows where travelers looked out on the tawny grasses of the windswept Texas Panhandle. The long loop of Route 66 to California was traveled by hundreds of thousands of everyday hard- working people, the grands and greats of today's younger generations. Called "A Tourist Court", the Triangle Motel was a God-sent haven midway to California, offering comfortable suites with one 12x16 room, the other one 12x12. The bathrooms with extra-large tiled showers--3x5--were also unexpected luxury for weary travelers in the middle forties.
The two buildings had ten units--five on the North side, five on the South side, plus the office. They framed an exclusive and elegant courtyard graced by gorgeous gardens and stately trees. Some, after trimming and tender care, will still add tranquility and beauty to that space. It also boasted a kids' playground, a horseshoe pitching court (which is again set up), and picnic tables.
Even though the previous owner, Ramona W. Price, and hopeful prospective owner, Alan J. McNeil, attended the City Commissioners meeting on May 16, 2006, the motel was condemned and ordered to be demolished. Why would the City prefer that a 76-year-old widow be compelled to pay around $7,000 to have her own motel torn down, rather than giving a chance to the prospective buyer to restore this significant motel to once again be a tax paying entity?
He purchased the motel on June 13, two days before the historical meeting. This historic site was saved when Emily Payne of the Austin Texas Historical Commission set up a special meeting before the Community Historic and Preservation Board on June 15. After seeing photographs showing the present condition of the motel, and hearing talks by several opposed to the destruction, including Wes Reeves, President of the Amarillo Historical Foundation, all eight members of the Board voted that the Triangle Motel could not be torn down. A year's extension was given to show significant improvement.The City Planning Office then wrote us that they would make inspections every 90 days and report the progress to the City Commissioners. Workers at the site will also attend with photographs showing the actual progress made on the motel.
Although McNeil tried for two months to get blueprints for the site, they were unavailable from City Offices. However, he and Pat Kenney finally found blueprints at the Central Library, and now have several sets. Blueprints call for these structures to be built like fortresses. For instance, a 4" Portland cement foundation, gas connections are 2", with 1 1/4 water service to each building, reduced to 1" full length, 1/2" to all fixtures, 4" sewer lines, even a recipe for the Portland Cement mix. Plans are to preserve the site as a motel, with a few units saved for those workers who shared the commitment and the dream. Each unit will be restored individually up to City Codes.
More terrific news!
Structural Report from William S. Thomas, P.E., Thomas & Israel Engineers, 517 N. Polk, Amarillo gave this information, which I quote, "...The Triangle Motel has a concrete pier foundation with a 4" concrete slab. The piers are 12' diameter, 4' to 5" deep with a 1'4" bell spread 9' to 10' apart. It has wood framing. The exterior is stucco with brick. The ceiling joists are 2x6 on 16" centers. The wall studs are 2x4 on 16" centers. The roof joists are 2x4 on 24" centers and well trussed to ceiling joists. The roof boards are 1'x8' shiplap. The roof is a built-up composition.
It is this Engineer's opinion that the foundation is in good condition. Some floors are not level. The wall framing, where not exposed to the elements and are not warped or rotted could be reused. Some of the other roof joists may be reused by cross bracing the joists. New roof board would need to be installed and new drains need to be installed. The interior wall framing needs to be replaced where damage from the elements has occurred (approximateldy 10% of the structure). New sheet rock or plaster would need to be installed.
The electrical system would not meet code and would need to be replaced. The plumbing would need to be overhauled: new fixtures installed, drain lines cleaned out or replaced. New flooring needs to be installed in all rooms and the tile removed or covered with new flooring. All doors and windows would need to be reworked or replaced. The interior trim would need to be replaced and new paint or wall covering installed. The exterior drainage is basically flat. The natural drainage is to the South and East. A drainage plan to control the surface drainage would need to be in place."
The first goal, cleaning out the rooms, couldn't have been tougher. Every single room had to be cleared of junk. Can you believe that seventy-two tons of junk came out of those rooms? Then the street around the courtyard and sidewalks
had to be cleared, as well as gutters.
The City will not allow any work inside the motel until it is enclosed--new roof, windows, doors, etc. Electrical and plumbing will bring both wings up to code.
We plan that each unit will take between two weeks and a month to repair and restore, then they will be completely furnished.
McNeil's Associate Engineering Degree plus years of experience in most of the required fields for restoration make him the ideal person to head this historic project. In his words, "Sweat, dreams, dedication and determination are qualities I commit to finishing this restoration. The Triangle Motel will once again be an icon, a significant source of pride to Amarillo, the Panhandle, the State of Texas, and Route 66." Follow the progress of unusual developments on this web site. Check out the photos posted.
When you're in the Amarillo area, drive to the Triangle Motel at 7954 Amarillo Blvd E. and get acquainted. Yu'all will be real welcome. We'll be glad to show you around.
More Good News!
If you would like to be a part of this historical project, we can use all the volunteers we can get. If you want to donate a bit to help carry on the work, the Paypal URL is on the last page. However, if it does not work for you, or you prefer to mail a donation, so that you, too, can be personally involved in this restoration project, please address it to Alan J. McNeil, Triangle Motel, 7954 Amarillo Boulevard East, Amarillo, TX 79107. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You'll be amazed at the feeling of pride that it will give to know you are helping to save a actual piece of history, a significant landmark, for the Texas Panhandle and the famous Route 66.
Copyright July 2006 Marianne McNeil Logan
mmmltx@nts-online.net
Triangle Motel Rt. 66
All rights reserved.
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