Preservation Efforts Move Slowly on Route 66

"If the city goes ahead with its plans to purchase or condemn the Route 66-era motel on Central Avenue and restore it as a tourist destination, it could be a good long while before there are rooms at the inn."

"At least, that's judging by the city's record of trying to do something similar with the historic De Anza Motor Lodge on Central Avenue east of Nob Hill."

"The city bought the De Anza in 2003 from a private owner, in response to a neighborhood uproar that arose when the Albertsons grocery chain proposed to replace the old motel with a drug and liquor store."

"At the time, the city plan was to rehabilitate the property, possibly as a boutique motel, to serve as a catalyst for revitalizing the blighted area."

"But nearly five years later, the property remains fenced and boarded and little has changed in the neighborhood."