In an effort to revitalize a downtown motel that has lost most of its luster over the years, the city recently broke ground to renovate the motel into appealing real estate. 

The Imperial Inn on Central, formerly the Imperial Inn Motel, is located at 701 Central Avenue NE in the heart of Albuquerque.

The Imperial Inn redevelopment plans include 52 guest rooms and 16 residential suites as well as retail and restaurant space.

“Projects like these revitalize Albuquerque’s icons and honor our place as the capital of Route 66. Our downtown core has grown over the past years, and the new Imperial Inn will be a great landmark,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a news release from the city. “With each step, we’re moving the downtown core and Edo (East Downtown) from a place with potential, to a safe and inviting hub of activity that is a first-choice destination for businesses, residents, tourists, and investors.”

The project will cost $7.6 million and $700,000 will come a Metropolitan Renovation Agency funds loan that will contribute to the restoration of blighted Central Avenue properties, and create new spaces for commerce, hospitality and residential living.

Portland, Oregon-based Palindrome Communities will develop the project through the entity Imperial Palindrome, LLC and are the future owners of the site. 

Palindrome Communities, who previously redeveloped El Vado, responded with a proposal to the city that will revitalize the Imperial Inn and add micro retail and restaurant space for emerging entrepreneurs.

“You can’t just renovate the motel. Anybody can do that. You’ve got the rethink it, reimagine the whole project. So, like we did with El Vado, we’re going to recreate the Imperial Inn to this destination, an entertainment center for tourists, for locals,” said Chad Rennaker, president of Palindrome Communities, in the city release.

The project is expected to be completed by next summer.