once popular 1950's modern albuquerque motel to get new look

A motel, located in Albuquerque’s busy Nob Hill area that was originally opened in the spring of 1957 as a Travelodge, will soon see an extensive upgrade and renovation designed to give it a hip look for today’s young travelers.

The cement block building, which is currently known as the University Lodge, is located at 3711 Central Avenue NE, and is being redubbed as The Avenue Hotel.

The owners of the two-story structure, which saw some remodeling several years ago, will redo all of the U-shaped building’s rooms. A redesign and reimagining of the pool space on the Solano Drive side of the property will see the construction of a restaurant and brewery on the top floors, and retail space at the ground level.

At the time of its construction, the then-Travelodge was only the 66th motel built in a chain that just a decade later would include more than 350 motels.

The motel not only offered a swimming pool, which still exists today, but a radio in every room and complimentary coffee.

The Travelodge brand advertised itself as a budget offering with each location built in or near a city’s downtown area.

The extensive renovation project, which is still in the planning stage, could see actual construction launching sometime next year.

By Garry Boulard