Merin Rodgers

Picture this, you just flew into Albuquerque and after a long flight all you want is a refreshing drink and some delicously fried food. As you leave the airport you stop someone next to you and ask for suggestions. So following their recommendation you head down Central Ave. Parking in the back you walk around the building, find a seat outside and check out the menu. And there you see them, the core beers. Picking your favorite, you check the food section, your mouth watering as you read over the fried food section. Originally planning for a short lunch it turns hours long as you sip your beer and enjoy the eccentric gas station feel of Kelly’s Brew Pub.

Jones Motor Co.

Originally built in 1939 as Jones Motor Co. Ralph Jones (the creator of this historical site) commisioned this project, a service station, car dealership and gas station in 1939 with Tom Danahy as the architect and designer.¹ The building served its intendended purpose until 1957 when Jones Motor Co. moved out and into a bigger, newer building farther down the street. After this decision the building had been used for various types of businesses, including at one point a Goodwill as well as a Furniture Mart.²

In 1993 the building was nominated as a Historic Landmark, becoming a praised and protected piece of work. As one of the few examples of Moderne style, it was preserved for both its Architecural wonder but also due to its example of transportation and commerce in the fifties.

Finally in 1999 it was bought by Kellys Brewery and restored many of the original design, going as far as installing Texaco pumps and original garage doors.³ The building now houses Kelly’s Brew Pub on one side and a Cold Stone on the opposite.

Design

The architect Tom Danahy designed the building in a Streamline Moderne style. A prevalent design at the end of the Art Deco period this design featuring smooth surfaces, curved edges and strong horizontal lines to give it a more aerodynamic feel. Danahy decided on a classic color scheme of white, red and black; a prominent color scheme at the time. Going along with this design Danahy placed the main entrance of the building on a corner, diagnal to the block in which it was built on. As you would face the entrance of the building there would be Texaco gas stations in the middle, the service station on the left and the car dealership on the right, complete with a large glass show room.

Location

Jones Motor Co. Is located on the corner of Central Ave. and Wellseley in the Nob Hill area of Southeast Albuquerque.

Central & Route 66

Until 1937 Route 66 through New Mexico was on a completely different route. Before the realignment of Route 66 travelers would have to make a winding 107 mile trail through the state. In 1937 the route was realigned to shave of this unncessary 107 miles and moved right through the previously dirt road of Central Avenue, becoming the only paved road in all of Albuquerque.⁴ With relocation came a large fluctuation of people and travelers into the area, and soon businesses like motor lodges, restaurants and retail stores became extremely prevalent in the area as well.

Jones Motor Co. was created with it’s expressed location in mind. Located on Historic Route 66, Ralph Jones envisioned it as a prominant local business to the area. Jones was both the president of the Route 66 Association as well as the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and it was important to him to not only personally profit but for the area to profit as well.⁵

Today, Route 66 has changed from the major highway it once was into clipped sections of its former glory. Dispite the changes it has historically faced, this area is still at the center of the city and commerce. Located directly in the middle of what is now called Nob Hill the building is surrounded by small shops and restaurants. Directly across Central is a favorite is a craft beer hub called Matanza Beer Kitchen, diagonally across the intersection are cafes and frozen yogurt shops. Finally across Wellseley on the same side of Central is a jewelery store. On the same side of both Central and Wellsley directly west is the Hiway House Motel, with its own interesting back story.

Hiway House Motel

The Highway House Motel was built in 1958, a year after Jone’s Motor Company had moved out. What makes this Hiway House Motel so unique and interesting is the fact that it mimics the color scheme of the Jones Motor Co. seemingly designed with the intention of complimenting the Jones Motor Co. even as the company itself has already moved.

To add fule to this flame this specific HiwayHouse Motel is one of if not the only location still in existance. In the 1960s the creator, Del Webb, sold the chain⁶. It then was held many different hotel and motel companies until finally owned by Bicu Corporation who restored both the orignal sign as well as orignal design.

Conclusion

Now you have finished your beer, and eaten your fried food. Go explore everything Central and Historic Route 66 has to offer.

FootNotes