ROBERT'S OPEN WINDOW
Robert Bayer, a Northern Arizona University (NAU) student, had difficulty searching for residence his senior year. After short notice, Bayer stumbled across a Craigslist advertisement at the Americana Inn, a motel located in Flagstaff, Arizona.
The Americana Inn, located at 2650 East Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona.
A rear view of the Americana Inn located at 2650 East Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Robert Bayer, a Northern Arizona University (NAU) student, had difficulty searching for residence his senior year. After short notice, Bayer stumbled across a Craigslist advertisement at the Americana Inn, a motel located in Flagstaff, Arizona.
In the 1950s and 60s, Route 66 highway brought hopes and dreams to those who were looking for a new life. Today, Route 66 has become a timeworn road. The historic highway spans from Chicago to Los Angeles — including a stop through Flagstaff, AZ. Roadside motels that were once a charming hallmark of Route 66 are now hard at work in search of steady business. The majority of the motels on the historic highway have now looked to offering weekly and even monthly rental options to stay afloat.
One such customer — Robert Bayer, senior math major, struggled with finding an affordable living situation. Bayer then resorted to renting out a room on a monthly basis at one of the dilapidated motels along Route 66. The often run down conditions are not the only concern, tenant safety has also been a challenge.
“There was a fight that broke out,” Bayer said. “Some guy was getting choked.”
Residents of Flagstaff still take pride in the historic stretch and display the infamous Route 66 highway sign throughout the city.