Status of El Garces hotel building in Needles

[greatcats]

Last week my friend and I were on a driving trip to California, but I stopped in the town of Needles to see the hotel building, the former Harvey House, which has been restored up to a point. It seems to be a work in progress, with some areas of the first floor renovated and used for offices for some purpose. I read not long ago that Amtrak announced that the building was to contain a waiting room for passengers and it gave the impression that it was in use. In April I was awake on eastbound #4 and saw no evidence from the coach that passengers were using the building. The building contains no outward evidence as I walked around it that there is an Amtrak waiting room. A woman that came out of one of the offices gave little information when I questioned her, and said passengers wait down by the BNSF offices. Does anyone know what the status of the El Garces building is regarding it being used as a train waiting room?

There are a few nice looking buildings in the business district of Needles, but much of it is a god forsaken looking place, with abandoned motels and derelict buildings. But I did make a find for lunch, a place that I can recommend, Munchy's, a Mexican taco shop. It is directly opposite the railroad offices, a hole in the wall Mom and Pop operation. Tasty food and generous portions at reasonable prices presented by a hardworking Mexican couple.

 

[the_traveler]

I'm not surprised it's not being used by Amtrak. And yes, the "station" is waiting outside of the BNSF freight office next door.

When I lived in the area (actually Ft Mohave, AZ) from 1994-2000, it was always "under renovation" and fenced off - but nothing ever changed. Did they finally remove the fence? :huh:

Another recommendation (if it's still there) is Casa del Sol, about 10 miles north on ARIZONA route 95 in Ft Mohave towards Bullhead City. (For clarification, US-95 also goes thru Needles. AZ 95 is on the east side of the Colorado River and US-95 is on the west side

 

[greatcats]

Yes, most of the building can be walked around and obviously some of it is now usable for whatever offices are in there. Some of it is unfinished, but the building is no longer a ruin, but am wondering why there does not seem to be a designated Amtrak waiting room. That little area by the BNSF office doesn't quite cut it. The platform is quite new, with attractive lighting.

 

[JoeRids]

Back in 2008 or 2009, the owner of the wonderful La Posada hotel at the Winslow, AZ Amtrak station had attempted to purchase this building and perform a similar restoration. According to Wikipedia, this deal fell through due to an issue with the Federal Transit Administration

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Garces_Hotel

 

[rusty spike]

My guess is that it comes down to money, Like most public projects, it comes down to who can come up with the $$$$$. And it looks like its between Amtrak and the City of Needles. The city is looking for rent-paying tenants. And Amtrak, well, just doesn't seem to have funds.

And now Mr. Affeldt is busy with the renovation of the La Castenada in Las Vegas, NM.