February 22, 2008

The Blue Bonnet Court

I've been looking forward to taking pictures of this one for a while! I actually had a dream about it. From the Wikipedia entry:

other side of blue bonnet court
The Blue Bonnet Court, originally called the Bluebonnet Tourist Camp, is a historic motor court-style motel in north-central Austin, Texas. Built in 1928-1929 by Joe and Elizabeth Lucas, the motel is situated on the northwestern corner of the Hyde Park subdivision along what was then the main road out of town. In the 1930s it featured Austin's first neon sign, which still hangs from the front (though in a dilapidated condition).

austin's first neon sign!
Blue Bonnet Court features a stone wall in front with 11 basic rooms and attached covered parking. The rooms are rented today as efficiency apartments.

looking up at blue bonnet court sign
The motel is located at 4407 Guadalupe Street. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

side view of the blue bonnet court
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2 comments:

Kenna said...

I've driven by this place hundreds of times and wondered about it's history. It's odd to see signs of modern occupancy among the vines and rusted exterior.

6:37 AM
Chris said...

At least you noticed it. I drove past this place countless times back when I was a UT student, and had no idea it was there, and even if I had, I wouldn't have cared.

It is an odd juxtaposition. The people there must be content. And it's a good thing they are there. I imagine, what with real estate being so valuable near the campus area and all, this place would be a parking lot, or condos without those residents. Just because it's on the National Preservation list doesn't mean it can't still be torn down.

2:20 PM

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