Richardson residents are hoping to save the Como Motel.
Citizens wish to preserve the old structure and have it refurbished or designated as a historical landmark.
Originally constructed in 1955, the building sits at 721 S Central Expy. in Richardson.
After a “for sale” sign appeared in front of the motel, residents feared the longstanding motel could be demolished. A website, Save The Como Motel, and a petition were created in the hope of preventing the longstanding motor lodge’s demolition.
The petition claims that the motel is under threat of demolition due to development plans that would see the space transformed into a new drive-thru restaurant and parking lot. According to the petition, the motel is not only an important piece of the city’s history, but its preservation is essential to “maintaining a sense of community identity and pride.”
“We urge a reconsideration of the plans for demolishing the Como Motel and instead support exploring options for preserving this important landmark. This could include innovatively renovating the property or designating it a historical landmark,” reads the petition.
The petition has already reached 4,320 signatures of the 5,000 set as the goal. More than 3,000 signatures were gathered within the first week and a half of the petition’s creation.
Laurel Allen, one of those who signed the petition, commented on the post that destroying the motel would be a “mistake.”
“A much better option than another quick food place or parking lot is to have it restored and marketed as a destination motel where one can experience staying in a mid-century motel with all its quirky charm,” wrote Allen.
Julie Robinson, co-owner of Richardson’s Beyond the Bar Bottle Shop, which has a drink named after the motel, told The Dallas Morning News that the motel could be a “crown jewel” for the city.
“People could actually walk from the motel to the historic district. And we need more things like this,” said Robinson, according to the DMN. “We don’t need more asphalt. We need history. We need charm. We need style. … Let’s save something special from the past that could become part of our present and future.”
The Dallas Express attempted to reach out to the motel but had not received any comment as of the time of publication.
