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Log Cabin Motel
Phoenix, AZ

 

The following is a tribute to the Log Cabin Motel, which was one of the last remaining original motels along Van Buren St. in Phoenix, AZ.

The sign was removed in 2012 and is now in a private collection.

Many thanks to Scott Broadhurst of Nothing Dies With Blue Skies.com for several photos and information that the Log Cabin is gone.

 

Log Cabin Motel
Phoenix, AZ
Photo courtesy Scott Broadhurst


Van Buren St. which cuts through Phoenix is well known for having been the main drag through town once upon a time. The old businesses along the route were bypassed when the interstate came through and left to decay.

 

 

One of the notable motels along Van Buren was the Log Cabin Motel. With its log cabin themed lodging rooms, the motel was once a nice stop to spend a night while visiting the city. Who could reside lodging in a themed motel with a name like log cabin.

Log Cabin Motel cabins
Phoenix, AZ
Photo courtesy Scott Broadhurst

 

The Log Cabin Motel, which opened in 1939 as the Log Cabin Auto Court, was one of the last survivors of the old motor courts as the city began renewal projects. The time finally came for this Phoenix landmark to disappear and the motel was demolished in July 2010, after 71 years in business. According to the Phoenix New Times, the Log Cabin was arguably the most iconic motel along the street.

Log Cabin Motel
Phoenix, AZ
Photo courtesy Scott Broadhurst

 

A notable article in the Phoenix New Times was this fascinating story about the experience that a reporter had spending the night in the Log Cabin motel. one summer evening. The experience relayed in this article was something that could have been also described a stay these days at old downtown motels in many cities and towns, where time has marched on.

Below are a couple of additional photos of the Log Cabin Motel several years before it was torn down. 11-10

 

Log Cabin Motel seen heading east on Van Buren
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

A view looking up the driveway
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

 


 

UPDATE 07/13 : Here are more photos of the Log Cabin Motel as it underwent demolition. Many thanks to Elgin MacMillan for photos. 07-13

No loitering at the Log Cabin Motel
Photo courtesy Elgin MacMillan

Hard to stay ahead of the crane
Photo courtesy Elgin MacMillan

Preparing for demolition
Photo courtesy Elgin MacMillan

The end of the show
Photo courtesy Elgin MacMillan

Rubble at the Log Cabin
Photo courtesy Elgin MacMillan

No longer welcome
Photo courtesy Elgin MacMillan

So long from the Log Cabin Motel
Photo courtesy Elgin MacMillan

Former interior
Photo courtesy Elgin MacMillan

More interior
Photo courtesy Elgin MacMillan

Nothing to do but leave
Photo courtesy Elgin MacMillan

 

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© Copyright 1998-2023 Syd Nagoshi. All rights reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the author.