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Historic Aztec Hotel Will Undergo Major Revitalization

A postcard depicts the hotel, with its Mayan facade, on a street corner. An American flag flies from a pole on the roof.
A vintage postcard shows the Aztec Hotel.
(
Monrovia Public Library
/
via Flickr
)

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The Aztec Hotel in Monrovia is, to say the least, an eye-catching property. But it's fallen into disrepair and isn't being used. Now there's a plan to revitalize the whole property, and the local community, as well as preservationists, are pretty stoked.

Designed by Robert Stacy-Judd in what's called the Mayan Revival style of architecture, the hotel opened on September 6, 1925. It was Stacy-Judd's first U.S. commission, after having worked on several projects prior in the UK.

Last week a group gathered at the hotel to discuss its future, according to Monrovia Patch.

There's a punch list of about a dozen things that need to get done as the initial phase of the property's revitalization: "Among them are revamping the restrooms and providing ADA (American Disabilities Act) access, completely updating electrical and plumbing systems, and remodeling the restaurant and commercial spaces."

The meeting gave interested parties a chance to talk about their concerns, ideas, and involvement in the project. Here's a bit more from Patch about how the Aztec is going to get a new lease on life:

The changes will take place in three phases. The first phase will be to enable the restaurant to once again become operational and to secure tenants for the commercial spaces facing Foothill Boulevard. In addition, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems will be updated as well as addressing the condition of the roof. Phase two will focus on restoring the exterior façade and increasing the number of parking spaces for the hotel as well as seeking to upgrade the clientele. The third phase will include projects as the need arises.

The Aztec was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and received designation as a local landmark building in 2003.

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