The Como Motel, a historic landmark in Richardson, is slated for demolition despite efforts from residents to preserve its legacy.
Located on U.S. 75, the motel holds nearly 70 years of history as the first motor lodge built in the city. Pappas Restaurants, known for its popular chains like Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and Pappas Delta Blues, recently received approval for a permit to tear down the building as it plans for a new restaurant after confirming the sale in Sept. 2023.
Richardson Community Pushes Back
News of the motel's possible demolition sparked community action. In June 2023, Richardson residents launched an online campaign to save the Como Motel, creating a Change.org petition in an attempt to save the Como.
“We urge a reconsideration of the potential plans for demolishing the Como Motel and instead support exploring options for preserving this important landmark,” the petition reads.
The petition garnered over 5,000 signatures in support of preserving the motel as a symbol of the city’s past. But alas, the petition was not enough to stop the sale.
Local Profile reached out to the city of Richardson for comment but did not receive a response prior to publishing. This story will be updated pending response.
The History Behind The Motel
With a 70-year history, the Como Motel was the first motor lodge built in Richardson, and it's the sole surviving testament of the golden age of American motels in the city. Between the ‘50s and ‘60s motor hotels (mo-tels) that provided lodging and parking were all the rage for American tourists who traveled the country in their brand-new cars.
Residents in Richardson also rallied against the demolition of the building because of its connection to one of the most famous true crime stories from the area. The COMO Motel was the place where Candy Montgomery and Allan Gore met during their affair in the late ‘70s.
What Happens Now
Despite community efforts, the Como Motel’s fate appears sealed as development plans move forward. The pending demolition signals the end of an era for one of Richardson's few remaining pieces of mid-century history.
According to WFAA, the hotel must undergo asbestos remediation before any demolition is done. However, Pappas Restaurants has six months from the permit issuance date to complete the demolition.
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