Albuquerque’s own neon artisan, Robert Randazzo, is leading a hands‑on effort to restore vintage Route 66 signs that have lit the city’s streets for nearly a century. The project, which focuses on iconic landmarks along the historic highway, reflects a deep commitment to preserving the visual heritage of the Mother Road.
Decades of expertise applied to historic neon
Randazzo, originally from Brooklyn, New York, began his career building neon signs on Broadway. “I had a nice job on Broadway building all the big neon signs out there,” he recalled. After moving to Albuquerque, he took over a struggling neon shop that was on the brink of failure. “They were failing because they really didn’t know anything about neon. So I wound up with the shop. And that’s why I’m here right now after 35 years,” he said.
Over the past three and a half decades, Randazzo’s work has become a recognizable part of Albuquerque’s landscape, from the illuminated bridges in Nob Hill to the signage that frames Central Avenue. “I did the bridges here in Nob Hill that go over Central Avenue here, and the bridge out at Coors and Central,” he noted.
Restoring a 70‑year‑old Route 66 arrow
His current undertaking centers on a 20‑ to 30‑foot‑high arrow sign that once marked the Aztec Auto Court Motel. The restoration process begins with cutting glass to full‑scale drawings, then heating and shaping the pieces. After the glass is formed, electronics are inserted and the tube is sealed.
“The electrode is how you get the electricity to touch the gas inside the tube. That will make the gas glow,” Randazzo explained. He described the delicate sealing step: “You just got to get the very ends of the glass molten soft. You have to be a little patient and then you put them together, see like that.” Once cooled, the tube is cleaned, filled with gas and illuminated, bringing the neon sign back to life.
Why neon matters to the community
For Randazzo, the work goes beyond aesthetics. “There’s something about the light. And when people say that neon is magical, that’s what they’re talking about, is the light,” he said. He adds that the satisfaction comes from serving the public good: “You get a great deal of satisfaction of knowing that you did something good. When you build something, always build it for the good of people.”
Randazzo hopes the project will inspire a new generation to learn the craft. By sharing his knowledge, he aims to keep neon glowing for decades to come, ensuring that the memories of Route 66 continue to shine brightly for Albuquerque families and travelers alike.
Looking ahead
The restored arrow will soon rejoin the historic streetscape, joining other revitalized neon pieces that celebrate Albuquerque’s unique blend of mid‑century modern design and Western heritage. Community members are encouraged to watch the restoration progress and support local preservation efforts that honor both the city’s past and its future.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
