Cordova Motel

Cordova Motel
3444 W Chestnut Expressway, Springfield MO

Built sometime prior to 1943, the Cordova Motel was owned and operated by Glen and Johanna Eicher after they arrived in Springfield in 1948 until mid 1972. In October of 1972, all sellable items were auctioned off and the motel was razed.

The most notable event that occurred at the Cordova Motel was an explosion that occurred on July 7th, 1954. B. M. Bowden of Shamrock Texas, a guest, was terribly burned, and George Tittle, the manager of the motel, was killed, after an explosion occurred in the basement of one of the units. Tittle had went to the basement to check on a faulty hot water heater, when, allegedly, Bowden lit a match in the entryway of the basement causing the explosion. The fire department set out to assist after the blast, but upon learning the Cordova Motel was outside of the city limits, turned around and did not aid them.

Bowden later sued the Eichers for $50,000 in damages related to the event. The Eichers countersued for $20,000, alleging that Bowden knew the dangers of the explosive gas and knowingly lit a match. The matter was settled out of court before a jury trail was held.

All trace of the Cordova Motel is gone. The location is currently the gas pumps for the Maverik's gas station at Chestnut and West Bypass