Cortez Motor Court

Cortez Motor Court
1901 E Kearney Street, Springfield, MO

The Cortez Motor Court was first operated by Rex G. Wilson (who also operated the Rock Fountain Motor Court) starting in 1940. It is difficult to find much early history, the name was eventually changed to the Cortez Motel, and a successful cafe was operated alongside the motel business.  by 1957 it had 21 units when it was sold to 2 St. Louisans by then owner W. J. Lotz (or Latz?), for $95,000 (in today's dollars), however this deal seems to have fell through. W. J. Lotz eventually again tried to sell the motel for $73,000 in 1960, but again seemed to unsuccessful, suing the buyers for unpaid debts.

From around 1964 it started to be advertised as efficiency apartments, with the tagline, "Enjoy Privacy". The motel was eventually razed in 1970, and the sign was auctioned off the following year by the highway department.