Motel Makeover: Thunderbird Motel transforms into community long-term rentals
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POCATELLO — A once-notorious motel in Pocatello is getting a fresh start — complete with a new name, new mission, and a renewed commitment to the community.
The Thunderbird Motel, located at 1415 South 5th Avenue across from Mountain View Cemetery, has been renamed the Portneuf Valley Lodge and repurposed as long-term, affordable housing for individuals and families working to rebuild their lives.
Now under the ownership and management of siblings Brady, Clay, and Aubree Robertson, the family-run business is determined to leave the motel’s troubled past behind and create a safe and supportive place to live for those in need. Prior to purchasing the motel, the property had become run-down and gained a seedy reputation, the owners said.
Motivated by the growing homelessness and housing crisis in Pocatello, the Robertsons teamed up with Housing Alliance and Community Partnerships/ Pocatello Housing Authority, which provides affordable housing solutions in Pocatello and Chubbuck, to convert the old motel into 43 updated rental units.
The public is invited to see the transformation during an open house on Sunday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will include free hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, and informational tours.
“This isn’t the place it used to be,” said Aubree, who manages the property. “We’re about giving people second chances while offering a safe place for everyone, including families with kids.”
The one-bedroom rooms are available in both furnished and unfurnished options, and pets are welcome on a case-by-case basis.
“We understand the importance of pets in people’s lives,” Aubree said. “We don’t want to separate anyone from their fur babies.”
The property is outfitted with new security systems, and each unit has been renovated with new flooring, paint and updated decor. Eventually, the plan is to have a communal kitchen for tenants.
While the new owners don’t know all the history behind the Thunderbird Motel, it was likely built in the late 1950s or early 1960s, during a nationwide boom in car travel and roadside lodging. Its construction reflected the popular motor lodge style of the era, with two-story buildings and parking directly outside the rooms. Conveniently located near Idaho State University, it offered clean rooms, a pool and an affordable place to stay.
Over the years, the Thunderbird Motel has become a landmark in Pocatello, particularly due to its retro sign depicting a stylized thunderbird — a nod to Native American imagery popular in the era’s roadside motel culture.
Another iconic feature of the now former Thunderbird Motel is its row of lettered signs that light up to spell “Thunderbird Motel” in bold, retro-style lettering. To this day, the illuminated letters, with their classic mid-century font and vivid colors, mark the motel’s presence and add to its charm.
Though the business name has changed, the vintage signs will remain for now.
“It’s costly and time-consuming to remove the signs properly,” said Aubree. “At some point, we’ll find a home for them where they can be displayed in the community and the nostalgia can be enjoyed by the public.”
While the original swimming pool has been filled in, the building’s mid-century motor lodge design — with exterior corridors and convenient roadside access — remains intact, preserving the original motel style.
Brad Samuelson, a current tenant working to turn his life around, expressed appreciation to the Robertsons for the opportunity to live at the new Portneuf Valley Lodge. “We want the public to see that we no longer want that bad reputation. We’re working to overcome it,” said Samuelson, who plans to volunteer at the open house.
A large Star Wars-themed mural by local artists known as SIXES now decorates the south side of the building, integrating depictions of Pocatello, including the old Chief Theater sign and the iconic pillars atop Red Hill.
“That’s why we’re holding the open house on May 4 — to go with the Star Wars theme. May the fourth be with you,” Samuelson added.
To learn more about Portneuf Valley Lodge or inquire about available units, visit the open house on Sunday or call/text Aubree Robertson at (208) 232-6330.