Clinton group passes measure to begin rehab of Glancy Motel, rebuilding Pop Hicks

The Clinton Economic Development Authority board of trustees in Clinton, Oklahoma, during a special meeting Tuesday passed a three-part motion designed to advance the planned rehabilitation of the Glancy Motel and the resurrection of the long-closed Pop Hicks restaurant.

The Clinton Daily News (subscription required) on Thursday had details behind the move:

The motion, made by trustee Max McKinsey, allows CEDA to begin the bidding process for asbestos abatement on the Glancy and the Pop Hicks properties, demolition of the Glancy on the north side of the alley and the Pop Hicks foundation, and securing the Glancy Motel structure on the south side of the alley with suitable fencing. The motion also stated other alternates may be added as management deems appropriate.

“We are moving the project forward, and we continue to work with our selected development partner, Rick Koch,” said CEDA Director Roland Mower. “Everything we are currently proposing to do addresses health safety issues. The City owns the properties now, and there’s liability attached to it in its current
state. We are just moving the project a little bit further down the road so the community can see movement on the project, and we alleviate the City of some of the property’s liability.”

Centurian Land Development, owned by local businessman Rick Koch, wants to restore and operate the Glancy and Pop Hicks in time for Route 66’s centennial in 2026. According to a previous report, Koch wants to commit at least $5.5 million to the project.

Koch also saved and renovated the historic but long-closed Lucille’s gas station near Hydro, Oklahoma. He also built the Lucille’s Roadhouse restaurant in nearby Weatherford, Oklahoma, that pays tribute to Lucille’s.

The Glancy, which was built in 1950, had been in a steep decline that included condemnation by the city in 2019 due to code violations.

Pop Hicks, which once stood next door to the motel, opened in 1936 but was destroyed in a fire in 1999.

(Image of the Glancy Motel in Clinton, Oklahoma, by Richard Binhammer via Flickr)

One thought on “Clinton group passes measure to begin rehab of Glancy Motel, rebuilding Pop Hicks

  1. Really good news. How soon will the work start? Let’s hope before there’s a mysterious fire.

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