Oklahoma and local leaders joined West OK Co-Op last Thursday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Hub City Gateway, a new modern roadside attraction along Route 66 that uses large-scale art and architecture to welcome travelers to Clinton and highlight an original stretch of the historic highway on the city’s east side.
The indoor ceremony was held at The Social in Clinton, followed by a ceremonial shoveling at the project site along the historic 1926 Route 66 alignment near the Washita River bridge.
The Hub City Gateway will feature a series of large-scale architectural sign elements forming a two-sided gateway that spells “Clinton” for travelers in one direction and “Route 66” in the other.
When completed, the installation will extend about 405 feet along the original Route 66 alignment, rise up to 25 feet tall and measure about 40 feet wide at its deepest point.
Designed as a contemporary interpretation of classic Route 66 roadside attractions, the project combines public art, architecture and preservation to create a highly visible landmark and an on-site visitor experience.
“The Hub City Gateway is a modern roadside attraction that reflects who we are as a creative community while honoring the history beneath it,” said Jason Smith, president of West OK Co-Op.
“By preserving an original section of Route 66 and pairing it with bold art and architecture, we are creating a destination that invites people to stop, explore Clinton and engage with the Mother Road in a meaningful way.”
In addition to its visual presence for passing motorists, the project is designed to function as a place people can experience on foot. Visitors will be able to walk beneath the Gateway and along preserved Route 66 pavement once construction is complete.
Andrew Stone, project designer and architect, said the Gateway was conceived as both sculpture and structure.
“This project sits at the intersection of art, architecture and preservation,” Stone said. “We wanted to create something that feels iconic from the roadway but also rewards visitors who slow down and spend time on site. It is a contemporary landmark built directly on top of Route 66 history.”
Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who attended the ceremony, said projects like the Hub City Gateway play an important role in strengthening Route 66 tourism across Oklahoma.
The Hub City Gateway is supported through a partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and is funded in part by the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Program.
West OK Co-Op also acknowledged the support and collaboration of the City of Clinton and local and regional partners.
Construction will continue into 2026. The construction site is an active work zone and remains closed to the public during the build-out phase.
A public ribbon-cutting and on-site celebration are planned once the project is complete.
(Images courtesy of Boone Clemmons)