The neon sign for the long-gone Ko Ko Motel along Route 66 in Joplin, Missouri, is being restored.
The Ko Ko, built in 1955 at 3102 E. 7th St. (aka Route 66), was demolished in 2007.
Jeremy Morris, president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri, stated on a Facebook post that the sign, after being stored off-site for many years, is being restored by Sign Designs in Joplin.
Assisting in the project is the association’s Neon Heritage Preservation Fund manager, Bob Gehl, plus benefactor Jean Bybee.
When finished, the sign will be displayed at Joplin Expo — the same site for the recently restored Ozark Court motel sign.
An image of what the Ko Ko Motel looked like in its heyday can be seen from this vintage postcard.