A developer that sought to build an ambitious Route 66-themed mixed-use project in Tulsa told the city this week it has withdrawn the proposal, citing a rise in construction costs that made it unfeasible. Sharp Development of Tulsa pulled out of the project this week after the city selected it from four proposals a year … Continue reading Developer withdraws plans for Route 66 mixed-use project in Tulsa, citing construction costs
Author: Ron Warnick
I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.
Opening of the renovated Americana Motor Hotel in Flagstaff delayed to early July
The reopening of a revitalized Americana Motor Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona, has been postponed to early July, according to a reporter who contacted us with the news. Peter Corbett, a writer for Flagstaff Business News and other publications, said the motel's spokeswoman told him about the postponement. "I did a hard-hat tour last week and … Continue reading Opening of the renovated Americana Motor Hotel in Flagstaff delayed to early July
New Mexico PBS stations air a documentary about La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe
New Mexico PBS stations a few days ago broadcast a new 21-minute documentary about La Fonda on the Plaza, the storied and highly influential hotel in the middle of downtown Santa Fe. You can watch the film below. It's also available for viewing on the PBS app. According to a recent article in the Albuquerque … Continue reading New Mexico PBS stations air a documentary about La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe
Gardenway Motel in Villa Ridge is torn down
The historic but closed Gardenway Motel in Villa Ridge, Missouri, was torn down last week, culminating a long decline for the Route 66 property. A number of Route 66 travelers and locals posted photographs and a video of the buildings being razed. A photographer posted this requiem of the motel: The Gardenway's demise had been … Continue reading Gardenway Motel in Villa Ridge is torn down
Route 66 Matchbook Cover Database grows in size
Nearly 18 months ago, Phil Gordon contacted me about his Route 66 Matchbook Cover Database and was asking for more submissions to it. At the time, the website contained 600 images of matchbooks from various businesses, past and present, along the Mother Road. Gordon recently informed me the database has swelled to more than 2,500 … Continue reading Route 66 Matchbook Cover Database grows in size
Local historian talks about Mrs. Orcutt and her home and driveway near Newberry Springs
Andy Jones interviewed local historian Paul Deel about his experiences with Bonnie Margaret Orcutt of Newberry Springs, California, as they explored the remains of her long-abandoned home. Jones said he was prompted to interview Deel after viewing a Sidetrack Adventures video, posted on this website, about Orcutt's infamous 4-mile-long driveway. Here's Jones' interview, which contains … Continue reading Local historian talks about Mrs. Orcutt and her home and driveway near Newberry Springs
Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City has hosted a lot more than just prep football
The nearly 90-year-old Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City remains a big focal point for high school football in that region. The red-stone facade of Taft Stadium, aka Energy FC Field, sits at 2501 N. May Ave. (aka Route 66) and was a Works Progress Administration project during the Great Depression era. It plays host to … Continue reading Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City has hosted a lot more than just prep football
Osterman Gas Station in Peach Springs makes list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places
The nearly century-old Osterman Gas Station along Route 66 in Peach Springs, Arizona, on Tuesday made the annual list of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. The list spotlights significant sites of American history "that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage." The National Trust for 36 years has … Continue reading Osterman Gas Station in Peach Springs makes list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places
Big Brutus will mark its 60th birthday on Friday and Saturday
Big Brutus, an enormous electric coal shovel that’s become a side trip for Route 66 travelers in Kansas, will be part of a 60th birthday celebration on Friday and Saturday this week. Big Brutus is located at 6509 NW 60th St. in West Mineral, Kansas, about 30 miles from the Route 66 town of Riverton. The Joplin … Continue reading Big Brutus will mark its 60th birthday on Friday and Saturday
Coffee shop coming to long-vacant Red’s Giant Hamburg property
A Trailer Perk Coffee shop is under construction at the lot that contained Red's Giant Hamburg restaurant in Springfield, Missouri, nearly 40 years ago. Route 66 News reader and Springfield resident Mark Mahy sent over a recent photo of the construction of the coffee shop underway. Despite the location being the home of Red's for … Continue reading Coffee shop coming to long-vacant Red’s Giant Hamburg property