Canute awarded nearly $700,000 grant, including to restore Cotton Boll Motel sign

The town of Canute, Oklahoma, has landed a $695,000 grant through the Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program, state officials confirmed last week to KECO radio in nearby Elk City. Among the projects for the grant is the restoration of the iconic Cotton Boll Motel neon sign and repainting of the Washita Motel sign. Funds … Continue reading Canute awarded nearly $700,000 grant, including to restore Cotton Boll Motel sign

Tewa Lodge motel in Albuquerque goes on the market for $1.28 million

The historic Tewa Lodge motel along Route 66 in Albuquerque has been put up for sale for $1.288 million. The property at 5715 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) is listed by EXP Realty. "Tewa Lodge is one of the oldest continuously operating motels on Route 66," the description states. "This historic property is the perfect … Continue reading Tewa Lodge motel in Albuquerque goes on the market for $1.28 million

Roadrunner Lodge Motel in Tucumcari put up for sale for $1.64 million

The owner of the 1960s-themed Roadrunner Lodge Motel in Tucucmari, New Mexico, recently announced it was placing the Route 66 motel on the market for $1.64 million. David Brenner, who has owned it for more than a decade, in a Facebook post said he is offering owner financing for would-be buyers of the motel at … Continue reading Roadrunner Lodge Motel in Tucumcari put up for sale for $1.64 million

New neon sign dedicated at Western Motel near Vinita

The Western Motel near Vinita, Oklahoma, flipped the switch Saturday on a vibrant, new neon sign that replaces a more nondescript backlit sign at the Route 66 business. The sign features a hand-painted image of a cowboy on a horse twirling a lasso. At night, the cowboy, horse and lasso are outlined in neon, with … Continue reading New neon sign dedicated at Western Motel near Vinita

Route 66 hotel project, “Cry Baby Cry” statue placed on hold by City of Tulsa

A Route 66-themed hotel project and a controversial "Cry Baby Cry" statue -- both near Tulsa's Arkansas River -- have been put on the back burner by the city after a new mayor recently took office. An interactive digital storytelling experience about Route 66 also has been put on hold. The Tulsa World newspaper gleaned … Continue reading Route 66 hotel project, “Cry Baby Cry” statue placed on hold by City of Tulsa

Allan Affeldt putting Castaneda Hotel, Plaza Hotel on the market

About a decade after he purchased two historic hotels in Las Vegas, New Mexico, owner Allan Affeldt is putting both up for sale. The Las Vegas Optic newspaper reported Affeldt wants to “pass the torch” to the new owners of the Castaneda Hotel and Plaza Hotel as he settles down. Affeldt told the Optic that … Continue reading Allan Affeldt putting Castaneda Hotel, Plaza Hotel on the market

Arcadia Lodge motel in Kingman deemed uninhabitable by city

City officials declared the Arcadia Lodge in Kingman, Arizona, uninhabitable last week after the utility shut off electricity to the Route 66 motel due to apparent non-payment. According to a report last week in the Kingman Daily Miner newspaper: City and county officials went door to door around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, telling residents at … Continue reading Arcadia Lodge motel in Kingman deemed uninhabitable by city

Roy’s Motel & Cafe in Amboy featured in “Today” show segment

Kyle Okura and the Roy's Motel & Cafe site in Amboy, California, recently were featured in a segment on NBC-TV's "Today" show. It delves into Kyle's father, Albert Okura, who purchased the entire Route 66 town 20 years ago. After Albert's death, Kyle has been trying to fulfill his father's vision. Kyle said in an … Continue reading Roy’s Motel & Cafe in Amboy featured in “Today” show segment

Neon sign lighting ceremony for Western Motel in Vinita set for April 12

The owners of the Western Motel along Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma, announce a lighting ceremony for its new neon sign. The new sign will be unveiled at 7 p.m. on April 12. The event will include live music, food and more. The Western Motel last fall received a neon-sign grant through the Oklahoma Route … Continue reading Neon sign lighting ceremony for Western Motel in Vinita set for April 12

Casa Grande Hotel building in Elk City finally seeing some upgrades

The historic but long-closed Casa Grande Hotel building in Elk City, Oklahoma, appears to be seeing some improvements after years of standing idle. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association had the scoop: “The plan is to first secure the building by replacing the upper story windows on three sides,” said Don Mullenix, local preservationist. After that, … Continue reading Casa Grande Hotel building in Elk City finally seeing some upgrades