Springfield takes closer look at motel as museum

The city of Springfield, Ill., again is thinking about converting the ramshackle Bel-Aire Motel into a Route 66-themed visitors center and museum, reported the State Journal-Register today. Springfield is considering other options for the Sixth Street motel after a recent inspection uncovered fire, electrical, and structural code violations. Mayor Tim Davlin first proposed the idea of … Continue reading Springfield takes closer look at motel as museum

2011 cost-share grant awards announced

Today, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced the awarding of 10 cost-share grants to Route 66 property owners for the 2011 fiscal year. Here's the listing, straight from the agency: Route 66 Motel sign and roof rehabilitation, Kingman, Ariz. ($10,319 federal grant, $10,319 match by owner) -- The Route 66 Motel has been a welcoming … Continue reading 2011 cost-share grant awards announced

El Vado seen as catalyst for area redevelopment

It's vague on plans for the historic El Vado Motel in Albuquerque, but a city official indicated that preservation would be a priority in whatever redevelopment plan comes forward, according to a report this weekend in the Albuquerque Journal. Ben Ortega of the city’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency is set to propose to the city council … Continue reading El Vado seen as catalyst for area redevelopment

Closed Silver Moon Lodge in Albuquerque is razed

The closed Silver Moon Lodge along Central Avenue (aka Route 66) near downtown Albuquerque was razed Thursday to make way for a planned grocery store, retail space, and apartments, reported KOB-TV. The motel, which dated to the 1950s, had been closed for several years. Longtime Route 66 roadie Mark Potter said back then, it was … Continue reading Closed Silver Moon Lodge in Albuquerque is razed

Wagon Wheel Motel plans event to celebrate its restoration

Owner Connie Echols of the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Mo., is celebrating the complete restoration of the historic Route 66 property with a special event on Aug. 20-21. Owners of classic cars from the 1920s, '30s and '40s are invited. In return, cruisers will get a free lunch and a special gift from the … Continue reading Wagon Wheel Motel plans event to celebrate its restoration

Bank accepts offer for Boots Motel

A news release from Ron Hart at the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce about the historic Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., came over today. It says, in part: The Route 66 Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that two Route 66 “Roadies” (fans of the Mother Road) have made a purchase offer for the … Continue reading Bank accepts offer for Boots Motel

Bank buys back Boots Motel … for now

Ron Hart of the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce emailed this report on the foreclosure auction today of the historic Boots Motel of Carthage, Mo. The Historic Boots Motel was auctioned on the Carthage Courthouse steps at 2 pm. This afternoon, and the new owner is the lien holder, the Carthage Hometown Bank, which placed … Continue reading Bank buys back Boots Motel … for now

Boots Motel to be auctioned within days

Ron Hart of the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce passed along this information to the Route 66 yahoogroup on Saturday about the Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo. The Boots Motel is being Auctioned-Off in a few days! According to Clarence Hall of the Carthage Hometown Bank, the present owner has defaulted and the Bank auction … Continue reading Boots Motel to be auctioned within days

In appreciation of Bill Kinder

In a matter of days, Bill Kinder, with his wife Terri Anderson, of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, N.M., will turn over the keys to new owners Kevin and Nancy Mueller. Bill and Terri will move to the Laughlin, Nev., area. Bill enjoyed owning the Blue Swallow, but has battled cancer for years. In the … Continue reading In appreciation of Bill Kinder

A chip off the old block

We'd heard a rumor of a new restaurant along Route 66 in Clinton, Okla., that used recipes from Pop Hicks restaurant, which burned down in a fire in 1999 and was never rebuilt. That rumor turned out to be false. However, the restaurant in question, Gayla's at the Market, turned out to have long Route … Continue reading A chip off the old block