The Melvin Price Federal Building and U.S. courthouse in East St. Louis, Illinois, was added to the National Register of Historic Places effective Aug. 8, according to an email this week from the National Park Service. The courthouse, which also was a post office, is at 750 Missouri Ave (map here). Missouri Avenue served as Route 66 in … Continue reading East St. Louis courthouse added to National Register
Category: Preservation
Many brick buildings in California vulnerable to quakes
After a multitude of earthquakes in California during the 1970s and '80s, we've long assumed the state's old buildings are much less susceptible to damage because of new codes. That's not the case. The Los Angeles Times reported this week that thousands of brick buildings in the region remain unstrengthened against earthquakes, especially in poor municipalities such … Continue reading Many brick buildings in California vulnerable to quakes
A closer look at Tulsa’s Route 66 Village
Explore Tulsa recently uploaded this informative clip about the Route 66 Village in southwest Tulsa. Mike Massey, train project manager, explains the vintage Frisco Meteor 4500 locomotive, rail cars and the Red Fork commemorative oil derrick on the site. https://youtu.be/9SDBcLIgjgs I do hope the volunteers can renovate the inside of that circa-1929 passenger car so … Continue reading A closer look at Tulsa’s Route 66 Village
National Trust wants Painted Desert facility restored
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is lobbying to preserve and restore the nearly 50-year-old Painted Desert Community Complex inside the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. The complex is the only building designed by acclaimed architect Richard Neutra in the National Park Service system. The building was brought a then-unusual Mid-Century Modern style to the park. … Continue reading National Trust wants Painted Desert facility restored
Kickstarter fundraiser launched to restore sign
The new owners of Cindy's Eagle Rock Restaurant in Los Angeles have begun a Kickstarter campaign to preserve the historic diner's vintage sign, reported the Los Angeles Times. Monique King and Paul Rosenbluh bought the restaurant and reopened it in April. And, so far, they seem to be good stewards: They've kept the original booths, … Continue reading Kickstarter fundraiser launched to restore sign
“Route 66: The Road Ahead” report released
The World Monuments Fund this month released its report on the "Route 66: The Road Ahead" roundtable held in November at Anaheim, California, that involved many movers and shakers of the Route 66 community. The 67-page Acrobat document can be read in its entirety here. I commend it to your attention. Much of the report … Continue reading “Route 66: The Road Ahead” report released
Milk Bottle Building will be restored
The historic Milk Bottle Building in Oklahoma City will be restored to close to its original appearance, reported The Oklahoman newspaper. Catherine Montgomery, a preservation architect at Preservation & Design Studio who is helping with the project, told the newspaper the interior will be renovated for a new tenant. After removing a sheet of plywood … Continue reading Milk Bottle Building will be restored
Albuquerque asks for proposals for De Anza Motel
The City of Albuquerque recently requested proposals to redevelop the historic De Anza Motor Lodge after two plans fell flat in recent years. However, one prominent business group is recommending a partial teardown of the motel. A group of Albuquerque business owners put together a list of recommendations of what it would like to see … Continue reading Albuquerque asks for proposals for De Anza Motel
‘Million Dollar Courthouse’ needs $20 million in fixes
Locals probably were startled and even irritated when the construction budget for the Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville, Illinois, swelled from $50,000 to $1.3 million by the time it was finished in 1870. That's why the landmark has been called the "Million Dollar Courthouse," for good or ill, ever since. Imagine their reaction when, more … Continue reading ‘Million Dollar Courthouse’ needs $20 million in fixes
A profile of the Wigwam Motel’s Kumar Patel
The Asian American Hotel Owners Association recently posted a feature about Kumar Patel, the operator of the historic Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, California. Most stories focus on the motel, which was built along Route 66 in 1949 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. But this one focuses more about Patel himself. … Continue reading A profile of the Wigwam Motel’s Kumar Patel