After more than two years of inactivity, at least part of the project to restore the historic El Garces Hotel in Needles, Calif., finally will commence again, reported a recent story in the Needles Desert Star. The holdup in the project was getting a ruling on whether a joint development agreement to allow for a transfer of … Continue reading Part of El Garces project to move forward
Category: Preservation
Nonprofit formed to relight Yukon sign
A nonprofit group has formed to raise money to eventually restore the lighting on the huge "Yukon's Best Flour" sign on top of the Yukon Grain & Mill Co. building near Route 66 in Yukon, Okla., reports KOTV. Grady Cross, owner of Grady's Route 66 Pub, helped form a nonprofit that seeks to raise funds … Continue reading Nonprofit formed to relight Yukon sign
66 Motel sign in Needles relit
The historic neon sign of the 66 Motel in Needles, Calif., was relit Saturday night by Ed Klein of Route 66 World. The City of Needles also will fix a problem with a transformer and bulbs in the "66" part of the sign. In an email, Klein said: We are still suffering from grounding issues, … Continue reading 66 Motel sign in Needles relit
Route 66 neon sign program approved by Tulsa council
The Tulsa City Council on Thursday approved a $703 million budget that included Councilor Blake Ewing's plan for a $50,000 cost-share fund that would restore neon signs or upgrade them to neon along the Route 66 corridor, reported the Tulsa World. An earlier World story explained Ewing's proposal: Ewing wants to see the city dollar amount … Continue reading Route 66 neon sign program approved by Tulsa council
Whittier Square area in Tulsa named to National Register
Whittier Square Historic District, which includes an older alignment of Route 66 in Tulsa, was named to the National Register of Historic Places effective June 15, according to an email today from the National Park Service. The roughly four-block-square area is bounded by Lewis Avenue to the east, First Avenue to the south, Zunis Avenue … Continue reading Whittier Square area in Tulsa named to National Register
Historic L.A. jail might be converted into a rooftop garden
Here's a novel idea for a huge, old building -- the Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation may convert the historic Lincoln Heights Jail into a rooftop agricultural garden, reported KCET. The corporation is looking at a bunch of designs. But this one captured the most attention: Happily kayaking Angelinos can be seen making their way down the … Continue reading Historic L.A. jail might be converted into a rooftop garden
Munger Moss Motel put up for sale
The Munger Moss Motel, a Route 66 landmark in Lebanon, Mo. since 1946, has been put up for sale by longtime owners Bob and Ramona Lehman. The Lehmans, who are retiring, will continue to run the motel at 1336 East Route 66& until it is sold. "We're not leaving until someone gets it lock, stock, … Continue reading Munger Moss Motel put up for sale
Who is the TeePee Drive-In’s new operator?
Records show that the Florida businessman trying to revive the long-closed TeePee Drive-In on Route 66 in Sapulpa, Okla., has conducted business under at least two different names while operating a string of movie theaters in recent years that failed or where he left after a short time. Russ Glen, CEO of Florida-based Starz Theaters, … Continue reading Who is the TeePee Drive-In’s new operator?
Big Chief restaurant reopens
The Big Chief Roadhouse, a fixture on an older alignment of Route 66 in Wildwood, Mo., since 1929, reopened Monday after a change in ownership and remodeling, reported the Eureka-Wildwood Patch. The prized buffalo head still graces Big Chief Roadhouse restaurant's main dining area in Wildwood, but customers will find many new touches and a remodeled ambiance at … Continue reading Big Chief restaurant reopens
So begins the Teepee’s revival
About 30 volunteers gathered Saturday to mow, clear brush, and gather up debris at the long-neglected Teepee Drive-In theater, located on the old Ozark Trail alignment of Route 66 west of Sapulpa, Okla. A few weeks ago, Florida resident Russell Glenn of Starz Inc. announced he had acquired the property, which screened its last movie … Continue reading So begins the Teepee’s revival