A Florida-based company is set to reopen the long-closed Tee Pee Drive-In theater along the Ozark Trail alignment of Route 66 in Sapulpa, Okla., reported the Sapulpa Daily Herald. The newspaper said: “I hope the town embraces it,” said Russell Glenn of Stars, LLC, the Florida company that restores historic American theaters. “It’s a good thing … Continue reading Sapulpa drive-in theater may reopen by summer
Category: Preservation
De Anza rehab will begin in July
The long-awaited rejuvenation of the long-closed De Anza Motor Lodge in Albuquerque will begin in a matter of weeks, reported the New Mexico Business Weekly today. Several developers of the historic Route 66 property have come and gone. But the latest, Rob Dickson, reportedly has set a construction start for July with the $4.3 million … Continue reading De Anza rehab will begin in July
Historic Steak ‘n Shake nominated to National Register
The Steak 'n Shake restaurant at 1158 E. St. Louis St. in Springfield, Mo., has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, according to KOLR / KOZL. Owner Gary Leonard has been part of the restaurant nearly as long as it existed: "I came down here with the family in 1973 and started working … Continue reading Historic Steak ‘n Shake nominated to National Register
Boots Motel reopens
The historic Boots Motel of Carthage, Mo., reopened Tuesday to overnight guests after a decade-long hiatus. A few reports and videos have popped up, but this one by KOAM-TV in nearby Pittsburg, Kan., is the best so far: UPDATE: KY3 News also posted a story and video about the reopening.
Saving a bridge by putting it on a diet
The historic York Boulevard Bridge in Los Angeles, which carried Route 66 from 1932 to 1934, apparently is in danger of being torn down and replaced with a wider bridge because of traffic congestion. However, a local cyclist has come up with an intriguing possible solution to keep the 1912 concrete arch bridge and make … Continue reading Saving a bridge by putting it on a diet
Boots Motel reopens for overnight travelers on Tuesday
The Boots Motel of Carthage, Mo., a Route 66 landmark once endangered by redevelopment, at last will reopen for overnight stays starting Tuesday, reported the Joplin Globe. The motel already has its five rooms available for guests booked for that night. The property isn't fully restored, but the new owners -- sisters Deborah Harvey and Priscilla … Continue reading Boots Motel reopens for overnight travelers on Tuesday
The Nat reopens in Amarillo
The historic Nat Ballroom in Amarillo, Texas, reopened this past weekend after months of renovations and repairs. KFDA-TV in Amarillo has a story: According to the Amarillo Globe-News, Kasey Robinson, who owns The Nest gift shop in the city's Sixth Avenue district (aka Route 66), bought the property and has turned it into an antiques mall. … Continue reading The Nat reopens in Amarillo
Design students help owner of historic gas station
A group of design students provided concepts for the owner of the historic Sprague Super Service station in Normal, Ill., reported the Bloomington Pantagraph. It's an understatement to say the station's owner was pleased with the designs: Illinois State University design students brought tears to Terri Ryburn’s eyes Wednesday when they presented concepts for three … Continue reading Design students help owner of historic gas station
Revisiting the Red Cedar Inn
Last weekend, the owners of the Red Cedar Inn in Pacific, Mo., held an open house for the closed Route 66 landmark for potential buyers. Route 66 Realtors, which is listing the property, posted a slideshow from the event. It might take some folks down memory lane: https://youtu.be/II4EUk-9CLc The restaurant opened in 1934 at 1047 East … Continue reading Revisiting the Red Cedar Inn
Kansas governor will appear at Route 66 byway ceremony
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback will attend the Saturday ceremony in which Route 66 in Kansas will be designated a historic byway, according KODE/KSN-TV. Brownback will sign the byway proclamation at 1 p.m. at the historic Marsh Arch Bridge, aka Rainbow Bridge, near Riverton, Kan. Map to the bridge is here. The public is invited. The … Continue reading Kansas governor will appear at Route 66 byway ceremony