Financing for two individuals to purchase the historic Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., was approved Monday, and it is hoped the motel will partially reopen by spring, reported Ron Hart at the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce. The BootsMotel.com website posted this message: The Route 66 Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that two … Continue reading Financing for Boots Motel purchase is secured
Category: Preservation
Wigwam Motel in Southern California getting a face-lift
The Wigwam Motel on Route 66 in San Bernardino, Calif. (some listings have it in neighboring Rialto) is undergoing an exterior renovation, reported the San Bernardino County Sun. The historic motel has a team of painters working to restore San Bernardino's Wigwam Motel, 2728 Foothill Blvd., along the old Route 66, to its original external … Continue reading Wigwam Motel in Southern California getting a face-lift
Two Route 66 bridges in Missouri are subject of conference
James Baughn, webmaster of the impressive Bridgehunter.com, is co-hosting the Historic Bridge Conference this coming weekend about endangered Missouri bridges, including two on Route 66. The bridges on the Mother Road are the Meramec River Bridge at Route 66 State Park near Eureka, and the Devil's Elbow Bridge in Devil's Elbow. The third annual conference … Continue reading Two Route 66 bridges in Missouri are subject of conference
Wagon Wheel Motel gives more details on anniversary gala
Connie Echols, owner of the historic Wagon Wheel Motel on Route 66 in Cuba, Mo., has provided more details on its 75th anniversary celebration set for Aug. 20-21. From the news release: Now Echols is ready to celebrate the history of the Wagon Wheel with an Open House and Celebration with a 1930s Bonnie and … Continue reading Wagon Wheel Motel gives more details on anniversary gala
Normal may declare gas station a historic landmark
The town council of Normal, Ill., may declare the Sprague's Super Service station on Route 66 a historic landmark at its next meeting, reported WJBC radio in Bloomington, Ill. The recommendation from the planning commission will help Terri Ryburn, who purchased the former Sprague Super Service building with a long term plan: to restore the building … Continue reading Normal may declare gas station a historic landmark
It’s demolition, not salvation
This report from KOB-TV about the demolition of the abandoned State Fair Mercado Motel on Central Avenue (aka Route 66) in Albuquerque irked me a bit. https://youtu.be/2ORphUSaJSE Listen, I understand that Route 66 tourism remains a cottage industry, and that only so many vintage motels can operate in the Duke City. I also realize that … Continue reading It’s demolition, not salvation
Joliet prison may become tourism attraction
The long-closed Joliet Correctional Center, located off Route 66 in Joliet, Ill., and the setting for the opening scene of "The Blues Brothers," is seriously being considered as a tourism site, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune. The Joliet prison opened in the 1850s, and during the early years, inmates were used to build the … Continue reading Joliet prison may become tourism attraction
No friend of Route 66 — again
You have to admit, at least Sen. Tom Coburn is consistent. The Republican U.S. senator from Oklahoma has targeted the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program in his newly published "Oklahoma Waste Report" (pdf document) -- his latest salvo against the much-praised Mother Road program. In one chapter of the report, "Get Your Federal … Continue reading No friend of Route 66 — again
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