The long-abandoned St. Mary Carmelite Catholic Church in downtown Joliet, Ill., may be converted into senior-citizen housing instead of being demolished, reported the Chicago Tribune. Chicago-based Celadon Holdings has plans to renovate the church and develop a 60-unit residential facility with the top units enjoying the gothic ceiling of the church, said Scott Henry, a Celadon principal. [...] Plans … Continue reading Abandoned church may be converted into senior housing
Category: Preservation
Pale Blue Whale
Do not adjust your computer screen. No, the Blue Whale has not died, so you're not seeing a ghost. And the Blue Whale hasn't turned pale because he saw a giant harpoon. But the Route 66 landmark in Catoosa, Okla., is undergoing an extensive repair and repaint job by Bill Haynes Co. of nearby Tulsa. … Continue reading Pale Blue Whale
Restoration work begins on Luna Cafe sign
Restoration work on the vintage neon sign at the Luna Cafe in Mitchell, Ill., began Thursday when it was removed and taken to a restoration shop in St. Charles, Mo. Jim Thole of the Route 66 Association of Missouri says it will take six to eight weeks to restore the sign. He thinks a relighting … Continue reading Restoration work begins on Luna Cafe sign
A bridge that died from a lack of upkeep
Big machines are tearing down the historic Bird Creek Bridge that carried U.S. Highway 66 near Catoosa, Okla. A more nondescript bridge will replace the deteriorated but distinctive 1936 truss bridge. Soon, one-half of the scenic Twin Bridges vista will be gone forever. It didn't have to be this way. A report by two engineers … Continue reading A bridge that died from a lack of upkeep
Sisters take possession of Boots Motel
Two sisters officially took over ownership on Wednesday of the Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., pledging to reopen at least part of the 1939 property by spring. Debye Harvey of Georgia and Priscilla Bledsaw of Illinois had the electricity and water turned back on at the Route 66 property, and will spend the rest of this … Continue reading Sisters take possession of Boots Motel
Financing for Boots Motel purchase is secured
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
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