The large neon gateway sign on Route 66 on Albuquerque's west side recently received a facelift. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reports that the city’s Department of Municipal Development joined with Zeon Signs to restore the sign at Central Avenue and 65th Street. The company said they cleaned out the whole sign, repainted it, and added new … Continue reading Route 66 gateway neon sign on Central Avenue in Albuquerque is restored
Category: Preservation
Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign glows again for the first time in a half-century
The neon sign for the long-closed Road Runner's Retreat truck stop near Chambless, California, glowed again Saturday night for the first time in about 50 years. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route Association, was one of the people with his camera at the relighting ceremony: Here's a reel that shows the sign's animation of … Continue reading Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign glows again for the first time in a half-century
Historic La Posada de Santa Fe hotel listed for sale
The more than century-old La Posada de Santa Fe hotel in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been listed for sale. The property, which dates to the 1880s, is being listed by Hunter Hotel Advisors. Albuquerque Business First got the scoop on the story. The online listing didn't publicly list an asking price. But the … Continue reading Historic La Posada de Santa Fe hotel listed for sale
Storm-damaged Meramac Caverns barn near Chandler is restored
A small barn along Route 66 near Chandler, Oklahoma, that was damaged by a storm 2 1/2 years ago recently was restored. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association reported that the barn's roof and half of its mural were torn off during a windstorm in April 2023, putting it at risk of demolition. The Association sprang … Continue reading Storm-damaged Meramac Caverns barn near Chandler is restored
Museum of Northern Arizona soon will open an exhibit on the history of Route 66 in state
The Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff will open a Route 66 exhibit that runs from Nov. 16 to Oct. 26, 2026. The Arizona Daily Sun reported: Called “Wagon Road to Mother Road,” the exhibit looks at the way travel has affected landscapes and communities in northern Arizona, from the Beale Wagon Road to Route … Continue reading Museum of Northern Arizona soon will open an exhibit on the history of Route 66 in state
Sapulpa’s downtown parking plan threatens several historic buildings
A consultant for the city of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, has proposed tearing down five historic buildings in the downtown area to address parking concerns. The plan comes in the wake of a survey of residents by Planning Consultant Scott Bruce, which focused on a lack of parking on Dewey Avenue (aka Route 66) and easy access … Continue reading Sapulpa’s downtown parking plan threatens several historic buildings
Auction of Museum Club’s contents canceled, will be included in asking price of property
An auction scheduled for Nov. 8 for the contents of the historic Museum Club in Flagstaff, Arizona, was abruptly canceled on Friday, and it appears those will be included with the asking price of the property. The Arizona Daily Sun reported on Friday about the auction's cancellation, but had few other details. The Museum Club's … Continue reading Auction of Museum Club’s contents canceled, will be included in asking price of property
Report: City of Springfield waited until day of Rancho Court’s teardown to give other options
Last week, we learned the historic Rancho Court motel in Springfield, Missouri, was torn down. This week, Steve Pokin of the Springfield Daily Citizen used his usual shoe-leather skills to find out why the razing of the Route 66 landmark occurred. The gist: The city didn't provide other options for the owner until the day … Continue reading Report: City of Springfield waited until day of Rancho Court’s teardown to give other options
Timber Creek Bridge near Sayre is undergoing minor repairs
The historic and distinctive Timber Creek Bridge along old Route 66 near Sayre, Oklahoma, is getting some TLC from state transportation officials. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association reported this about the yellow truss bridge that's almost 100 years old: In recent days, work crews have been spotted out at the Timber Creek Bridge, and the … Continue reading Timber Creek Bridge near Sayre is undergoing minor repairs
Community members in Sayre helping Western Motel raise funds to restore neon sign
Folks in Sayre, Oklahoma, are helping the owners of the Western Motel raise money to restore its long-dark neon sign. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association reports that Chetan “Charley” Patel and his wife Chhaya, who have owned the Route 66 motel for over 15 years, applied for and were awarded about an $18,000 Neon Sign … Continue reading Community members in Sayre helping Western Motel raise funds to restore neon sign