There are many libraries across the country that are 100 years old or older. But the one in Atlanta, Ill., is distinct. First, it sports an unusual octagon shape. Second, it not only serves as a library, but also as the town's historical museum, which includes Route 66. The Atlanta library turns 100 in March. … Continue reading Atlanta library to mark 100th year
Category: Preservation
Applications being taken for preservation cost-share grants
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced a few days ago that it is now accepting applications for cost-share grants that will be awarded later this year. According to an e-mail from deputy program manager Kaisa Barthuli: Applications may be submitted to the program office until April 11, 2008. Awards will be announced on or … Continue reading Applications being taken for preservation cost-share grants
Judge urges compromise with El Vado Motel
Here's a brief from Wednesday's Albuquerque Journal about the continuing fight to preserve El Vado Motel: A state district judge advised developer Richard Gonzales and the city of Albuquerque on Tuesday to seek a compromise in their dispute over El Vado Motel. Gonzales is seeking a demolition permit to tear down at least part of … Continue reading Judge urges compromise with El Vado Motel
El Vado Motel earns city landmark status — barely
That was a close one. The Albuquerque City Council voted 5-4 Monday night to award city landmark status to El Vado Motel, giving it some protection against being torn down to make way for luxury townhouses. The vote followed more than two hours of sometimes-disjointed discussions that Councilor Don Harris labeled "a train wreck." The … Continue reading El Vado Motel earns city landmark status — barely
Councilor thinks El Vado will be preserved
The Albuquerque Tribune published a story today about the city council's meeting Monday on whether to again designate El Vado Motel a city landmark, thus protecting it from destruction. One councilor is confident the council will follow the Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission's unanimous recommendation and grant the designation. Councilor Isaac Benton said he expects … Continue reading Councilor thinks El Vado will be preserved
Blue Whale cleanup
The half-dozen or so volunteers at the Oklahoma Route 66 Association's cleanup day at the Blue Whale of Catoosa found that a lot of the work had already been done by Tuesday morning. Trees surrounding the famous whale and pond lost many limbs during last month's severe ice storm. Many of the broken branches precariously … Continue reading Blue Whale cleanup
Restoration of Rialto Square Theatre begins
About 18 months ago, we passed on the news that a local group was trying to raise $5 million to renovate the historic Rialto Square Theatre of Joliet, Ill., which is saddled between lanes of Route 66 and is a stone's throw from the Lincoln Highway. The Joliet Herald News reports that the fundraising continues, … Continue reading Restoration of Rialto Square Theatre begins
Join discussion about El Vado
I'm a member of the Duke City Fix blog collective based in Albuquerque, and I posted the latest news about El Vado Motel. Considering it's iffy on whether El Vado can return as a motel if it's saved, I asked for suggestions on other ways El Vado can be re-used, yet keep its historic look. … Continue reading Join discussion about El Vado
City Council will decide on El Vado on Jan. 7
A few weeks ago, Albuquerque's Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission unanimously recommended that the historic El Vado Motel on Route 66 be designated a city landmark to protect it from demolition. Today, I learned the Albuquerque City Council will decide whether to officially designate El Vado as a city landmark during its Jan. 7 meeting. … Continue reading City Council will decide on El Vado on Jan. 7
Rezoning approved for Cool Springs Camp
The restoration and revitalization of Cool Springs Camp between Kingman and Oatman, Ariz., will continue after the county's Planning and Zoning Commission approved the historic Route 66 site's rezoning, reports the Kingman Daily Miner. Sounds like the commission is enthusiastic about owner Ned Leutchner's efforts: Commissioner Joe Bibich said he thought the project was great. … Continue reading Rezoning approved for Cool Springs Camp