Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on Thursday announced the creation of a $4 million grant program "for the development of tourism, education, preservation, and promotion of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66" in 2026. According to a news release from the state government: This funding opportunity supports … Continue reading Illinois announces $4 million grant program for Route 66
Category: Preservation
Tulsa’s Center of the Universe plaza to undergo renovations
The Center of the Universe, a spot on a bridge in downtown Tulsa that creates an audio anomaly to anyone who stands on it, soon will undergo repairs and is seeking public input on how to do it. Brian Kurtz, president and CEO of the Downtown Tulsa Partnership, has been working on a plan for … Continue reading Tulsa’s Center of the Universe plaza to undergo renovations
Cost-share grant season opens for Route 66 Corrodor Preservation Program
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced Wednesday the season for its annual cost-share grant program has opened. "Grants can assist with preservation planning, National Register nominations, preservation and rehabilitation work on eligible historic sites, and/or research and educational outreach initiatives," said program director Kaisa Barthuli. Last year, the program awarded about $103,000 worth of … Continue reading Cost-share grant season opens for Route 66 Corrodor Preservation Program
Amarillo group gives Braceros Downtown a $20,000 grant to restore neon sign
The Braceros Downtown restaurant in Amarillo recently received a $20,000 grant from Center City of Amarillo to help restore its big neon sign. The Amarillo Globe-News reported last week the nonprofit organization presented Jaime Santillá, owner of the restaurant, with the grant after he completed extensive interior and exterior work on the 1927 structure at … Continue reading Amarillo group gives Braceros Downtown a $20,000 grant to restore neon sign
Route 66 matchbook cover database is looking for more submissions
A group of Route 66 enthusiasts has amassed an online image collection of about 650 matchbox covers from businesses in Texas that existed along the Mother Road, and they now looking for submissions from the other seven states. Phil Gordon stated in an email that contributors who scanned and uploaded images of the matchcovers have … Continue reading Route 66 matchbook cover database is looking for more submissions
Reconstruction of Pony Bridge near Bridgeport won’t start until June
Those traveling Route 66 during the first half of 2022 have good news: The reconstruction project that will close the Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, for at least two years won't begin until June. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association on Facebook passed along the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's updated word about the bridge project this … Continue reading Reconstruction of Pony Bridge near Bridgeport won’t start until June
Carlinville beefs up facade grant program partly due to coming Route 66 centennial
The City of Carlinville, Illinois, is doubling the amount of money available in its facade grant program because it wants its historic downtown to look good during Route 66's centennial in 2026. The Journal-Courier reports the city usually sets aside $10,000 for the program, but it is doubling it for the 2022-2023 fiscal year by … Continue reading Carlinville beefs up facade grant program partly due to coming Route 66 centennial
City of Clinton to sell its 1939 fire station along Route 66
The City of Clinton, Oklahoma, transferred its ownership of a distinctive 80-year-old fire station to the Clinton Industrial Authority, which in turn likely will sell it. The building at 523 W. Gary Blvd., aka Route 66, changed hands during the city council meeting last week, reported the Clinton Daily News (subscription required). “This is the … Continue reading City of Clinton to sell its 1939 fire station along Route 66
Ozark Court motel sign to be restored, planned for Route 66 exhibit in 2025
A recent Instagram post answered a question: What happened to the Ozark Court motel sign in St. Clair, Missouri, that disappeared from Route 66 almost 20 years ago? A collector with extensive historical ties to the St. Louis region procured the sign, which he plans to include in a Route 66 exhibit at the National … Continue reading Ozark Court motel sign to be restored, planned for Route 66 exhibit in 2025
Clinton agency completes deal for Glancy Motel, Pop Hicks development
The director of the Clinton Economic Development Authority confirmed Tuesday it had completed the deal to buy the Glancy Motel and Pop Hicks properties in Clinton, Oklahoma, and turn it over to a local developer to renovate or rebuild them. The Clinton Daily News (subscription required) reported the finalization of the acquisition from CEDA director … Continue reading Clinton agency completes deal for Glancy Motel, Pop Hicks development