The historic Sonrise Donuts signs that sat atop a building along Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois, for 70 years were removed from their perch Monday. But don't worry. The neon signs won't be going to the metal-shredding facility. The city of Springfield, which purchased the signs for $22,000 during an online auction in December, eventually … Continue reading Sonrise Donuts signs in Springfield come down, will be restored
Category: Preservation
Tulsa’s neon-sign grant program begins April 1
The Tulsa Route 66 Commission soon will begin its fledgling neon-sign program with $40,000 in the bank for starters. According to Public Radio Tulsa, the city recently gave approval for the grant program to begin along Route 66: "It’ll be up to a dollar-for-dollar match. Whoever is creating this sign, the applicant is going to have … Continue reading Tulsa’s neon-sign grant program begins April 1
County awards grant to help with De Anza Motor Lodge project
Bernalillo County recently awarded a $350,000 grant to help build infrastructure for the redevelopment of the historic De Anza Motor Lodge in Albuquerque. The Associated Press reports county commissioners unanimously approved the grant to developers Anthea @ Nob Hill LLC to rebuild the Route 66 motel into a boutique motel. According to a document from … Continue reading County awards grant to help with De Anza Motor Lodge project
Tulsa Route 66 Commission not giving up on Brookshire Motel
Despite a fire that damaged a main building at the closed Brookshire Motel last week, the Tulsa Route 66 Commission still is not giving up on redeveloping the historic Route 66 property. According to a story by Public Radio Tulsa, a fire scorched the interior of the main office building, but the walls and roof … Continue reading Tulsa Route 66 Commission not giving up on Brookshire Motel
Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa expected to reopen by April
The Pecos Theatre along the original Route 66 in downtown Santa Rosa, New Mexico, is expected to reopen in April after a lengthy renovation by Guadalupe County, the owner of the historic property. The most recent print edition of The Communicator newspaper in Santa Rosa, citing county manager Kenneth Flores, had the scoop: Last week, … Continue reading Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa expected to reopen by April
Monterey Motel may become Albuquerque historic landmark
The Monterey Motel, once known as the Monterey Non-Smokers Motel, has been nominated as an Albuquerque historic landmark. According to a story from KRQE-TV, the city's Landmarks Commission will discuss the Monterey Motel nomination on Feb. 13. If the commission approves it, it moves on to final approval to the city council. Here's the story … Continue reading Monterey Motel may become Albuquerque historic landmark
U.S. House passes Route 66 Centennial Commission Act
The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 66, known as the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act, with wide bipartisan support Wednesday. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), who sponsored the bill, made this statement after the House advanced the bill: "Route 66 is a symbol of American independence and prosperity. I am proud to have America’s … Continue reading U.S. House passes Route 66 Centennial Commission Act
The key player in Tulsa’s 11th Street revitalization
A few days ago, the Tulsa World newspaper ran a column about local developer Aaron Meek and the recent opening of Meadow Gold lofts near the historic Meadow Gold sign along Route 66 in Tulsa. Meek's father and two uncles once owned Meek's Furniture along 11th Street (aka Route 66) until the neighborhood declined and … Continue reading The key player in Tulsa’s 11th Street revitalization
Woody’s Diner in Miami is up for sale
The historic Woody's Diner along Route 66 in Miami, Oklahoma, is for sale for $330,000 as a turnkey operation. The Joplin Globe reports the 1930s diner at 227 S. Main St. (aka Route 66) contains all the kitchen equipment and seating as part of the sale. It also was renovated in 2009 and professionally cleaned … Continue reading Woody’s Diner in Miami is up for sale
Tulsa Route 66 group advocates repairing, reopening 11th Street Bridge
While a lot of talk percolated about it in recent years, the Tulsa Route 66 Commission recently made it official -- it wants to reopen the historic but long-closed 11th Street Bridge, at least to pedestrian traffic. Several reasons exist for the group to become bigger bridge advocates. Next year, the city is scheduled to … Continue reading Tulsa Route 66 group advocates repairing, reopening 11th Street Bridge