Oklahoma City’s first-ever historic preservation plan is posted online

In October, The Oklahoman reported about a forthcoming and first-ever historic preservation plan for Oklahoma City. The newspaper reported: The 141-page draft was reviewed last week in a workshop attended by members of the city council, the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning Commission.It is entering a period of public comment, heading toward hearings by … Continue reading Oklahoma City’s first-ever historic preservation plan is posted online

Drive-through demolished at Gold Dome of Oklahoma City

Work crews this week razed the drive-through portion of the historic Gold Dome in Oklahoma City, but the situation is not as grave as you might think. Several media outlets reported the drive-through part of the former bank along Route 66 is not historic and actually was hampering efforts to secure and market the property. … Continue reading Drive-through demolished at Gold Dome of Oklahoma City

Lake Overholser Bridge in OKC closed to traffic after problem found

The Lake Overholser Bridge in Oklahoma City recently was closed to vehicular traffic after an inspector found a problem in the historic Route 66 span. Longtime Route 66 advocate Kathy Anderson posted this message on Facebook from Melvena Heisch, a recently retired Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Officer: All, just heard back from the City Planning … Continue reading Lake Overholser Bridge in OKC closed to traffic after problem found

More screenings announced for “Almost Ghosts” Route 66 documentary

The filmmakers of the "Almost Ghosts" documentary have announced more screenings of the film at several historic theaters on or near Route 66. A screen-capture image of Angel Delgadillo in the "Almost Ghosts" film. The Flagstaff screening will feature one of the film's subjects, Angel "Angel of Route 66" Delgadillo, speaking before the movie. At … Continue reading More screenings announced for “Almost Ghosts” Route 66 documentary

Motel in El Reno destroyed by tornado; at least 2 dead

A tornado flattened the Budget Inn Motel along Route 66 in El Reno, Oklahoma, and killed at least two people. The twister also hit a trailer park and several businesses along the U.S. 81 (aka Route 66) corridor in the city about 10:30 p.m. Saturday, The Oklahoman reported. “I think El Reno Oklahoma needs a … Continue reading Motel in El Reno destroyed by tornado; at least 2 dead

Los Angeles group buys gay-friendly Habana Inn in Oklahoma City

The Habana Inn, the "largest gay resort in the Southwest" that recently marked its 50th anniversary in Oklahoma City, recently was sold to a Los Angeles ownership group. According to a story filed by the Associated Press, Alternatives Resorts bought the 170-room Habana Inn for $2.4 million. More from the AP story: Alternatives Resorts spokesman … Continue reading Los Angeles group buys gay-friendly Habana Inn in Oklahoma City

Yukon begins construction of bicycle trail along Route 66

The city of Yukon, Oklahoma, on Tuesday broke ground for a bicycle trail that will run to Lake Overholser in Oklahoma City along Route 66. The trail should be ready for use by midsummer. News 9 in Oklahoma City reports the $827,000 bike trail will begin in Dickinson Park, run along the south side of … Continue reading Yukon begins construction of bicycle trail along Route 66

Pops site closes in Nichols Hills area of Oklahoma City

A Pops satellite store in north Oklahoma City closed just before Christmas, although the original restaurant and convenience store that features 600 flavors of soda and a 66-foot-tall LED soda bottle along Route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma, continues to run. The Pops site at 6447 Avondale Drive in the Nichols Hills section of Oklahoma City … Continue reading Pops site closes in Nichols Hills area of Oklahoma City

Extensive makeover planned for OKC’s Donnay Building

The historic and uniquely designed Donnay Building of Oklahoma City, recently saved from the wrecking ball by preservationists, soon will undergo an extensive makeover by its new owners. The Oklahoma Gazette reported in an exclusive story on what also is known as Classen Circle: In January, Classen Circle LLC’s Josh Thomas and Scott Mueller purchased … Continue reading Extensive makeover planned for OKC’s Donnay Building

Route 66 signs among Preservation Oklahoma’s Most Endangered list

Route 66 signs throughout Oklahoma were among the places included in the annual Most Endangered Historic Places list by Preservation Oklahoma. The list was announced Monday in Oklahoma City. The organization said about the list: Since 1993, Preservation Oklahoma has recognized historic sites across the state at risk of demolition or deterioration, raising awareness of … Continue reading Route 66 signs among Preservation Oklahoma’s Most Endangered list