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

Several Route 66 cities receive brownfield grants

Several large Route 66 cities will receive brownfield grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "to assess, clean up and redevelop underutilized properties while protecting public health and the environment." According to a news release from the agency, 144 cities will receive a total of $54.3 million. Here are the Route 66 communities that will receive … Continue reading Several Route 66 cities receive brownfield grants

Oklahoma teachers march on Route 66 to demand better education funding

If you've driven on Route 66 between Tulsa and Oklahoma City in the past few days, you may have noticed dozens of people walking along the old Mother Road. Many are schoolteachers who vowed to walk 110 miles on Route 66 in a week's time to demand better pay and better funding of the state's … Continue reading Oklahoma teachers march on Route 66 to demand better education funding

Towns in Oklahoma City metro want to spruce up Route 66

Several towns in the Oklahoma City metro area have pledged to improve the look of Route 66 on the west side. According to a story by KWTV in Oklahoma City: The mayor of Bethany is calling for other cities to assist in fixing the seemingly forgotten highway, Route 66. Oklahoma City, Warr Acres, Bethany and … Continue reading Towns in Oklahoma City metro want to spruce up Route 66

Owl Court in Oklahoma City changes owners

A group of investors has acquired the historic Owl Court motel in Oklahoma City and pledges to revive the property into at least one new business. The Oklahoman reported the group thinks the area, known as the town of Britton before being annexed into Oklahoma City during the 1950s, is ripe for revival: Owl Court … Continue reading Owl Court in Oklahoma City changes owners