Wagon Wheel Motel gets a new owner September 16, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Motels, Preservation.trackback
The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Mo., an architecturally significant motel which has continuously operated on Route 66 since 1934, has a new owner.
Connie Echols, who owns The Wildflower florist and gift shop on Route 66 in Cuba, took possession of the motel Tuesday from the heirs of longtime owners Pauline and Harold Armstrong. According to a news release, Echols plans to renovate the modernize the motel while keeping its historic integrity.
“I want a clean, modern motel at a reasonable price that will continue to appeal to groups and Route 66 travelers,” Echols said.
The motel, famous for its stone cabins and neon wagon-wheel sign, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The old cafe building of the Wagon Wheel Motel.
Echols also is restoring the building in front of the cottages that served as the Wagon Wheel Cafe until the 1950s to its original appearance. The café building will be used as a gift shop and a motel office.
Echols plans to update the guest rooms’ bathrooms, bedding, and other amenities. Renovations will be done in phases as the motel continues to operate. She hopes to finish the renovations by spring.
As rooms are upgraded and put into use, the motel’s current rates of $17 to $20 a night will be raised. The motel can still be contacted at 573-885-3411.
(Photos by Route 66 News, Jane Reed and Guy Randall.)
Excellent news!
[...] Connie Echols, who bought the motel in fall 2009, said three rooms will be available for overnight guests beginning this weekend, and all 12 units [...]
[...] bought the property two years ago. The Wagon Wheel, built in 1934, earned fame for its distinctive architecture and, [...]