The city of Springfield, Ill., is in discussions with the state for funding to buy the Bel-Aire Motel so it can be converted into a Route 66 Discovery Center, reports the Journal-Register.
The motel is still operating, but it’s now a haven of criminal activity.
But both Mayor Tim Davlin and supporters of a statewide, Route 66 master plan released today at a meeting in Municipal Center West said they are not yet certain how much it would cost to purchase and convert the property.
“We don’t have a contract yet, but we think it’s very doable,” said Davlin, who added that the city continues negotiations with the owner of the hotel at 2636 S. Sixth St. Davlin said after the master-plan announcement that he does not want to set artificial deadlines, but that he hopes the purchase could be completed “in a matter of months.”
Davlin also said it is not the city’s intention to own the property, but that the city might serve as the transfer agent to new ownership.
A good picture of the motel’s historic neon sign, complete with a Sputnik-style sign nearby, can be seen here.
And the report also revealed study results of a Route 66 Master Plan for Illinois:
Among the primary goals of the interpretive plan: creation of consistent Route 66 signage in communities along the route, “wayside exhibits” that highlight Route 66 landmarks, interactive displays in “hub” cities such as Springfield, Joliet, Chicago, Lincoln, Bloomington-Normal and Carlinville; digital displays downloadable to cell phones and video/audio devices, and an update visitor’s guide.
I have a copy of the report released today from the Illinois Route 66 Heritage Project. I’ll pass along the findings as soon as I have a chance to peruse the document.
UPDATE: Here are a few more details about what is envisioned for the motel as a visitors site:
- “Neon park.” Restoration of the Bel-Aire Motel’s original signage and the “seal fountain” in front of the motel as a visitor-greeting area.
- “The Fast Lane Theater.” Feature film on history of Route 66, with surround sound, flashing lights, rumbling seats, misters, fans and Route 66 artifacts.
- Exhibit hall on the history of Route 66, including the winding, narrow road’s reputation as “Blood 66” in some sections.
- Popular television shows of the era featured in restored “rooms,” complete with holographic images of guests.
- A vintage reproduction of a gas station.
- Digital audio and visual presentations that could be downloaded to personal media players and cell phones.
It has been sad to see the old place sinking into the pit where it is now. Great news. Hope it goes through.
However, the state has a big deficit to deal with, so it might not happen.
I hope they are able to save the Bel-Aire for this purpose. Something good certainly needs to happen there.
I notice the illustration in the master plan does not show the “sputnik” on the roof. Not taking that graphic too seriously, I hope it too is preserved.