The Powerhouse Visitors Center on Route 66 in Kingman, Ariz., earned a $220,241 federal grant to renovate and reorganize the facility, reports the Kingman Daily Miner.
Another $55,000 will come from the local Economic Tourism and Development Commission and the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona for the project.
These changes include moving the visitors’ service desk to the front doors away from the corner it currently occupies, expanding the Powerhouse’s literature racks, adding a 24-hour information kiosk outside, and constructing an exterior shaded canopy and rest area, among others.
“They’re looking at redoing the signage, both interior and exterior – banners, directional signage,” said Rob Owen, Kingman’s Public Works director.
“They’re looking at new display units for local businesses, tour information, all that kind of stuff. The whole purpose of the grant is to improve the visitor experience.”
The improvements will also add a café/rest area to the Powerhouse complete with seating and vending machines for tourists, as well as new countertops and desktops. Museum displays will also be added or retooled to focus more on Kingman’s heritage, as well as its relationship with historic Route 66.
The project is expected to begin in as little as six months.
UPDATE: I received an update about other federal money affecting Route 66 sites in Arizona. John Murphey of the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program said a grant will be used to assess a preservation plan for the Navajo County Courthouse in Holbrook, plus develop a Byways plan for the route.