The historic Boots Motel on Route 66 in Carthage, Mo., has been named one of the 10 Most Endangered Roadside Places in 2011 by the Society for Commercial Archaeology, according to a news release today.
The motel, which dates to 1939, was closed in 2003 after a local developer purchased it, reportedly so it could make way for a Walgreens drugstore.
That reputed plan was abandoned after historic preservationists, Route 66 fans, and the Carthage newspaper protested.
The building has been used as apartments since, and recently was listed for sale for $225,000.
According to the news release from the society:
The list showcases the diversity of roadside places and highlights the issues and challenges facing preservation of these important resources. Threats can include natural weathering, economic hardship, neglect, abandonment, inappropriate zoning, lack of maintenance, demolition and even a setback to a project to preserve a roadside place. […]
“Our goal is to focus public attention on the unique character and historical importance of our nation’s roadside commercial architecture—and the factors that challenge their long-term preservation,” says Nancy Sturm, co-president of the organization.
Along with the attention, SCA will help property owners connect with local, state and federal preservation programs.
And here’s the society’s description of the Boots:
Boots Motel, 107 S Garrison Avenue (old US 66), Carthage, Missouri
Built in 1939 by Arthur G. Boots, this Streamline Moderne-influenced motel, with its once distinct pink and green neon, evolved into a Route 66 icon. After Arthur’s wife, Ilda Boots, passed away, the motel was sold several times. The most recent owner tried to negotiate a deal with Walgreens to build a new store on the property, but Route 66 advocates and community members rallied to save the motel from demolition. Walgreens decided to build elsewhere, and while the motel remains, its maintenance has ceased and it is now used for long-term rentals. Damaged by a storm, its broken neon dangles from the building; the vacancy sign on the office reads only “ANCY.” The property is again for sale. Ron Hart of the Carthage-based Route 66 Chamber of Commerce is looking into purchasing the property to preserve it as a vintage motel, and potentially a museum. But until that happens, the future of this Route 66 landmark is unknown.
Contact: Ron Hart, Route 66 Chamber of Commerce, (417) 385-6966
Here are the other endangered roadside attractions:
- Airplane Filling Station, Knoxville, Tenn.
- Bartles-Maguire/Wadhams Service Station, Waukesha, Wis.
- Buckhorn Baths, Mesa, Ariz.
- Diving Lady, Mesa, Ariz.
- Doo Wop Motels, the Wildwoods, N.J.
- Giant Santa, Haubstadt, Ind.
- Premiere Lanes Sign, Santa Fe Springs, Calif.
- Roundtop Filling Station, Sherwood, Ark.
- Wagon Wheel Motel, Oxnard, Calif. (destroyed)
This is great news as the Route 66 Chamber is actively hoping to either acquire the Motel or find another buyer who would restore it. I will be providing Ron Warnick information on this very soon, as an inspection of the structure and utilities is pending. To further promote the Motel, a new website for the Motel is under construction, and you can follow our progress and restoration plans at http://www.bootsmotel.com. Thanks.