Students from Drury University in Springfield, Mo., presented a final proposal Monday to revitalize the downtown area of Carthage, Mo., according to the Carthage Press.
The plan includes the renovation and reopening of several R0ute 66 landmarks. A map of the proposal reveals a restored Boots Motel and the long-closed Boots Drive-In restaurant, a Route 66 museum, a Route 66 neon shop, and a Route 66 marker.
Parts of the plan include preserving and restoring the Boots Motel, which has been a goal of many in the city for some time. It’s a goal that has taken on new urgency now that the Route 66 icon is on the market. […]
The plan includes public transportation to connect downtown Carthage to the south business district and the parks on the east and west sides of town, and walking and biking trails throughout town to promote a more active lifestyle.
One big change in the plan is extending the sidewalks on the Carthage Square out into the street, reducing the driving lane to one lane and parking to the side facing the businesses on the outside of the Square.
The goal is to create a more pedestrian-friendly Square that might feature coffee shops and bistros. To make up for the lost parking, the plan includes parking closer to the Carthage Courthouse on the east side of the building, and a multi-level parking garage south of the Square, connected by a covered walkway where the gap now exists on the south side of the Square.
A 160-page book of the proposal will be given to a city committee later this week. The Carthage Downtown Visioning Committee will meet in June to discuss the plan.