The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced 10 cost-share grants totaling more than $103,000 to Route 66 businesses, according to a news release today from the program.
Many of the grants went to renovating or improving historic properties along the Mother Road. The awardees are:
Hualapai Tribal Route 66 Interpretive Project, Peach Springs, Ariz. ($10,000 grant, $10,000 matched by the tribe) — The grant will help with the design, development, and installation of waysides to tell tourists about three historic buildings and Hualapai story of Route 66 for the public. One of those buildings includes the closed John Osterman gas station, which recently was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Flagstaff Route 66 Rest Area Interpretive Project, Flagstaff, Ariz. ($8,750 grant, $8,750 match) — According to the program, the City of Flagstaff “worked with the Arizona Department of Transportation to save a 770-foot long stretch of historic Route 66 that was slated for demolition as part of a road improvement project. The city then connected the historic stretch of concrete roadbed to the Flagstaff Urban Trails System, a citywide network of nonmotorized paths for bicyclists, walkers, hikers, runners, and others. The roadway became a centerpiece of the system when a rest area was developed to celebrate the community’s history with Route 66. The grant will assist with the design, development, and construction of interpretive signs that highlight the regional and local history of Route 66 for local users and travelers to understand and enjoy.”
Historic L Motel rehabilitation, Flagstaff, Ariz. ($9,500 grant, $9,500 match) — This motel was built in 1949 with a stucco exterior in a Pueblo Revival style. “In 1965, it underwent a major change when it was remodeled in the International architectural style, complete with wood canopies, wrought iron posts, and decorative, concrete screen walls. With over 60 years of continuous operation, the L Motel (dba Roadway Inn) has been determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. New owners purchased the property in 2010, and have made significant improvements to the plumbing, electrical system, interior furnishings, and more. The grant project will assist with stucco restoration and replacement of doors to address serious fire and other safety issues.”
Sprague Super Service station window and door restoration, Normal, Ill. ($10,000 grant, $10,000 match) — This unique two-story gas station, built in 1931, also operated as a restaurant and garage. The owner, Terri Ryburn, wants restore the building for use as a cafe and visitor center. Previous Corridor grants helped replace the roof and make the bathrooms compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These funds will help finish rehabilitation of the historic wood frame windows and doors.
Boots Motel roof restoration, Carthage, Mo. ($12,000 grant, $12,000 match) — The Boots Motel, built in 1939, gained new owners last year and reopened to overnight travelers in May after a decade-long hiatus. “The grant project will return the property to its historic appearance by removing a deteriorated pitched roof installed in the 1970s. Once the roof is restored, the building will be secure from the elements and become eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.”
Crestwood Bowl neon sign restoration, Crestwood, Mo. ($9,500 grant, $9,500 match) — The bowling alley, built in the St. Louis suburb in 1957, has changed little. The sign has been inoperative since 2009, and the grant will bring it back to its full glory.
Wagon Wheel Motel roof replacement, Cuba, Mo. ($12,733 grant, $12,733 match) — This 1936 motel has seen ongoing and dramatic improvements since Connie Echols bought it a few years ago. The grant will go toward replacing the roof on the motel’s largest unit.
Circle Cinema facade restoration, Tulsa ($23,261 grant, $23,261 match) — The theater, built in 1928, remains Tulsa’s only theater that dates before the 1960s. It shows independent and art films today. “The grant project will complete facade restoration, including entry doors and ticket window.”
El Vado Motel sign restoration, Albuquerque ($6,500 grant, $6,500 match) — Although the future use of the 1937 motel remains uncertain, its distinctive neon sign will be restored and loaned to the Autry Museum in Los Angeles for its “Route 66 and the Way West” exhibition in 2014. The city is working on “a historically sensitive, economically viable redevelopment of the property,” and the sign will be reinstalled at the property after the Autry exhibition.
Del’s Restaurant electrical upgrades, Tucumcari, N.M. ($1,243 grant, $1,243 match) — This 1956 restaurant received a grant that will aid with electrical improvements to maintain code and safety standards. It previously received grants for restoring its exterior and architectural neon.
More about the cost-share program can be found here. The 2013 grant cycle will begin in January.
UPDATE: If you want to see the PDF document that contains photos of the grant awardees, you can download it here.