The Clinton, Oklahoma, Economic Development Authority unanimously turned down two plans to redevelop the historic Glancy Motel, signaling the board is seriously considering a recent proposal from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to use the building.
The turn of events is a disappointing one for Route 66 enthusiasts. About a year ago, the authority was considering a plan that would have restored the closed Route 66 motel and rebuilt the adjoining Pop Hicks restaurant before the highway’s centennial in 2026.
Now it appears the plan very likely won’t happen at all.
According to the Clinton Daily News (subscription required), the city’s economic development director, Roland Mowrer, recommended the rejection of both proposals for the property:
“My original recommendation was to accept Commonwealth Development’s proposal but after lots of discussion and no unanimous thought at our last meeting, I am modifying my recommendation and recommending that we reject both proposals.
“If rejected, I recommend we reopen our RFP (Request for Proposals) or move forward with demolition and follow trustees’ direction for other development opportunities.”
Commonwealth, which specializes in redeveloping historic properties, wanted apartments there, but trustee Keith Ventris said residents didn’t want that in the neighborhood. He said the authority could revisit the two proposals and the OHP’s idea for the property at its January meeting.
Two local residents also submitted the other plan, which was to restore 18 rooms on the property’s west side and use the north side for an RV park and vintage trailer rentals.
Local oilman Rick Koch originally had planned a year ago to restore the Glancy Motel and the long-defunct and neighboring Pop Hicks restaurant, but he backed away from the project so he could concentrate on the closed Whitten Inn, formerly a Ramada Inn, on the city’s west side near Interstate 40.
The Glancy Motel at 217 W. Gary Blvd. (aka Route 66) was condemned by the city in 2019 in the wake of numerous code violations. The motel was built in 1950 and remodeled in 2007.
A fire destroyed the iconic Pop Hicks restaurant in 1999. Pop Hicks never was rebuilt because it lacked insurance. The restaurant opened in 1936.
(Image of the Glancy Motel in Clinton, Oklahoma, via Facebook)
Who was the one 66 enthusiast that to preserve the area? Is there any organized resistance to this? Is there anyone to contact? What the hell is wrong with that town. We have dumped tons of money into Clinton and they can’t figure a way to preserve its main Rt66 attraction? Why in the hell is okla state highway patrol bidding on this site to tear it down when the rest of the state government is supposed to be preserving cultural tourism? Is there anyone we can contact? Where the hell is all of okla 66 enthusiasts on this and why haven’t they spoken out? Damn