The Clinton (Oklahoma) Economic Development Authority officially authorized city manager Robert Johnston to open bids to tear down the remaining structures of the closed Glancy Motel property during a special meeting last week, though the motel’s distinctive sign will be preserved.
According to the print edition of the Clinton Daily News, the property along Route 66 will be used as the new headquarters of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
“Since our last meeting, the city manager met with the chief of the Department of Public Safety over the Glancy property and they have decided it is in everyone’s best interest to move forward quickly with the final demolition of the Glancy,” said Economic Development Director Roland Mower. “So, it is my recommendation we move forward on the demolition of the property.” […]
While remaining structures on the property are expected to be demolished in the coming months, an ongoing discussion surrounding the Glancy’s famous sign will continue.
“With this demolition we are not talking about the sign,” said Mayor David Berrong. “My understanding is
that there is possible grant money out there to help us with this and that. Anthony (Moore, state representative) has reached out to the lieutenant governor for help with that.”“I agree that we need to keep the sign saved as best we can,” said Chairman Ken Baker. “That could possibly include taking it down and keeping it in a safe place until we figure out what we want to do with it.”
One of the possible options discussed is moving the sign to the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, but no such agreement has been made.
The imminent teardown of the Glancy Motel is a bitter turn of events for many Route 66ers. Less than two years ago, the authority planned to let a local developer restore the motel and rebuild the adjacent Pop Hicks restaurant before Route 66’s centennial in 2026.
But the developer backed away from the project about a year later, and other proposals apparently weren’t as attractive as the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s.
The Glancy Motel at 217 W. Gary Blvd. (aka Route 66) closed after it was condemned by the city in 2019 for numerous code violations. The motel was built in 1950.
A fire destroyed the iconic Pop Hicks restaurant next door to the motel 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)