The City of El Reno, Oklahoma, is under contract to buy a former gas station at Sunset Drive (aka Route 66) and Choctaw Avenue for $150,000 and is seeking a state Route 66 grant to improve that corner in time for the highway’s centennial in 2026.
The city also plans to upgrade its Mother Road Plaza and Petree Plaza, across the street from the gas station, reported the El Reno Tribune (subscription required).
The plaza is the site of a popular Route 66 monument photo op. The city also seeks a state Route 66 grant for that site.
More from the newspaper:
The city plans to make the large mural painted on the wall along the east edge of the property visible so it can also attract photographers. Officials believe the mural will be another attractive stop for travelers along Route 66. […]
Jensen said city staff has looked into possibly creating a visitors center at the former gas station. […]
Sandidge said the grant requests for what would be known as The Filling Station as well as the Mother Road/Petree Plaza improvements are separate, but the goal is to have them both accepted.
“The idea, if awarded one or both, we would complete construction before 2026 in order to have our best foot forward for the world to see during the centennial,” Sandidge said.
The Filling Station grant requests $1.24 million with a total project cost of $1.38 million. The Mother Road/Petree Plaza grant seeks $1.396 million with an estimated project cost of $1.55 million.
The Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program in Oklahoma offers an initial $6.6 million in funding. Grants are expected to be announced this spring.
(Artist’s renderings of the gas station and Mother Road/Petree Plaza via City of El Reno)