The City of Catoosa, Oklahoma, announced that construction has begun on the transformation of the Blue Whale site, a Route 66 landmark. The city stated in a Facebook post that the dilapidated Ark structure near the whale would be disassembled and stored for future relocation. The gigantic mushrooms behind the Ark were moved off-site so … Continue reading Construction work begins on Blue Whale Park in Catoosa
Category: Preservation
Historic Nob Hill Business Center in Albuquerque lands new owner
The Nob Hill Business Center, a fixture along Albuquerque's Route 66 for more than 75 years, recently landed new owners. Albuquerque-based Heritage Real Estate Co. closed on the property at 3500 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) in mid-March, reported Albuquerque Business First. No purchase price was revealed, but the county assessor's office valued the property … Continue reading Historic Nob Hill Business Center in Albuquerque lands new owner
Allan Affeldt putting Castaneda Hotel, Plaza Hotel on the market
About a decade after he purchased two historic hotels in Las Vegas, New Mexico, owner Allan Affeldt is putting both up for sale. The Las Vegas Optic newspaper reported Affeldt wants to “pass the torch” to the new owners of the Castaneda Hotel and Plaza Hotel as he settles down. Affeldt told the Optic that … Continue reading Allan Affeldt putting Castaneda Hotel, Plaza Hotel on the market
Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow reopens
The Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, California, reopened Saturday after the facility closed last summer. The museum hosted a ceremonial ribbon-cutting that day that included local and federal officials, plus an appearance by a tribute to a band known in "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" musical circles. The museum closed last summer … Continue reading Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow reopens
Casa Grande Hotel building in Elk City finally seeing some upgrades
The historic but long-closed Casa Grande Hotel building in Elk City, Oklahoma, appears to be seeing some improvements after years of standing idle. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association had the scoop: “The plan is to first secure the building by replacing the upper story windows on three sides,” said Don Mullenix, local preservationist. After that, … Continue reading Casa Grande Hotel building in Elk City finally seeing some upgrades
Meteor City Trading Post aims to reopen by Memorial Day weekend
The new owners of the long-closed Meteor City Trading Post west of Winslow, Arizona, have posted photos of their progress in renovating the property -- plus an announcement of a target date of Memorial Day weekend for reopening.' It would be the first time Meteor City was open to the public since 2012. The Facebook … Continue reading Meteor City Trading Post aims to reopen by Memorial Day weekend
Old Riverton Store marks its 100th anniversary today
The Old Riverton Store, formerly known as Eisler Bros. Store and originally Williams Store, in Riverton, Kansas, today marks the 100th anniversary of its opening. Leo and Lora Williams opened it on March 20, 1925 -- more than a year before U.S. 66 officially existed. The store is marking the occasion today with cupcakes. A … Continue reading Old Riverton Store marks its 100th anniversary today
Camp Cajon volunteers to give guided tours on parts of Cajon Pass
Historians of Camp Cajon, a defunct motor camp along Route 66 in Cajon Pass, will offer rare guided hikes to historic trails and roads that went past the historic site in Southern California. The hikes will be offered from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on March 22, reported Mark Landis for the San Bernardino County Sun. … Continue reading Camp Cajon volunteers to give guided tours on parts of Cajon Pass
Longtime Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program director resigns; grants suspended
Kaisa Barthuli, a director for the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program for more than two decades, stepped down last week, and its grant program has been suspended. Barthuli sent an email on March 8, stating that with "sadness and deep gratitude" she was "leaving federal service" that day. Barely a week before, … Continue reading Longtime Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program director resigns; grants suspended
El Don Motel in Albuquerque to undergo an extensive renovation
The El Don Motel along Albuquerque's Route 66 corridor soon will undergo an extensive renovation that will convert it from long-term rentals into a boutique motel. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reported that native resident Randy Bowen recently acquired the 24-unit property at 2222 Central Ave. (aka Route 66). “So the plan for it right now is … Continue reading El Don Motel in Albuquerque to undergo an extensive renovation