The Motel DuBeau in Flagstaff, Arizona, still is going after 95 years, and the owners hope to have its famous tower sign fully relighted by Route 66's centennial in 2026. Peter Corbett, a longtime reporter on Route 66 businesses in Arizona, recently posted a story on the motel in the Flagstaff Business News. John and … Continue reading Motel DuBeau in Flagstaff marks its 95th year
Category: Preservation
Grand reopening set for Nov. 20 at The Imperial motel in Albuquerque
The reborn Imperial Inn motel in Albuquerque, also known as simply The Imperial, is holding its grand reopening celebration from 3 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 20. KOB-TV in Albuquerque the celebration will include tours of the motel's retail spaces, some of which are still available for rent. The motel's website states: This 1960's gem … Continue reading Grand reopening set for Nov. 20 at The Imperial motel in Albuquerque
Clifton’s Republic in downtown Los Angeles reopens after year-long closure
Clifton's Republic, formerly the long-running Clifton's Cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles, recently reopened after it was closed for renovations for about a year. Time Out magazine recently went to the venue and filed a report: Once you enter off Broadway, you’ll find yourself in the split-level Brookdale Dining Hall. (The classic cafeteria, much to the … Continue reading Clifton’s Republic in downtown Los Angeles reopens after year-long closure
“66 Unlimited: The Road to 100” full-length documentary begins pre-production
Film director Charles Black announced he has begun pre-production on "66 Unlimited: The Road to 100," a feature-length documentary that celebrates the highway's upcoming centennial. Black stated in a news release the film will highlight "its ongoing role as a vibrant symbol of America's resilience, community, and pioneering spirit." As we approach the 100th anniversary … Continue reading “66 Unlimited: The Road to 100” full-length documentary begins pre-production
Ariston Cafe in Litchfield wins state Centennial Award
The Ariston Cafe along Route 66 in Litchfield, Illinois, recently received the Centennial Award from the Illinois State Historical Society. This honor celebrates the restaurant's century-long commitment to serving the community and preserving a unique piece of Illinois heritage, according to The Journal-News. Jeff Dunn of the Illinois State Historical Society presented the award. The … Continue reading Ariston Cafe in Litchfield wins state Centennial Award
“BLVD” Cafe sign moved from closed Barstow museum to Duarte Historical Museum
The "BLVD" Cafe sign is back in the town where it once stood. The sign was on loan from the Duarte Historical Society in Duarte, California, to the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, California, for about 30 years. But after the museum closed earlier this year, Duarte historian Alan Heller recalled the sign was … Continue reading “BLVD” Cafe sign moved from closed Barstow museum to Duarte Historical Museum
Donnay Building in OKC largely being rebuilt from scratch
The historic Donnay Building in Oklahoma City is almost entirely being rebuilt after its new owners decided its piecework, Frankenstein-like construction wasn't worth salvaging. The Oklahoman newspaper reports developer Nick Preftakes and partner Caleb Hill, after purchasing the property for $1.5 million, decided to gut the interior after assessing its long-ago additions, repairs and fire … Continue reading Donnay Building in OKC largely being rebuilt from scratch
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program grants include Osterman Station
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced four cost-share grants for 2024, including to the Osterman Station in Peach Springs, Arizona, and the so-called Ski Slope House in Daggett, California. Here are the details of the grants from the Nation Park Service: -- Osterman Station rehabilitation, $30,000 grant, $30,000 cost-share match. In 1929, Swedish immigrant … Continue reading Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program grants include Osterman Station
St. Robert Route 66 Neon Park slated to open in spring 2025
A long-planned St. Robert Route 66 Neon Park along the highway in St. Robert, Missouri, is under construction and scheduled to open sometime in spring 2025. The Pulaski County Tourism Bureau and Visitors Center recently posted this video of the neon park being built: https://youtu.be/3qQHZ3oDUKg?si=59YqL7yYWjMU1kYk According to the tourism bureau, the park will contain restored … Continue reading St. Robert Route 66 Neon Park slated to open in spring 2025
Gemini Giant will be installed in Wilmington park on Nov. 30
The restored Gemini Giant, once a fixture for almost 60 years at the Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois, will be the focus of a party on Nov. 30 at his new home in Wilmington's South Island Park. According to a promotional flyer, the event from 1 to 3 p.m. that day will include … Continue reading Gemini Giant will be installed in Wilmington park on Nov. 30