14 neon signs along Albuquerque’s Route 66 receive improvement grants

The City of Albuquerque announced it would award 14 grants totaling $432,000 to improve neon signs along the Route 66 corridor of Central Avenue. More than 25 grant applications were received. Listed below are the winners. A few will be familiar to veteran Route 66 travelers. 5501 Plaza, 5431 Central Ave. NW Americana Motel, 5908 … Continue reading 14 neon signs along Albuquerque’s Route 66 receive improvement grants

New, Route 66-inspired neon sign graces an entrance to downtown Albuquerque

In a tribute to Route 66, the City of Albuquerque last week dedicated a new neon sign near the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Broadway Boulevard. It's about three blocks north of Route 66, but city officials had the Mother Road in mind with its look, said Mayor Tim Keller. According … Continue reading New, Route 66-inspired neon sign graces an entrance to downtown Albuquerque

Former Vegas wedding chapel sign christened in Kingman with three weddings

A new neon sign that once touted a wedding chapel in Las Vegas was altered and re-erected along Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona, with three weddings recently held underneath after a lighting ceremony. Here's a video from the lighting and wedding ceremonies that were held on the evening of Feb. 9: The Kingman Visitors Center … Continue reading Former Vegas wedding chapel sign christened in Kingman with three weddings

Future site of the Glancy Motel sign appears to be still uncertain

The fate of the distinctive sign for the now-demolished Glancy Motel in Clinton, Oklahoma, remains uncertain, though the city manager said its likely home still would be the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in town. According to a recent print edition of the Clinton Daily News, city manager Robert Johnston said he was hopeful the Glancy … Continue reading Future site of the Glancy Motel sign appears to be still uncertain

Joplin may allow neon signs in its historic downtown districts

The City of Joplin, Missouri, is exploring a proposal to allow neon signs in its historic downtown districts. According to the Joplin Globe, city staff and the Joplin Historic Preservation Commission are seeking input for the plan at a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the 530 Somewhere restaurant at 530 S. Main … Continue reading Joplin may allow neon signs in its historic downtown districts

El Rancho Grande restaurant in Tulsa marks its 70th year

The landmark El Rancho Grande Mexican Food Restaurant near downtown Tulsa recently marked its 70th anniversary of operation. El Rancho, located at 1629 E. 11th St. (aka Route 66), remains best known for its well-preserved neon sign and that it is a pioneer in Mexican restaurant food in the United States. The restaurant marked the … Continue reading El Rancho Grande restaurant in Tulsa marks its 70th year

Neon sign at Webb City Florist is restored

The restoration of the historic neon sign for Webb City Florist in Webb City, Missouri, was unveiled during a ceremony last week hosted by the Route 66 Association of Missouri. Association President Rich Dinkela hosted a brief Facebook Live event from the night: Here are more images from the association: And here's an image from … Continue reading Neon sign at Webb City Florist is restored

Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari

A group of volunteers and members of the New Mexico Route 66 Association began efforts Thursday and Friday to restore nail-damaged neon tubing on historic signs along Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Among the signs worked on were TeePee Curios, Del's Restaurant, La Cita restaurant, Motel Safari and Loretta's Burrito Hut. Fast TV Network … Continue reading Volunteers, NM Route 66 Association begin restoration of neon signs in Tucumcari

Route 66 Motel in Kingman to be converted to an affordable housing complex

The Route 66 Motel in Kingman, Arizona, known far and wide by photographers for its neon sign with a sweeping arrow, soon will be converted into affordable housing for the homeless and poverty-stricken. According to KPNX-TV in Phoenix, Catholic Charities Communities Services Arizona announced it had obtained a $4.5 million grant funding to buy the motel … Continue reading Route 66 Motel in Kingman to be converted to an affordable housing complex

Albuquerque sets aside $432,000 to restore or renovate historic Route 66 signs

The City of Albuquerque this week announced it is providing a total of $432,000 in grants to restore or renovate historic signs along its Central Avenue (aka Route 66). The city's Department of Arts and Culture and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency have developed a Sign Improvement Program for owners of historic signs who can restore … Continue reading Albuquerque sets aside $432,000 to restore or renovate historic Route 66 signs