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
Tag: Oklahoma City
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum draws nearly 10,000 monthly, makes huge economic impact
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City commissioned an economic impact study to help justify a forthcoming $40 million capital investment campaign. It's safe to say the results from the subsequent study from RegionTrack are eye-opening, which initially was reported by The Oklahoman newspaper. Some highlights from the report: The museum drew … Continue reading National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum draws nearly 10,000 monthly, makes huge economic impact
Nine new grants announced through Route 66 Black Experiences Program
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership announced nine projects through the Route 66 Black Experiences Grants program that were awarded $5,000 each. The 2024 recipients and the cities where they are based are: Choctaw Freedman Citizenship Footprints Inc. in Oklahoma City Black Business Alliance in Bloomington, Illinois Threatt Filling Station Foundation in Luther, Oklahoma Jack … Continue reading Nine new grants announced through Route 66 Black Experiences Program
New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects
The Oklahoma Route 66 Commission announced more than $6.6 million in grants, including improvements to the Blue Whale in Catoosa, a 66-foot dinosaur in Tulsa and multiple neon-sign initiatives. The grants, initially reported by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, cover 13 Route 66-related projects in the Sooner State. More about the grants can be found … Continue reading New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City inducted into Steak House Hall of Fame
The Cattlemen's Steakhouse in Oklahoma City will be inducted today into the inaugural class of the National Steak House Hall of Fame. Cattlemen's at 1309 S. Agnew Ave. in the stockyards area of south Oklahoma City isn't on Route 66, but it's so iconic that many Route 66ers take a short side trip to it … Continue reading Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City inducted into Steak House Hall of Fame
New documentary released on HBO about the Oklahoma City bombing
HBO has released on its Max streaming platform a new documentary about the 1995 bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City, the worst act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. "An American Bombing: The Road to April 19th" was released Tuesday. Here is the trailer: https://youtu.be/lZ1DlykhLAo?si=_u5SFCwq_IOLk8p4 Katie Couric, executive producer of the film and … Continue reading New documentary released on HBO about the Oklahoma City bombing
Jamil’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City marks its 60th year
Jamil's Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, located on Route 66 just north of the Oklahoma Capitol, is marking its 60th year this year. Jamil's is one of the last few surviving Lebanese steakhouses in Oklahoma. Many Lebanese immigrated to the Sooner State during its oil boom days of the 1920s and brought their cuisine with them. … Continue reading Jamil’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City marks its 60th year
Three people linked to Swadley’s Bar-B-Q indicted on felony fraud charges
Three people associated with the Oklahoma-based Swadley's Bar-B-Q chain, including the owner, were indicted by a multicounty grand jury on fraud charges over its operation of restaurants at state parks. According to The Oklahoman newspaper, restaurant owner Brent Swadley and two other company officers were charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the state … Continue reading Three people linked to Swadley’s Bar-B-Q indicted on felony fraud charges
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in OKC plans an immersive exhibit
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is planning an immersive exhibit that will take visitors on a virtual journey through the West. The Tulsa World reported the museum is partnering with Lighthouse Immersive, the company behind the "Immersive Van Gogh" in Oklahoma City last year. The exhibit, which will be located … Continue reading National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in OKC plans an immersive exhibit
Donnay Building in OKC soon will begin reconstruction, be renamed Classen Circle
The historic Donnay Building in Oklahoma City soon will undergo extensive renovations and will be renamed Classen Circle as a nod to its historic, Route 66-aligned history. NIck Preftakes and partner Caleb Hill bought the building for $1.5 million last year. The Donnay, originally built in 1949, was added on to over the years in … Continue reading Donnay Building in OKC soon will begin reconstruction, be renamed Classen Circle