Route 66 Grant Season Now Open

From Kaisa Barthuli of the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program:

“The National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Program is pleased to announce that the program’s 2013 Cost-Share Grant Season is now open. Applications will be accepted between now and March 29th, 2013. More information is
available at: www.cr.nps.gov/rt66/grnts.

We encourage you to spread the word, and contact our office with any questions or to discuss project ideas.”

Past grant recipients include:

Crestwood Bowl

Boots Motel

Wagon Wheel Motel

Luna Cafe

Donut Drive-In

Sunset Motel

Munger Moss Motel

Crestwood Bowl Neon Sign Relighting on October 20, 2012

Special Announcement!

Crestwood Bowl Sign on Watson Road in St. Louis County

A relighting of the vintage Crestwood Bowl neon sign in Crestwood, MO is scheduled to take place on Saturday evening, October 20th, 2012. Each of you are cordially invited to attend this special event to celebrate the restoration of this neon sign along Missouri Route 66 in southwestern St. Louis County, MO.

Since 2008, a fall relighting ceremony of one of our classic Route 66 neon signs has become an annual event. Our past 4 projects, under the direction of the Neon Heritage Preservation Committee (NHPC) within our Route 66 Association of Missouri, have included the Donut Drive-In in St. Louis, the Sunset Motel in Villa Ridge, the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, and the Luna Cafe in Mitchell (IL). With each subsequent year, these relighting events grow in interest and attendance as we support the preservation of these wonderful examples of commercial art along America’s Main Street.

Here are the details at this time for the Crestwood Bowl event on 10/20:

Crestwood Bowl is located at 9822 Watson Road, Crestwood, MO 63126. It is located on the south side of Watson approximately halfway between Lindbergh Blvd to the west and Sappington Rd to the east. Watson Road was the primary Route 66 pathway west coming out of the city of St. Louis in the heavy post WWII travel era.

The relighting (throwing of the switch!) will take place near dusk… estimated to be in the 6:30 to 6:40 PM time frame. However, you may want to plan for a bit earlier time should we have an overcast day. You are welcome to arrive an hour or so earlier, in order not to miss the speakers and presentations leading up to the actual relighting of the sign.

Current owners Mike and Ray Bluth welcome all to attend this event and are planning to serve refreshments. As noted above, we will have several speakers that evening, including representatives from the communities of Crestwood and Sunset Hills.

The bowling alley has a parking area out front of the building, which may be quite limited space-wise that evening, but also another parking lot behind the building as well.

Crestwood Bowl was the recipient of a $9,500 cost-share grant from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program to assist in the restoration of this sign. It is one of only three signs in St. Louis County to earn designation as a “County Landmark” by the Historic Buildings Commission of St. Louis County.

Please join us this special Saturday evening in October to welcome back this Route 66 beacon of light!

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact myself or Jim Thole, our NHPC Chairperson, at 66thole@sbcglobal.net.

Hope to see you in Crestwood!

2012 NPS Route 66 Cost-Share Grant Award Announcement

From the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program:

“We are pleased to announce the 2012 National Park Service, Route 66
Corridor Preservation Program Cost-share Grant Awards. The next grant cycle will be open from January to March, 2013.”

Awarded projects:

Hualapai Tribal Route 66 Interpretive Project – Arizona

Flagstaff Route 66 Rest Area Interpretive Project – Arizona

Historic L Motel Rehabilitation – Arizona

Sprague Super Service Window and Door Restoration – Illinois

Boots Motel Roof Restoration – Missouri

Crestwood Bowl Neon Restoration Project – Missouri

Wagon Wheel Motel Roof Replacement – Missouri

Circle Cinema Theatre Façade Restoration – Oklahoma

El Vado Motel Neon Sign Restoration – New Mexico

Del’s Restaurant Electrical Upgrades – New Mexico

Read the entire report here: 2012 NPS Route 66 Cost-Share Grant Award Announcement

Preserving Route 66 is a Good Investment for the Future

$132 million spent per year in communities along Route 66

A recently completed economic impact study shows that $132 million per year is spent in communities along historic Route 66. This information sheds new light on the importance of heritage tourism and historic preservation along Route 66 as a contributor to local, state, and national economies. Route 66, which runs from Chicago to Santa Monica and is known as the Mother Road, is America’s most celebrated automobile highway, and a symbol of twentieth-century American culture and history. The study was directed by professor David Listokin of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and was carried out between 2008 and 2011 in collaboration with the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and World Monuments Fund, with the support of American Express.

The study demonstrates the tremendous influence tourists have on the economies of towns and cities along the route:

• More than 85% of Route 66 travelers visit historic places and museums, and these tourists spend $38 million dollars a year in these communities.
• Heritage preservation, through Main Street revitalization programs and museums, add another $94 million in annual investments.
• The national impact is an annual gain of 2,400 jobs, $90 million in income, $262 million in overall output, $127 million in gross domestic product and $37 million in tax revenues.
• At the local level, the restored Route 66-themed motel, restaurant, and gift shop anchor the downtown in many small communities and bring new life and revenue to towns once bypassed by the Interstate Highway System.

In other words, preserving Route 66 is a good investment with significant community and economic benefits.

“This study shows that preserving historic places is important to travelers on Route 66, and brings enormous pride as well as social and economic benefits to those living along the route,” said National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program Manager Kaisa Barthuli. “We will to continue to work with communities and other partners to preserve the special places that tell this vibrant part of American history, which in turn creates valuable economic opportunities.”

“The 2008 World Monuments Watch brought attention to the cultural value of America’s Mother Road,” said World Monuments Fund President Bonnie Burnham. “The Watch was the catalyst for developing this study, which now demonstrates the tremendous economic value tied to those traveling this historic route and argues for investment in preservation.”

The study draws on a wide array of empirical information on Route 66 from the national decennial census, a first-ever comprehensive survey of Route 66 travelers, a Route 66 museum survey, Route 66 case studies, and other sources. The result is a better understanding of the mosaic and dynamics of America’s Main Street, and the identification of opportunities to improve preservation of this resource and to enhance its already significant heritage tourism and economic contribution. The organizations behind the study are currently working to raise awareness of the significant findings among both the private and public sectors. A follow-up event, including industry, government, and others, is being planned for 2012, with a goal of leveraging the new knowledge provided by the Economic Impact Study toward
improved investment and innovative partnerships in heritage tourism and historic preservation.

A Synthesis of Findings of the Route 66 Economic Impact Study, along with a two-volume Technical Report, are available at:
http://www.wmf.org/dig-deeper/publication/route-66-economic-impact-study-synthesis-findings.

Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy at Rutgers
The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is one of the nation’s key centers for the theory and practice of planning and public policy scholarship and analysis. The school was established in 1992 by the Rutgers University Board of Governors to provide a focus for all of Rutgers’ initiatives and programs of instruction, research, and service in planning and public policy. The Bloustein School was ranked No. 3 in the United States in the latest survey of the nation’s top graduate programs in urban planning by Planetizen, a Los Angeles–based planning and development network.
http://policy.rutgers.edu/.

National Park Service, Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
The National Park Service, Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program was established in 2001 to help preserve the special places and stories of historic U.S. 66. The program collaborates with private individuals, organizations, government agencies, and others to identify and address the priority needs of this historically significant American icon. The program offers cost-share grants to assist with preservation, planning, research, and educational initiatives. Learn more at http://www.nps.gov/rt66/.

World Monuments Fund
World Monuments Fund is the leading independent organization devoted to saving the world’s most treasured places. For over 45 years, working in more than 90 countries, its highly skilled experts have applied proven and effective techniques to the preservation of important architectural and cultural heritage sites around the globe. Through partnerships with local communities, funders, and governments, WMF seeks to inspire an enduring commitment to stewardship for future generations. Headquartered in New York City, WMF has offices and affiliates worldwide. wmf.org,
twitter.com/worldmonuments, and facebook.com/worldmonuments.

American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Historic preservation has long been the hallmark of American Express’ involvement in the community, reflecting the company’s recognition of the importance of cultural sites and monuments as symbols of national and local identity, and the role that their preservation can play in attracting visitors and revitalizing neighborhoods. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress,
foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/companies/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

2012 NPS Route 66 Cost-Share Grant season is now open!

From Kaisa Barthuli, Program Manager Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program:

“The National Park Service, Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program is now receiving applications for the 2012 Cost-Share Grant season. Applications may be submitted to the program office now through Friday, April 6, 2012.

Additional information and application materials can be found at:
http://www.cr.nps.gov/rt66/grnts/index.htm

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the program office to
discuss eligibility requirements and project ideas prior to submitting an
application.

Thank you for your support in spreading the word about this grant
opportunity, and helping to preserve the legacy of historic Route 66. We
look forward to seeing more excellent projects get underway this year!”

National Park Service Announces 2011 Cost-Share Grant Awards for the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

The following properties have received awards:

Route 66 Motel – Kingman, Arizona

Ariston Cafe – Litchfield, Illinois

Dell Rhea Chicken Basket – Hinsdale, Illinois

Luna Cafe – Mitchell, Illinois

Sprague Super Service – Normal, Illinois

Meramec River Bridge – Eureka, Missouri

Sunset Motel – Villa Ridge, Missouri

Wagon Wheel Motel – Cuba, Missouri

Round Barn – Arcadia, Oklahoma

Firestone Station – Bristow, Oklahoma

For more details see this PDF -

Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program Funded Projects – 2011

Upcoming Meeting in St. Louis, April 17, 2010

The Route 66 Association of Missouri will meet on Saturday, April 17, at Grbic Restaurant in St. Louis.

Lunch will be served at 12:00 pm, with the general meeting following. The meeting guest will be Kaisa Barthuli, Acting Program Manager, Route 66 Corridor Preservation Office. Plans are to attend a presentation by Kaisa, to Association Member Michael Griffin of Walter’s Market, for building restoration efforts in connection with the cost-share grant program.

Download the meeting notice and lunch registration form.

Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program Accepting Applications

A letter arrived today from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program.

“The National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program is pleased to announce it is accepting applications for the 2010 cost-share grant cycle.

Applications may be submitted to the program office until April 2, 2010. Awards will be announced on or before May 21, 2010.

Cost-share grant applications are available online at www.nps.gov/history/rt66/grnts, or a hardcopy version may be requested by email at IM_Rt66@nps.gov or phone at 505-988-6027.

If you have questions about the application process or your proposal, please contact the program office at the email address or phone number provided above. We encourage all potential applicants to discuss their proposal with program staff before filling out an application.

Thank you for your interest in helping to preserve the historic resources of Route 66.”

Some properties in Missouri have been recent beneficiaries of cost-share grants from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Prominent examples include the Sunset Motel and the Donut Drive-In.

Relighting Ceremony at the Sunset Motel

Sunset Motel Neon Sign Relit After Restoration

The evening of Saturday, November 14, 2009 was very special for members of the Route 66 Association of Missouri. Following our meeting in St. Clair, a festive gathering was held on the grounds of the Sunset Motel in nearby Villa Ridge to celebrate the relighting of the outstanding sign, which had been dark for approximately 30 years.

Just under half of the money to restore the sign and reroof the motel, refurbish dormers, cornice, fascia and soffits, and replace the neon on the gables was granted by the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, with the owners picking up the rest of the tab. Kaisa Barthuli, deputy manager, was on hand to present a plaque to the proud owners. Work on the motel building continues and is expected to be completed in a month or two. In recent history, the motel had been rented as apartments, and when it reopens the owners plan to reserve half of the rooms for Route 66 travelers.

Exactly one year ago, members of the Route 66 Association of Missouri had attended the relighting of the Donut Drive-in sign in St. Louis, another day where we were blessed with exceptionally mild weather for celebrating a momentous occasion in the history of Route 66. In both projects, the property owners were assisted with their grant applications by members of the Route 66 Association of Missouri Neon Preservation Committee. We invite you to help us keep this streak going!

Upcoming Meeting in St. Clair

Sunset Motel Sign, Villa Ridge, MO

The next meeting of the Route 66 Association of Missouri will be on Saturday, November 14, at Elks Lodge 2651 at 35 East North St., St. Clair, MO 63077. Lunch will be served at 12:00 P.M. with the general meeting following.

Click here for more information and the lunch registration form.

Meeting guests will be Kaisa Barthuli, Acting Program Manager and John Murphey, Cultural Resources Specialist, with the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, Santa Fe, NM. Kaisa and John will provide Route 66 updates.

We encourage you to stay in the vicinity of St. Clair after the meeting, as it is now expected that the long-awaited “Official Re-lighting” of the newly restored neon sign at the Sunset Motel (just 10 miles east of St. Clair located just west of the old Diamonds (Tri-County) restaurant at Villa Ridge) will occur later that Saturday afternoon – with the festivities there beginning about 4:45 – 5:00 PM. Details will be given during the meeting.