El Reno, Oklahoma, December 17, 2025
El Reno, Oklahoma has been awarded a $725,000 grant to develop ‘The Hub’, a downtown project designed to revitalize the historic Route 66 corridor. This initiative aims to enhance tourism and community development through improved access, aesthetic upgrades, and features such as a permanent location for a film-inspired trolley. The project complements other efforts aimed at preserving Route 66 heritage while supporting local businesses and encouraging entrepreneurship.
El Reno Secures $725,000 Grant to Revitalize Route 66
New downtown project, “The Hub,” targets tourism and community development
El Reno, Oklahoma – The City of El Reno has been awarded a $725,000 grant from the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission to develop “The Hub,” a new downtown project aimed at revitalizing the historic Route 66 corridor. This funding is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance tourism and economic development along the iconic highway.
The Hub will be situated directly across from The Filling Station visitors center, a notable landmark on Route 66. The project plans include:
- Providing additional parking to accommodate visitors and local events.
- Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area to attract more tourists.
- Offering a permanent location for the movie-version of the Heritage Express Trolley, a replica featured in the film “Twisters.” This trolley will serve as a photo opportunity for travelers and a nod to the area’s cinematic history.
Local businesses and entrepreneurs stand to benefit significantly from this grant. By improving access and appeal in the downtown area, El Reno aims to foster a vibrant economic environment that encourages entrepreneurship and small business resilience. Efforts like this showcase how thoughtful investments in local infrastructure can stimulate growth and innovation within the community.
Recent Developments Reinforcing El Reno’s Commitment
Last year, El Reno received a $1.2 million Route 66 grant to renovate a historic gas station into a visitors center, further demonstrating the city’s commitment to preserving and promoting its Route 66 heritage. The Filling Station, located at the northwest corner of Sunset Drive and South Choctaw Avenue, is significant for travelers and locals alike. The renovation aims to transform this corner into a vibrant retail and community space while retaining its historical significance. The project includes interior renovations, the addition of restrooms and retail space, and the conversion of the garage area into a museum showcasing collectible vehicles. The site will also feature new paving and landscaping suitable for food trucks and other events, enhancing its role as a community gathering spot.
Strategic Focus on Route 66 Centenary Celebrations
These initiatives are part of Oklahoma’s broader efforts to celebrate the centennial of Route 66 in 2026. The Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program supports projects that enhance the visitor experience, preserve historical landmarks, and contribute to sustainable economic development along the historic highway. The program is open to municipalities, counties, nonprofit organizations, and government entities located on Route 66, with grants ranging from $25,000 to $2 million.
As El Reno implements these significant projects, the hope is to create a welcoming environment that not only draws tourists but also supports local entrepreneurs who provide unique retail experiences and services that capture the essence of Route 66.
Key Features of the El Reno Route 66 Revitalization Projects
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| The Hub Project | A $725,000 development funded by the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission to revitalize the historic Route 66 corridor in downtown El Reno. It includes additional parking, aesthetic enhancements, and a permanent location for the movie-version of the Heritage Express Trolley. |
| The Filling Station Renovation | A $1.2 million grant awarded last year to transform a historic gas station into a visitors center. The renovation includes interior updates, restrooms, retail space, and a museum for collectible vehicles, along with new paving and landscaping suitable for food trucks and events. |
| Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program | A program by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce supporting projects that enhance the visitor experience, preserve historical landmarks, and contribute to sustainable economic development along Route 66. Grants range from $25,000 to $2 million and are open to municipalities, counties, nonprofit organizations, and government entities located on Route 66. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is “The Hub” project in El Reno?
“The Hub” is a new downtown development in El Reno, Oklahoma, funded by a $725,000 grant from the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission. It aims to revitalize the historic Route 66 corridor by providing additional parking, enhancing the area’s aesthetic appeal, and offering a permanent location for the movie-version of the Heritage Express Trolley, a replica featured in the film “Twisters.” This trolley will serve as a photo opportunity for travelers and a nod to the area’s cinematic history.
What is the significance of The Filling Station in El Reno?
The Filling Station is a historic gas station located at the northwest corner of Sunset Drive and South Choctaw Avenue in El Reno, Oklahoma. It is a significant site for travelers and locals alike, serving as a landmark on Route 66. The city received a $1.2 million grant last year to renovate this station into a visitors center, aiming to transform it into a vibrant retail and community space while retaining its historical significance. The renovation includes interior updates, the addition of restrooms and retail space, and the conversion of the garage area into a museum showcasing collectible vehicles. The site will also feature new paving and landscaping suitable for food trucks and other events, enhancing its role as a community gathering spot.
How does this project relate to the Route 66 centennial celebration?
The development of “The Hub” and the renovation of The Filling Station are part of Oklahoma’s broader efforts to celebrate the centennial of Route 66 in 2026. The Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program supports projects that enhance the visitor experience, preserve historical landmarks, and contribute to sustainable economic development along the historic highway. These initiatives aim to attract more tourists, celebrate the rich history of Route 66, and stimulate economic growth in communities along the route.
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