Route 66 attraction in Bristow, Chrysler Tower Plaza, wins funding grant

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce awarded several major grants to Route 66 attractions in Northeast Oklahoma.

One of the largest grants, for $775,000, was awarded to the Bristow Historical Society to refurbish and relight the 1949 neon Chrysler Tower. The new location is on Main Street, where a plaza will be built to showcase the landmark.

When will it happen?

Joe Trigalet, the project manager for the historical society, said the project was "shovel-ready" and would take at least six months, but "The whole point is to get this up there by the Centennial of Route 66, that's the goal."

What other grants were awarded?

Tulsa's Church Studio and the Claremore Museum of History also received grants to build outdoor additions to attract Route 66 tourists. The Church Studio grant is for a large logo sign, and the Museum grant is for a legacy plaza with statues of notable locals.

What's the history of the Chrysler Tower?

It was built in 1949 by local welders as an advertisement for the Beard Motor Company. After the dealership closed, the sign was not maintained, and now it's rusting with none of the original neon. Trigalet says the tower will be lifted off in pieces, and the letters removed for repairs. Though only one side of the original sign was lit with neon, Trigalet says all three elements will be after refurbishment.