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Plan to restore 1930s gas station gets help from Normal
By Mary Ann Ford
mford@pantagraph.com
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NORMAL — A plan to restore a 1930s gas station along Route 66 got a bit of financial help from the town Monday night.

City Council members agreed to give Terri Ryburn a $46,695 grant for a new roof and temporary heating so the building at 305 E. Pine St. won’t deteriorate further over the winter.

Ryburn, retired assistant director of kinesiology and recreation at Illinois State University, wants to restore the Tudor Revival-style structure to its original condition — something she says will take about $1.2 million.

She has already received a $20,000 federal grant and is seeking a grant from the state’s Tourism Attraction Development Program.

“I want to restore it, not just remodel or renovate,” she said.

She plans to turn the building into a bed and breakfast, tea room, Route 66 visitor center, gift shop and restaurant.

Ryburn also is hoping to get the site — one of only three along Route 66 with an owner’s apartment and a tenant apartment on the second floor — on the National Register of Historic Places, a designation that could open up more grant opportunities.

She plans to take her case to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which makes recommendations to the National Register, next month.

Ryburn originally approached the Normal City Council about a grant in September. She asked for $374,000 for a new roof, electric and plumbing work, and heating and air conditioning. The council took no action.

While Councilman Jeff Fritzen said it’s unfortunate there are few assets remaining from old business Route 66, he could not support giving Ryburn money for the project. He was the sole “no” vote.

“I’m still torn about the historical significance of this particular property,” he said.

He also questioned the viability of the project getting completed.

Councilwoman Sonja Reece agreed it was a big job but said, “I believe the owner has the zeal to do it and seems to understand what’s ahead.”

Mayor Chris Koos said providing the grant was like “place holding. It gives time for the project to gel.”

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Reader comments on this story - 4 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Too bad wrote on Nov 6, 2007 4:06 PM:

" Bloomington just tore down a diagonal gas station at the corner of Main and Empire. "

a picture wrote on Nov 6, 2007 2:49 PM:

" would be nice "

I'd like and I need.... wrote on Nov 6, 2007 2:37 PM:

" new gutters new siding paint...........Thanks Fritz, you should run again, others I will question a litle harder next time "

I'd like to put new siding wrote on Nov 6, 2007 1:50 PM:

" on my 50's ranch HUD home. Think the town council will give me ten grand? "
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