Historic designation could help restore Old Route 66 site

The owner of the former Sprague's Super Service building is working on restoring the building at 305. E. Pine Street in Normal. (Photo by Michelle Mantel/WJBC)

The Normal Town Council will consider designating a building on Old Route 66 as a historic landmark at its next meeting. The recommendation from the planning commission will help Terri Ryburn, who purchased the former Sprague Super Service building with a long term plan: to restore the building to its original form. It will make her eligible for another town grant that can help pay for exterior work.

Ryburn said she’s already shelled out $90,000 of her own money and has received grants from the town, state, and National Park Service that total $87,000 combined. But she said that’s just a fraction of the project cost, estimated at $1.2 million.

“That’s kind of scary if you think about it but… I’m not thinking beyond the next grant application.”

Ryburn hopes to house a visitor center, coffee shop, entertainment space, and eventually a bed and breakfast at the historic site. In 2008 the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service.

Terri Ryburn can be reached regarding the project at 452-5325 or via email at tlrybur@ilstu.edu.