Historic Route 66 motel demolished in Springfield after emergency inspection

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Demolition of the Shamrock Court Motel began last week following an emergency inspection that found the building was not structurally sound, according to city officials.

The motel, which operated along Route 66, came down just before the area’s birthplace festival.

What inspectors found

Building Development Services Director Martin Gugel said the city conducts inspections when it receives complaints about a building and crews look for specific public safety hazards.

“What we’re looking for is structural issues — the buildings could collapse, or there are things present that would pose a danger to anyone who tries to enter the building,” Gugel said.

Gugel said inspectors gained access to the building last month and found it was beyond repair.

“We were noticing structural issues with the roof, the ceiling, the floors — missing floor joists, walls that would move. All of that told us that boarding up the building wasn’t going to be enough. The exterior walls were moving,” Gugel said.

Years of outreach before demolition

Gugel said the city worked with the building’s owner for years to find a solution before the emergency order was issued.

“We were trying to point him to resources that could help him financially — getting him in contact with people who might be interested in buying it,” Gugel said.

The building’s owner declined an interview.

Preservationists hope to save the sign

Route 66 preservationist Jaxson Priest said he and others reached out to the owner to offer help but were turned away. Preservationists are now focused on saving the motel’s sign.

“A lot of people online have floated the idea of putting it in the roadside park up the road, which would be really cool. I just think as long as it stays publicly displayed, it would be really nice,” Priest said.

Priest said the Route 66 preservation community is ready to assist other property owners with original buildings who need help maintaining them.

“If you’re willing to meet us in the middle and be a good steward, there are definitely people willing to help you keep things up and visit,” Priest said.

To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.