The Revamp Route 66 Sign Improvement Program strives to preserve an important era of Albuquerque’s development through the restoration or renovation of Route 66 neon signs.
Donor Name: City of Albuquerque
State: New Mexico
City: Albuquerque
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/15/2023
Details:
As Albuquerque approaches this important milestone, the City of Albuquerque Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency have collaboratively developed a Sign Improvement Program. The Sign Improvement Program seeks to restore historic neon signs along Route 66 by granting restoration funds to property owners who are interested and able to complete sign restoration by Fall 2025. A total of $432,000 is set aside to accomplish restorations of signs along Route 66—Central Ave.
The Route 66 Sign Improvement program includes two (2) overarching restoration and design principles. A sign restoration project must fall within the following two (2) options:
- Restoring Character of Historic and Neon Signs Sign improvement may include restoring historic character via neon repair, repainting, re-lettering, light repair, or other replacements that will restore sign to historic appearance.
- New Art Possibilities Sign improvement may include collaborations with artists to recreate historic signs as new works of art, as Friends of the Orphan Signs has done with certain projects like “Revivir” Projects submitting for this criterion will be asked to submit a mock up of the proposed art. The City reserves the right to request modifications or reject art proposal.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be the property owner(s) or commercial lessee(s). If a lessee, the application must include a notarized letter of authorization with property owner signature.
- Lessee’s seeking to apply must apply with property owner as co-applicant(s).
- Property Owner shall provide proof of ownership (deed).
Evaluation Criteria
The Route 66 Sign Improvement Program aims to restore signs that are exemplary of the Route 66 era. Applicants must narrate how the restoration of the sign meets the following goals:
- Lies within an MRA on Central Avenue
- Exhibits historic/cultural significance
- Improves streetscape/environs
- Spurs Economic Vitality
- Exhibits ability to meet deadlines
For more information, visit City of Albuquerque.