Some of the treasures of the Westside are the historic motor courts along our Route 66 west corridor.
I noticed some cleaning up and improvements to the former Rockwood Court located at 2204 W. College, so I stopped in to inquire about the future plans. The place opened in 1931 as Rockwood Court and later was Ginny Lee’s Restaurant, Motel and Pub. Most recently, the restaurant there was Tubby’s Diner.
The sign outside the restaurant shows a new name – Big Foot Subs. Owner Dannie Wright reported that she purchased the location in July 2018 and has been cleaning and making improvements to the motor court units and the restaurant. She related that the improvement process is slowly progressing to ensure that it is done correctly, while maintaining the Route 66-era motif.
The motor court units are being refurbished one at a time and with the aim of keeping with the original Route 66- era appearance. The initial plan is to make the units with kitchenettes into monthly rental units and the smaller units into nightly rentals, promoting the idea to the many Route 66 travelers that they can actually find accommodations in a historic Route 66 motor court. If this trendy idea of staying in a Route 66 motor court becomes popular, more of the units will be converted to nightly rentals.
The restaurant, Big Foot Subs, offers freshly prepared sub sandwiches with the option to dine in or to carry out. New seating has been installed in the dining area which has the Route 66 theme. Food is served 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Wright, who is retired military, was looking for a business opportunity and the prior owner of the location informed her that the property was available. She seized the opportunity and purchased the property. She says she is excited by the opportunity to preserve this historic neighborhood treasure and believes that Springfield’s Route 66 west corridor will increase in popularity.
She added that she is looking forward to meeting more of our Westside neighbors and visitors alike.
Westside has many older buildings along the Route 66 corridor that have historical significance to the area. Wright, along with many others, have made the decision to invest in businesses on the Westside. This investment trend will continue and make the Westside corridor a destination rather than a pass through area, if we all support Westside businesses.