City looks to crowdfunding for Route 66 support

The city of Springfield is slated to launch a crowdfunding campaign next month to help fund efforts to commemorate the city's history as the birthplace of historic Route 66. Funding would be used for a roadside park and schematic planning services for the project along College Street, between Kansas Expressway and Grant Avenue.

The city is utilizing Springfield-based CrowdIt LLC's portal at CrowdIt.com. Springfield officials plan to use the crowdfunding website to recreate the Red's Giant Hamburg sign; and additional campaigns to build a filling station replica; add vending machines and visitor information services; relocate a motor court cottage; and create Route 66 birthplace and Lily-Tulip/Solo Cup sculptures. Plans are bolstered by the City Council-approved use of $100,000 in fund balance reserves from the city's 1/4-cent capital improvement sale tax, according to a news release.

The initial CrowdIt campaign, which begins Oct. 2, calls for $15,000 for a recreation of the Red's Giant Hamburg sign. Red's was a roadsite cafe operating 1947-84, and the building was demolished in 1997.

The city is offering donor incentives for the campaign, spanning from social media recognition for a $1 donation to multiple incentives including a sneak preview of the sign, a stay in the Rail Haven Motel and a ride to the ribbon-cutting ceremony in an antique car for a $15,000 donation, the release said.