Rockwood Motor Court earns rare distinction

Route 66 fixture Rockwood Motor Court is in rare company with a recently announced distinction.

The Route 66-themed motor court lodging facility at 2200 W. College St. has been inducted into the Historic Hotels of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, according to a news release. Roughly 300 hotels and resorts have been inducted, and Rockwood Motor Court marks the first site in southwest Missouri on the list.

"We commend Rockwood Motor Court, Phyllis Ferguson and her husband Tim Phillips, along with their leadership team for the careful historic preservation work, stewardship and vision that will allow future generations of travelers to experience this unique historic destination," said Lawrence Horwitz, executive vice president of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, in the release.

Ferguson took over operation of the motor court in 2019, initially through a lease agreement. She ultimately purchased the six cabins, filling station, cafe and single-car garage, and she began renovating the property in 2020, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. 

Rockwood Motor Court dates back to 1929.

The Historic Hotels of America program recognizes hotels and resorts nationwide for preserving and maintaining historical aspects such as architecture and ambiance, according to the release.