Visit Springfield to open downtown Route 66 welcome center

Visit Springfield, Missouri announced this morning that its Route 66 Welcome Center will open Monday, offering an interactive welcome space for visitors in downtown Springfield.

The welcome center at 318 Park Central East in The U building will be across the street from the Gillioz Theatre and adjacent to the newly created Birthplace of Route 66 Plaza.

Visit Springfield’s Mark Hecquet, president and CEO, told Springfield Business Journal in January that the move from 815 E. St. Louis St. is a bid to leverage better foot traffic to promote the city’s offerings to more people. The change was timed to coincide with local and national celebrations linked to the 100th anniversary of Route 66, America’s 250th birthday and the FIFA World Cup to be played in Kansas City in mid-July.

“We’re excited to create the best possible experience for every visitor, and this new location allows us to welcome guests in a more modern, engaging way,” said Tonia Castaneda, vice president of finance and administration for Visit Springfield, in the release. “The welcome center is often the first stop when arriving in Springfield. We’re proud to connect visitors more directly to everything the city has to offer.”

Visit Springfield, Missouri signed a five-year lease for undisclosed terms with The U At Springfield LLC for the 1,745-square-foot space, according to past reporting. H Design Group LLC was the architect, and Nabholz Construction Co. was the contractor for the project, according to the release.

The welcome center features maps, guides, driving directions, local recommendations and souvenirs for visitors to take home a piece of their Springfield experience, according to the release. The welcome center will also serve as a resource for local residents.

The existing Route 66 Visitor Center on St. Louis Street at the Jordan Valley Car Park will close, according to the release, while Visit Springfield’s administrative offices will remain at that location for the time being.