Night view of the History Museum on the Square with festive string lights and a heart-shaped drone light display spelling 'SAY' in the sky.

Springfield’s Downtown Neighborhood

Meeting every fourth Tuesday of the Month
6:30 PM at 545 S Broadway Ave

Mother Road Business Curb Appeal Program

As the Birthplace of Route 66, Springfield is preparing to host the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration. This once-in-a-lifetime event showcases the hometown pride and open-road spirit that made the Mother Road an American icon. The West Central Neighborhood Alliance (WCNA) is proud to announce the Mother Road Business Curb Appeal Program, an initiative designed to ensure our local business corridor is shining for the world stage.

West Central is Springfield's downtown neighborhood and the true heart of this history. It was the home of the Colonial Hotel, where the name "Route 66" was first officially proposed in 1926. To support our local entrepreneurs along the historic St. Louis Street and College Street corridors, WCNA is offering matching reimbursement funds to revitalize the storefronts that define our community’s character.

"Our purpose is to unite neighbors and support the entrepreneurs who keep the spirit of Route 66 alive," said a WCNA spokesperson. "We are excited to work with local businesses to improve our historic neighborhood and promote West Central as a premier place to live, work, and play as we head into the Centennial".

Program Highlights:

Direct Support: Approved businesses are eligible for up to $500 in matching reimbursement funds for exterior improvements.
Wide Eligibility: Eligible projects include storefront painting, signage, murals, landscaping, and specialized Route 66 storefront displays for the Centennial.
Priority Timeline: The application period opens February 20, 2026. To ensure storefronts are ready for the April 30th Centennial kickoff, applications submitted by March 1 will receive priority review.
Community Spirit: Participating grantees will be invited to participate in a Mother Road Block Party during the 2026 Birthplace of Route 66 Festival.

WCNA encourages all eligible business owners between Kimbrough Avenue and Kansas Expressway to apply and take part in this historic transformation. Together, we will ensure that the neighborhood where Route 66 was named looks its best for the century of adventure still to come.

For more information on eligibility or to request an application, contact WCNA at 417-569-8866 or via email at rew1215@yahoo.com.

Who we are

Classic and modern cars parked on street with tents and people outdoors at sunset, in front of a multi-story building with signs for music, beer, and games.

People assembling a large sign in the shape of a highway shield that reads 'Springfield Missouri' and 'Birthplace of Route 66' outdoors in a city park.

WCNA fosters pride and awareness among downtown community members, advocating for an inclusive, vibrant neighborhood. We aspire to create an affordable, desirable, and diverse living environment where all can thrive, whether they're working, residing, or enjoying recreational activities.

West Central is proud to be the official Birthplace of Route 66. Our streets have been shaped by this legacy, transforming from a historic corridor into the vibrant backdrop for Springfield's most iconic annual event. Every summer, we host the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival and Car Show, welcoming thousands of visitors to celebrate our history with classic cars, live music, and community spirit right in the heart of the neighborhood