One Hundred Years of Route 66

Posted on April 25, 2025

Event Summary

Event flyer for “One Hundred Years of Route 66,” hosted by the UIC Great Cities Institute on April 25, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at 412 S. Peoria Street, Suite 400, Chicago. The event featured University of New Mexico students presenting research and a vision plan for the preservation, revitalization, and future development of Historic Route 66. The flyer features a historic road photograph in the background, white and yellow text, the Great Cities Institute logo, an illustrated map of Route 66 across the United States, and an RSVP QR code.

April 25, 2025 | 12:00–2:00 PM
Great Cities Institute, University of Illinois Chicago

On April 25, 2025, the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) welcomed students from the University of New Mexico (UNM) Community and Regional Planning Capstone Studio for a presentation and discussion on the history, development, and community impacts of Historic Route 66, the iconic highway stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, California.

Led by Professor Moises Gonzales, the students shared their research on Route 66’s historical significance, its influence on communities along the corridor, and the challenges and opportunities associated with its preservation. They also presented a vision plan outlining strategies for preserving the highway’s cultural and historical legacy, revitalizing communities along the route, and guiding future development.

The event provided an opportunity for students, researchers, and community members to exchange ideas about the future of Route 66 and explore how community-centered planning could support the corridor’s continued preservation and revitalization.

Event Video

Modified on October 01, 2026