On a stretch of Route 66 in Stroud, a piece of local history is getting a second chance, thanks to two hometown firefighters with a vision and a whole lot of grit.
Last month, Charles Palmer and Cody Paige officially became the new owners of the Skyliner Motel, a long vacant, 10-room roadside inn that has stood in downtown Stroud since 1959. Known for its towering neon sign, the motel was once a must-stop for visitors cruising America’s most famous highway.
Now, the pair are betting $440,000 that they can turn the aged property into a vibrant Route 66 attraction by the highway’s centennial in 2026.
“Downtown’s been suffering, so we’re hoping to use this to revitalize it.” said Palmer, who serves on the Stroud Industrial Authority and the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission. Palmer, a 13-year Stroud resident, works for the Hilcrest Hospital in Cushing and Henryetta. He also owns the car wash across the street from the motel and has been a volunteer firefighter for a decade.
Paige, a Stroud native and 2017 high school graduate, formerly worked as a full-time firefighter According to Paige, the idea to buy the motel began as a joke, until it wasn’t.
“We were on the phone talking business, and the Skyline Motel had just hit the market like four or five hours earlier,” Paige said. “We kind of laughed it off. But the next day, we called each other back and said, ‘You know, maybe that wasn’t a joke.’” Over the years the property had fallen into disrepair; after the previous owner passed away. Her partner listed it for sale, and Palmer and Paige upped their offer to outbid out-of-town buyers at $290,000.
Their $150,000 renovation plans are ambitious. The iconic neon sign, allegedly originally built by a Stroud local who owned a neon company, was removed just last week for a full restoration.
“I’d love to make our downtown look kind of like Vegas, get it glowing again… and get businesses staying open later.” Palmer said.
The new vision for the Skyliner blends vintage charm with modern convenience. While the motel will retain its retro flair, including a possible 1959 Cadillac display out front, it will operate much like an AirBnB. Guests will check in remotely and can buy souvenirs like T-shirts from unmanned shops.
“It’s going to be largely unmanned,” Palmer said. “We’re basically selling an experience.”
Each room will be branded around Route 66 history.
One of their plans includes a showcase room, “Kind of like a museum,” Said Palmer. Featuring artifacts, interviews with former owners, and displays highlighting Stroud’s place on Route 66.
There’s a lot of history in this town, and we’re trying to honor that.” Said Palmer.
The duo also plans to offer local restaurant menus in each room and are reaching out to Stroud business owners to help tell their stories.
“We want to connect the people who stay here with the people who live here,” Palmer said. “It’s not just about downtown. It’s about the whole community.”
With the Route 66 centennial approaching, Palmer and Paige aim to have the grand opening on Jan. 1, 2026, though they plan to begin offering limited bookings within 60 to 90 days. Rates will likely run around $100 per night.
In addition to serving tourists, they hope the project inspires growth in Stroud’s downtown.
“Cody and I have talked a lot about how to help the town grow,” Palmer said. “I just don’t think we’ve used 66 enough.”
To fund the restoration and build community engagement, they plan to sell commemorative bricks.
“It’s been well thought through,” Palmer said. “We’re trying to do this right.”
Despite the workload ahead, both men remain grounded in their small-town roots and sense of civic duty.
“This was never just about making money,” Palmer said. “We wanted to make a difference. I think it will really matter.”
The Skyliner Motel has stood as a roadside destination for decades. Thanks to two determined locals, its neon glow might once again light the way