Tulsa development at Cry Baby Hill stalls as hotel project falls through

Plans to transform the iconic Cry Baby Hill into a Route 66 destination have hit another snag. A hotel once slated for the site is now off the table, forcing city officials to regroup as they prepare for the highway’s centennial.

Hotel plan scrapped last minute

In October, Tulsa announced the “Palmera Motor Court,” a Route 66-themed hotel planned for Cry Baby Hill. But now, city officials say the developer has pulled out of the project. No reason was given for the withdrawal.

Future of statue project now uncertain

The “Cry Baby Cry” statue is nearly complete. The statue was set to be a companion piece intended for the hotel site, but with no hotel to accompany it, the city is considering other locations for the installation.

Centennial projects moving ahead elsewhere

While the Palmera Motor Court and statue were not part of the city's timeline for the Route 66 Centennial in 2026, city leaders insist Tulsa’s stretch of the historic highway is still a priority.

They say other Route 66-themed developments are underway, though details have not yet been announced.