On the north end of Carlinville sits a shopping center that was built in 1977; it was the first of its kind in Macoupin County. The Carlinville Plaza is set between historic Route 66 on the West and the Route 66 bike route on the east. South of the plaza is the largest community of Standard Addition Sears Homes, which helped name the world’s first Sears Home Little Free Library. The Little Free Library will feature books about Carlinville and Route 66 and is located next to the Carlinville Plaza Cafe and Coffee Shop.
DESCRIPTION
On the north end of Carlinville sits a shopping center that was built in 1977; it was the first of its kind in Macoupin County. The Carlinville Plaza is set between historic Route 66 on the West and the Route 66 bike route on the east. South of the plaza is the largest community of Standard Addition Sears Homes, which helped name the world’s first Sears Home Little Free Library. The Little Free Library will feature books about Carlinville and Route 66 and is located next to the Carlinville Plaza Cafe and Coffee Shop.
In 2015, the City of Carlinville entered into a redevelopment agreement with Central Realty and the property owner to rehabilitate the old tired center. The proximity to the new hospital, Prairie Farms Dairy, and Blackburn College made the location even more attractive. One challenge the Carlinville Plaza faced was where the center was built; with no storefront exposure to Route 66, the owners knew they needed new signage. Over the course of several years, Ace Sign Company worked with Central Realty and developed a sign that highlights the individual tenants and pays homage to Route 66 and the Standard Addition Sears Home history.
There is an old pylon sign on the property, which is often seen in Route 66 pictures; the old sign is still in its place and will remain. The businesses occupying the Carlinville Plaza offer a variety of services. The Carlinville Plaza Cafe is a very popular restaurant in Carlinville and on Route 66, other services are a Gym, Thrift Store, Salon and Massage Services, DMV, University of Illinois Extension, Karate, Happy Dog Daycare and Grooming, Pizza, Antique Store, Coffee Shop, Food Pantry, and Billy’s Furniture.
If you are making a trip through Carlinville, be sure to stop by the Carlinville Plaza and patronize these businesses and be sure to take a picture in front of the new sign; we look forward to seeing you on Route 66 and in Carlinville!
