SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - A new sculpture will be installed in downtown Springfield in time for Route 66’s 100th anniversary in 2026.

Spanish artist Juan Garaizabal visited Springfield to examine the downtown site for his sculpture. The piece, called “Ghost of the Colonial Hotel,” will be installed at St. Louis Street and Jefferson Avenue, where the historic Colonial Hotel stood until its demolition almost 30 years ago.

“I love establishing bridges between the past, the present, and the future,” Garaizabal said. “And I like to capture those places where the energy is extraordinary, like here, and materialize it in a form of contemporary art sculpture.”

Garaizabal will discuss his vision for the project, his philosophy, and his other global works on Wednesday evening. A question-and-answe

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