Vinita Turnpike Landmark To Get $14.6 Million Makeover

An Oklahoma landmark is getting a makeover, according to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. The Vinita Service Plaza with its glass-enclosed restaurant spanning the Will Rogers Turnpike, will be renovated to the tune of $14.6 million.

The former "Glass House" pancake restaurant - now a McDonald's - will boast two restaurants, a larger convenience store and a gas station with diesel fuel. The project will begin early this summer and is expected to be completed within a year, a news release states.

Timberlake Construction won the bid to replace all the glass in the arched part of the building as well as its interior finishes. The aluminum curtain wall blinds on the west side will also be removed.

An artist's rendering is not available yet as drawings are being finalized.

"The Vinita Service Plaza serves as a first and last impression for those entering and leaving our state. Awarding this contract is the initial step in making the necessary improvements to the area," said Tim Stewart, Deputy Director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.

OTA says the turnpike will remain open for traffic but the service plaza will be closed. Because there is no other rest stop in the stretch of turnpike between Tulsa and Joplin, Missouri, drivers will have to exit Interstate 44 for gas, food and restrooms.