Destruction Of Launching Pad Underway, Police Cite Owner: 12 Photos

WILMINGTON, IL — Hundreds of vehicles have driven past Wilmington's iconic Gemini Giant and Launching Pad restaurant along historic U.S. Route 66 to survey Tuesday night's damage caused when property owner Holly Barker, age 51, began removing contents and equipment from her shuttered restaurant, according to authorities.

On Wednesday, Joliet Patch found the Launching Pad parking lot littered with shards of broken glass from several Route 66 soda bottles. Other junk and equipment is strewn throughout the parking lot and placed around the Gemini Giant.

Back at the police station, Wilmington's Deputy Police Chief Justin Dole told Joliet Patch that Barker was given two ordinance violation tickets as a result of Tuesday night's conduct involving the destruction of property.

As for the Wilmington property owner, Barker posted photos of her police tickets on Twitter, declaring: "4 officers showed up and did not want to discuss grand theft auto, murder, child sex traffiking, nada. They acted slightly aggressive. I got upset. They left. Done. Next."

Dole has been on Wilmington's Police Department for the past decade. The officers "are trying to work with her, and she understands what the ordinances are. We want to see the Launching Pad shine and not go down this road," Dole told Patch.

He explained that Barker's tickets are ordinance violations and not criminal charges. He is hoping that things do not escalate in the days and weeks ahead.

"The main thing is her safety and keeping it clean," Dole said of the world-famous Wilmington tourist attraction. "The people of this town have so many good memories of The Launching Pad."

Dole said the city "has done a huge part" in trying to work with Barker. In November, Patch reported that Barker put the Launching Pad for sale and her asking price was $1.4 million.

In the following days, Patch also reported that Joliet Area Historical Museum was willing to pay $420,000 for the Launching Pad restaurant building, another $150,000 for the Gemini Giant and another $50,000 for the restaurant's fixtures and equipment.

On Wednesday afternoon, Patch left a message seeking comment from the Joliet museum director Greg Peerbolte, wondering if this week's property destruction at the Launching Pad will sour his museum's interest in acquiring the property.

On a positive note, none of the restaurant windows were destroyed, and the Gemini Giant — although he has been desecrated — saw no damage done to one of the country's most iconic Route 66 landmarks, several residents in Wilmington told Patch.

"The giant looks like it's in good shape," Wilmington's deputy chief agreed. "Right now, the city is trying to do everything we can."

Dole wanted everyone to know that both the police force and city code enforcement officials are carefully monitoring the situation and trying to work with Barker, as best as they can.

Dole said that Wilmington wants to see the Launching Pad restaurant restored to its former glory, and this week's destruction of the property is a setback.

Recent Joliet Patch coverage:

Launching Pad: Joliet's Museum Would Buy It, But Only At This Price

Launching Pad, Wilmington's Famous Route 66 Restaurant, Now For Sale