Refillery 66

05/20/2026

Refillery 66 is more than just a business, it's a tribute to the rich history of a building that has stood in Grants and Milan since 1946. Once home to Cactus/Cobra Gardens and later Milan Silver & Gold, this building has witnessed decades of change. Now, as its murals and structure deteriorate, I am inspired by my husband and his father's dreams to restore it and create something new for our community.

As an artist with 23 years of experience, I've spent nearly a year researching how to preserve the old murals and incorporate them into new artwork. My vision is to use lime paint, concrete, 3-D elements, mosaic tiles, and glass to create a vibrant new piece that honors the past. I also plan to host storytelling events for those who remember the building in its heyday, and eventually add a museum aspect to showcase its history and transformation.

Restoring this building is a big undertaking. We need funds for permitting, materials, labor, and environmental notifications. The project will begin with the exterior, making it less abandoned and more welcoming to locals and tourists, especially as we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Route 66. Every dollar helps us move closer to revitalizing this landmark and preserving its legacy for future generations.

This building was here long before I was born, and its story has inspired me to work on something larger than myself. I love living in the Grants and Milan area, and I'm calling on the community to help support me as I take on this challenge. Every bit of help is appreciated, whether it's a donation or simply sharing the project. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to anyone willing to help me and my husband make this dream a reality.

Refillery 66 is more than just a business, it's a tribute to the rich histor… Dei McNeill needs your support for Revitalize Refillery 66: Honoring Our History

05/20/2026

Hi everyone, hope you're doing well. I'm reaching out to ask for support for this GoFundMe. This cause is important and whether you can donate or simply share the fundraiser, every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated. Here's the link:

https://gofund.me/ec04a5727

As I work to try and continue the plans of revitalization of this building, funding is really important to get the process going. Every little bit of support helps, from sharing this post, spreading the word, and of course financial support. If this building means anything to our community and it becoming one less of the abandoned building in our area, I ask that you please consider donating, or at the very least sharing so we can get the word out there of this project. Thank you.

05/17/2026

Trying to think of fundraising ideas and strategies to help bring in funding for permitting so we can get the building repairs underway. If you have any suggestions or ideas, feel free to leave them in the comments below. Thank you!

05/13/2026

Recently, I finally received communication from zoning and regulations, after months of trying to get ahold of someone to find out how much a permit would cost in order for me to begin work on the mural on the building. I have an answer finally 5 months later and now it is time to plan the project, including getting the permit approved. Cheers to progress and development, no matter how slow!

05/01/2026

Another day, another update:

There will likely be moments that we will be at the Farmer’s Market this year, probably not at the start as I am a few weeks from giving birth. I am aiming for atleast July-October but we will see how my body heals and if I am up and moving around that fast.

You can still buy our products from our website, which will have a big update coming soon.

Keep ya eyes peeled!

04/12/2026

Hi all, Dei here, I just wanted to pop in and state that I am still working on the website redesign. I am also working on products and other things that will be available at the Farmer’s market and in our online storefront. As far as the physical storefront, I have reached out to the village of Milan requesting information about what permitting I need to start the mural. I still have not heard back many weeks later, so I am awaiting that.

What I do know is that once we are able to get started, I will be using lime paint in order to let the building breathe. I also know that I will be utilizing old parts of the design into the new mural, but that a new mural will be put on the front of the building, including 3-dimensional aspects created with lime plaster.

Given the nature of the products I will be using, even if we get a response to the permitting process, I will be waiting til after my pregnancy and healing period to begin. However, we are still awaiting a response and are also taking care of other aspects of life right now.

Slow and steady wins the race as they say. We’ll get where we want to be when the time is right.

01/29/2026

New Blog Post out now!

https://refillery66.com/our-goals-2026/

As we step into 2026, I want to take a moment to share what this year (and the years ahead) look like for Refillery 66. This business has always been rooted in intention, sustainability, and community, and as life evolves, so do our goals. Some are near-term and tangible, others are long-range and d...

01/07/2026

Plans have kinda included adding Mt. Taylor into the background of the mural, creating 3-d versions of the old palm trees and cacti, I do plan on adding back in rattlesnakes, and going from there. I’ve always had more of an abstract realism vibe in my artwork, but this is going to be a blend of my style and the original works. A blend of the 2-d and the 3-d, and if I do it right, working with lime plaster to provide the same essence and texture of the original mural.

01/07/2026

Been slowly working on a small canvas, my idea for my mural project for the front of Refillery 66. The proportions aren’t exact but I just need something to help me get a better visual of the artwork.

12/13/2025

Some photos of the interior that I took earlier this year, this is some of the chaos I’m working with. Moving items that arent going to be used out into storage, as this building was used for storage for a long time.

Counting all the ceiling tiles that I have to get professionally removed after giving an environmental notice. As they likely have asbestos in them.

There will be demolition happening of the drywalled in room, to make a more open space and floor plan. Demo of the drywall in the ceiling.

There is a lot of dust, so a lot of cleaning to be done. The original wood that was probably here from Milan Silver and Gold, will be kept for its styling and any that is moved will be cleaned and re-used to make shelving for products.