Downtown Tulsa

The Channels

2006-09-06T05:53:00.000-07:00

Information on The Channels Project can be found here.

The official announcement will be today at 10:30.

The East End

2006-08-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

For years we have all heard about the East Village Project. This morning I received an email from Nik Majdan pointing me to a web site located at http://www.globaldevelopmentpartners.com/EastEnd.html.

The East End Project is described as Global Development Partners announces a dynamic urban lifestyle environment, the East End in Downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. Encompassing over 14 city blocks, the East End connects TulsaÂsrevitalizationg Downtown to the affluent Mid-Town district of the City creating a destination that will serve a 100 mile regional trade area of over 2,500,000 people. The East End will offer over 1.9 million square feet of mixed-use development including over 450,000 square feet of retail and dining experiences; 800 units of unparalleled urban living; three high quality hotels; 150,000 square feet of modern office space; and -- as a centerpiece -- an 8,000 seat state-of-the-art baseball stadium. These integrated components will result in an innovative, vibrant urban district. In Spring of 2009, the East End will deliver a live/work/play/stay environment to Tulsa and a destination of choice for its regional trade area.

Does anyone know any more on the status of this project?

Arena Progress

2006-08-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

One Year: 25 Percent Complete: New arena taking shape
By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer
8/27/2006

Construction crews will soon begin assembling the BOK Center's steel framing.

From out of the dirt, a massive skeletal structure has risen over the past 12 months to support the BOK Center's seating bowl that will one day hold thousands of spectators.
With about 25 percent of the downtown arena complete as construction marks its first year Thursday, project leaders are encouraging the public to keep watching.
View Full Article from the Tulsa World.

Converting Tulsa's Boston Avenue To 2-Way Traffic

2006-08-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

From KOTV
One of downtown's major streets is undergoing some major changes. Boston Avenue won't look anything like it does now, but the work has a ways to go.

News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan says the cars cut through the dust, but pedestrians have bear it while Boston Avenue is dug up and rebuilt.

Damen Banks has already broken a headlight on a pothole. Because of the dust, he has to wipe down his scooter before he hops on. "My clients have a hard time trying to find a place to work, but I guess it's all for the good.”
More...

Tussle brews over site

2006-08-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

Downtown Development: Next Step: Tussle brews over site...
Greenwood group wants it outright

A grassy plot connecting the Greenwood Business District and the Brady Village neighborhood is the focus of a competitive development process initiated by the Tulsa Development Authority.
"The fairness of the situation demands it," the authority's chairman, Carl Bracy, said. "We've been looking at all of the downtown property in our inventory, and this is certainly one of the most promising for development."
Read the full stort at the Tulsa World

Downtown Merchants Trying To Put A Stop To 'Meter Hogs'

2006-08-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

From KTUL

Tulsa - Some downtown merchants are hoping to curb a problem with parking meters. Office workers are monopolizing those meters. So, driving customers can't reach downtown businesses. NewsChannel 8's Jerry Giordano explains what they're looking to do.

"That white (car) has been here only a little while, but it will be there the rest of the day."

Chuck Adamson is a merchant in downtown Tulsa. He's got plenty of shoes. What he doesn't have is plenty of parking.

"They plug the meter every hour on the hour," Adamson says. "Or, they'll move their car a few feet so it looks like they've moved."

Full Story Here.

Tulsa City Council Approves Cost Cutting Bid At The BOK Center

2006-08-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Tulsa City Council has approved another major bid on the BOK Center. An almost $8-million bid for concrete was part of a plan to save money by changing some of the specifications for the arena. From KOTV... Full Story Here.

Mid-day entertainment is back in the heart of Downtown Tulsa

2006-08-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

From KOTV...

Downtown Tulsa Entertainment
KOTV - 8/3/2006 1:15 PM - Updated: 8/3/2006 2:43 PM
Mid-day entertainment is back in the heart of downtown Tulsa.

Downtown Tulsa Unlimited presents its Music on the Square concert series. Thursday, Earl Clark performed for the lunchtime crowd.

The concerts are every Thursday from noon to 1 PM, through the end of October.

Next Thursday, Shannon Thomas performs.

Keep those buildings cool!

2006-08-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

KOTV has a fun little article on keeping all those downtown buildings cool.

When it comes to beating the heat, one company practically controls the thermostat downtown. That's because much of downtown's air conditioning comes from one building and News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan shows us how it works.
It's the largest air conditioner in Tulsa - a unit with 22,000 tons of cooling power. It cools more than half of the office space downtown. Full article here

Downtown: Revitalization: Group's Mayo Place plan angles for clubs, shops

2006-08-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

Check this out in the Tulsa World...

Downtown: Revitalization: Group's Mayo Place plan angles for clubs, shops
By ROBERT EVATT World Staff Writer
7/7/2006

The move to revitalize downtown Tulsa with urban living, shopping and entertainment now has a shared vision -- as well as a name.

The planned 12-block Mayo Place would be within walking distance of the under-construction BOK Center, transforming the area into an attractive destination for visitors, said George Shaffer, the chief executive officer of American Parking Services and a collaborator on the project.

Vision Money For More Downtown Lofts

2006-03-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

From KOTV
Vision Watch 2025 money is getting a boost from private donors investing in downtown Tulsa.

The city of Tulsa pledged $10-million from the Vision plan to four downtown buildings, with almost half of it going into the Mayo Hotel. The plan is to kick off the construction of 70 loft apartments.

The owners plan to invest another $16-million in the Mayo. Macy Snyder with the Mayo Hotel: "There are windows that needs fixing, the elevators don't work, so without money for the elevators we wouldn't be able to do anything beyond the second floor."

Three of the four buildings are within a block of Main Street; the other is on the east side.

In all, the city says private investors will put almost $27-million into downtown housing, creating 166 apartments.

More Specifics can be found on the Vision 2025 web site.

Tulsa Transit Unveils New Trolley System Plan

2006-02-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

Tulsa Transit Unveils New Trolley System Plan
From the good folks at KOTV
Tulsa Transit officials unveiled a plan for a new trolley system on Friday. It would involve what they call "rubber tire trolleys" - basically trolleys on wheels rather than a track.

The route hasn't been decided yet, but it would likely cover midtown and downtown - areas like Brookside and the Brady District. Tulsa Transit officals say the trolleys would also help the city compete with other cities for major events.

Tulsa Transit GM Bill Cartwright: "They have a trolley very similar to this in Oklahoma City and it's very popular. They're way ahead of us on this. We need to catch up."

The trolleys would come around every thirty minutes and would cost 50 cents to ride.

Tulsa Transit officials say the new system won't get off the ground, though, if local businesses don't help out financially.

Rebuilding Tulsa: Making Downtown Livable

2006-02-08T11:34:00.000-08:00

From Urban Tulsa
Rebuilding Tulsa: Making Downtown Livable
by Gretchen Collins

Before rebuilding projects can be approved or implemented, they must be planned. Every year the graduate students at The University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, Urban Design Studio work on a study or project designed to help the Tulsa area. You’ll recall our coverage (April 2004) of their three-dimensional model of downtown Tulsa and how it would look when the arena (BOK Center) is expected to be complete.
Read More here...

Who are these people?

2006-02-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

In the last few months Henry Kaufman and Maurice Kanbar have purchased almost one-third of downtown Tulsa. How did it happen?

Here is the story as three people with strong Tulsa ties tell it.
Early last year former Tulsan Paulette Millichap was having a conversation with a friend and her grandson. The friend was expounding on the opportunities to be found in real estate in almost every market.
Read more...

Tulsa Turns Out Friday To Honor Veterans

2005-11-11T16:41:00.000-08:00

Tulsa Turns Out Friday To Honor Veterans
Honoring America's veterans. Thousands of Tulsans lined the streets of downtown for the annual Veteran's Day parade.

Several marching bands from across Green Country proudly played in the annual parade. Six World War II fighter planes also flew overhead to salute soldiers.

Veterans walked the route in uniform as did some future soldiers in Junior ROTC.

One veteran says even after all this time, being a part of the event makes him proud. Perry Partney: "This just re-enforces the fact that we're well supported in our military."

The News on 6 would also like to thank some of our veterans for their military service, Jim Giles, Dick Faurot and Rick Wells.

From the great folks at KOTV.

Downtown Weekends... 11/11

2005-11-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

Happening this weekend in Downtown...

The music/entertainment/nightlife scene...
Friday the 11th
1974 GRILL
Rook

ARNIE’S
Admiral Twin

BRADY THEATER
The International Aerobatics Club welcomes
GENERAL CHUCK YEAGER to benefit the Oklahoma Make-A-Wish Foundation

LOLA’S AT THE BOWERY
Full Flava Kings

TERRI WAGNER
Studio 3 Art Expedition featuring work by Terri Wagner in oil and watercolor. 5pm-8pm 417 West 7th St Suite 103 or call 812-8362 for more information.

Saturday the 12th
1974 GRILL
Dustin Pittsley Band

818 LOUNGE
Trust Fund Baby Jazz Band

ARNIE’S
Steve Pryor

BRADY THEATER
Dale "Apollo" Cook's - BATTLE AT THE BRADY II

CAIN'S BALLROOM
"A Ride with Bob" Afterparty with the Red Dirt Rangers, The Stragglers and members of Asleep at the Wheel

Sunday the 13th
CAIN’S BALLROOM
Senses Fail & Saves the Day

ALL WEEKEND...
TPAC - Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular, The Life & Legend of Bob Wills, TACTA Showcase, A Ride with Bob: From Austin to Tulsa and The Fantasticks (check site for details)

DEPRESSION GLASS SHOW AND SALE
Sat. 10-5, Sun. 9-4, Tulsa Convention Center (Downtown Tulsa). The show features dealers from 15 states with more than 175 tables of American glassware, crystal, china and pottery for sale. Free glass identification is included with admission. Admission: $3.00 (good both days) Information 744-8020 or haveglass@aol.com

Some of the above information is from the good folks over at Urban Tulsa

Some more thoughts on downtown...

2005-11-03T08:10:00.000-08:00

Over at Joe Kelley's Blog, Joe's made some comments on downtown.

You can read them here....
Downtown Takes Another Hit
Downtown Again

BOKCENTER.com

2005-11-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

Just a random tidbit... BOKCENTER.com has been registered as a domain name since July 6th, 2005 by BOK Financial Corporation. Maybe they planned to buy the name rights all along! Just do any whois: search to see for yourself.

ALERT - Attempt to delay 6th Street Task Force Plan

2005-11-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

From Rebecca Bryant of TULSA NOW

Tulsa Now is issuing an “Action Alert” for the following reason:

We heard last night (Nov 1st) that there will be an attempt to delay the TMAPC's approval of the 6th Street Task Force's Neighborhood Plan at today's Hearing (Wednesday, Nov 2nd).

THIS IS AN URGENT CALL FOR ACTION, in the form of attendance and advocacy at the Tulsa Metropolitan Planning Commission's Hearing of the 6th Street Neighborhood Plan, which will take place today at 1:30pm at the City Council Chamber.

Members of the 6th Street Task Force are very concerned that this is an attempt to derail the product of five years, non-stop, neighborhood planning.

Read more: www.tulsanow.org
View the plan: http://www.tulsanow.org/news/6thStreetInfillPlan.pdf

I apologize for the late notice, but the 6th Street Task Force did not expect opposition at the Hearing, and only learned of the opposition yesterday evening. I realize most of us have day jobs, but I strongly urge you to do your best to attend the Hearing and to speak up on behalf of the Plan. You will make it a lot easier for the TMAPC to approve it.

Thanks so much!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Bryant

Tulsa Blogger Michael Bates has more info and background on his site BatesLine

Downtown Rumblings...

2005-11-02T08:49:00.000-08:00

Sorry the updates have not been coming strong the last few weeks. I’ve been awfully busy working and moving. I hope to keep the updates running strong in the next several months. I have several stories relating to the unique landmarks in downtown in the works, so look for those. I’d love to see more feedback and hear others thoughts on downtown, feel free to send in your thoughts, rumors, opinions or whatever! send email... downtowntulsa (at) gmail.com

Here's some of the latest rumblings...

OETA wants to move downtown into the TCC Metro Campus, and wants $1.9 million from the State.
From NewsOK.com (Registration Required)

TCC plans a 70,000 square feet, $10.5 million dollar “Center for the Advancement of Learning”
From Urban Tulsa...
“And TCC continues to make improvements with the DL learning. Bereolos says that the recent adoption of a higher education bond package by the Oklahoma Legislature will provide the funding for a proposed 70,000 square foot, $10.5 million facility on the TCC Metro Campus, the Center for the Advancement of Learning.

He says “the Center will provide the state-of-the-art ability to develop and deliver distance and online learning programs and courses in a state-of-the-art, multi-media production facility to support TCC’s cable channel and telecourse programming.” Construction is scheduled to begin in 2006.”

A good read from fellow Tulsa Bolger Michael Bates & Urban Tulsa…
Far From the Madding Crowd: If you want to get away from it all, you can always go downtown.
“On a recent Saturday afternoon, I needed to clear my head. I needed to have some time alone, so I could hear myself think. I got in the car and drove somewhere I knew I could walk for a long time without encountering another human being. I took a walk downtown.” More at Urban Tulsa

Nightlife
The Blank Slate (where voodoo room was) opens with Vanilla Ice on Thursday the 10th. This means you will once again be able to bar hop on 1st & 2nd Streets (Blue Dome District)... McNellies, Club Frogs Ultra Lounge, Blank Slate, Arnie's, 1974, & Tsunami. At least two more bar's are in the works on 1st, and don't forget the Brady District!

Don't Stop Believin (in Downtown Tulsa)... Journey's at Brady Theater on Friday the 4th!

Tulsa's BOK Center

2005-11-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

It's already old news, but here's info on the BOK center, from the great folks at the www.vision2025.info site.

City of Tulsa and Bank of Oklahoma officials last week announced the new Regional Events Center will be named the BOK Center. Bank of Oklahoma purchased naming rights for $11 million over 20 years. The funds are included, along with other anticipated sponsorship, suite and ticket revenue, in the initial construction and operating budget of the 18,000-seat 550,000-square-foot facility designed by Cesar Pelli.
“Bank of Oklahoma has a long, successful heritage of leadership and support in our community,” said Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune. “We are extremely excited to have them help us showcase the BOK Center as an integral part of our plan to create a first-class, iconic facility for entertainment, sporting events and national conventions.”

Bank of Oklahoma’s support for the BOK Center and Vision 2025 has provided $30 million for community improvements, including the $11 million for naming rights and $19 million the bank helped raise from private donors prior to passage of Vision 2025.

“Bank of Oklahoma’s selection as the naming rights partner allows us to continue to demonstrate our dedication to enhancing the quality of life and the economic wellbeing of the community,” said bank President and CEO Stan Lybarger. “Bank of Oklahoma will assist the city in securing additional sponsorship commitments for the BOK Center Our support, along with the support of other sponsors, will help ensure the BOK Center becomes one of the most competitive facilities in the country.”

Cleveland, Ohio-based Sports Facilities Marketing Group was hired by the City to select a naming-rights partner. The firm is also charged with marketing sponsorships and premium seating.

“Bank of Oklahoma’s partnership enables us to attract other quality sponsorships that, together, add greatly to the BOK Center’s marketability and public appeal,” said Hamp Howell with Sports Facilities Marketing Group. “The BOK Center will be a major league quality facility that will be premier among arenas in comparable markets.”

“The BOK Center and other Vision 2025 projects are all about making Tulsa a better place to live and work,” Lybarger said. “Increasing the competitive position of our community benefits all of our citizens.”

BREAKING - Level 3 to buy WilTel (update 2)

2005-10-31T10:47:00.000-08:00

Update 2...
Tuesday 5:45pm
KOTV reports that its sources say "in a meeting Tuesday morning, employees were told to expect a 30 to 40 percent layoff quickly."

Tuesday 3:00pm
From KTUL...
Analysts Predict Tulsa Layoffs After Sale Of WilTel
Tulsa (AP) - Analysts say the Tulsa area could be losing more jobs because of the sale of Tulsa-based WilTel Communications to Colorado-based Level Three Communications.

Washington, D-C, telecommunications industry analyst David Ahl says there could be 12-hundred WilTel employees laid off and up the 300 laid off from Level Three.

Level Three president Kevin O'Hara says, though, it's too early to say how many employees will be kept.

WilTel has about 18-hundred employees worldwide with about 12-hundred of those in Tulsa.

Level Three announced yesterday it will acquire WilTel in a stock and cash deal worth about 680 (m) million dollars. The deal is expected to close during the first three months of next year.

One of downtown's biggest employers is being purchased by Level 3 Communications.

From KOTV
ommunications says it'll pay $680-million for the Internet access and services company, WilTel Communications Group.

Level 3 will pay $370-million cash, and issue 115-million shares in the deal.

The Broomfield-based company operates Internet protocol-based fiber-optic networks.

WilTel is headquartered in Tulsa, and delivers voice, data, video and IP services over a next-generation fiber-optic network.

WilTel is a subsidiary of New York-based Leucadia National Corporation.

The acquisition includes all of WilTel's communications business, including a multiyear contract with SBC Communications, and WilTel's Vyvx video transmission business.

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2006.

Level 3 president and Chief Operating Officer Kevin O'Hara says the combined companies will reach 50 new markets and include three-thousand new route miles, compared with Level 3's pre-acquisition facilities.

A gift from OKC

2005-10-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

From the good folks at KOTV

Oklahoma City presented Tulsa with a special gift Tuesday, a centennial clock.

Tulsa Mayor LaFortune accepted the clock on the city's behalf. The 16 foot tall clock will be permanently installed at the corner of 3rd and Boston.

Centennial clocks are part of Oklahoma City's fundraising effort to pay for the activities and events planned in conjunction with the state's centennial.

OSU-Tulsa Gets a Big Gift

2005-09-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

From KOTV

OSU-Tulsa is celebrating a big gift. The university received a $9-million pledge Wednesday from the Helmerich Foundation.

The money will be used to build OSU-Tulsa's first research and technology development center. Walter and Peggy Helmerich hope the facility will take OSU-Tulsa to new levels of achievement and will make a difference in Tulsa and around the world.

Walter Helmerich with the Helmerich Foundation: "The Lord has blessed Peggy and me with a wonderful family and also with the ability to help sometimes in other things and that's why this is important to us."

Construction will begin in October. It will be called the Helmerich Advanced Technology Research Center. OSU hopes to have it open by the fall of 2007.

Downtown Weekend... 9/23

2005-09-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

Two great event's this weekend in Downtown!

Friday Night
White Party 2005- Hurricane Katrina benefit behind the new Downtown Cowboy Sharkies.

Saturday Night
Tulsa One Village Festival - The downtown Blue Dome District at 2nd and Archer will come alive Saturday, September 24 from noon til 6pm with African drumming, joyful multicultural dance, spoken word, children's activities and an outdoor art market.

If I missed something, be sure to post it in the comments!

Tulsa Visual Arts Center

2005-09-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

The great folks over at Tulsa Now, keep us up to date on the Tulsa Visual Arts Center Project...

!2nd Action Alert!

Thanks to all of you who sent letters to the Mayor regarding your support of the Tulsa Contemporary visual arts center in the Brady Arts District. The letters have made an impact! The visual arts center is being considered for as much as $2 Million in the upcoming 3rd Penny Sales Tax. The Mayor has said that he is in support of this initiative.

As the list is finalized for 3rd Penny Sales Tax, please send a short letter THIS WEEK (the week of August 29) to our nine City Councilors expressing your support for this initiative. Their names and districts are listed below for reference. We still need to show broad support from various constituencies throughout Tulsa.
More here...

Downtown Nightlife

2005-09-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

Cronies... is now Cowboy Sharkies Downtown... Located just East of 3rd and Elgin.

Look for a new martini bar next to McNellies coming soon, and a new bar/restaurant also near McNellies in the next year or so.

The reasons to head downtown just keep growing!

White Party

2005-09-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

The second annual White Party will be held in Downtown on September 23rd. "As a result of the immense interest that the 2005 White Party has received, and because of the recent devastation in the Gulf Coast, the hosts of this years event have decided to use the 2005 White Party as an opportunity to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina." Don't forget that you have to get your tickets by the 20th... All the details are at the White Party Web Site.

Sense and Disability - A city has to be accessible to all...

2005-09-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

Our fellow blogger Michael Bates continues his rise to blog-super-stardom with his latest crossover project as a weekly columnist for Urban Tulsa. His first article focuses on "urban design, walkability, and what that means for Tulsans who, by reason of disability or age, cannot drive."

From Urban Tulsa
Urban design can be a dry topic, and the details of urban design--scale, setbacks, screening--can make your eyes glaze over, but itÂs all about the shape of our city and how it shapes our everyday lives.

A few weeks ago, my wife spotted a man making his way down our street, sweeping a white cane in front of him. Like most Tulsa neighborhoods built since the 1920s, when the automobile came into common use, our mid-50s neighborhood doesn't have sidewalks, so this gentleman was in the street itself, close to the curb. Read More Here...

its all coming back to the heart of things....

2005-09-11T01:18:00.000-07:00

New bars & clubs are coming to Downtown...

Club Frog's Ultra Lounge and Blank Slate, which was formerly the Voodoo Room will be opeing in the next few weeks. All are under the management of Michael Sager.

UPDATE: I'm wrong, they are not all under Sager's management... My understanding right now is that Frog's is established under a sub-lease in a building Sager owns. Not sure about Blank Slate

Friday Night - Hurricane Benefit at McNellies

2005-09-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

From YP Tulsa...
A Hurricane Relief Benefit is being planned to help aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina, led by James E. McNellie’s Public House and young professional organizations in Tulsa, including TYPros, YPTulsa, Southeast Jaycees and others. The benefit, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 9, from 6 p.m. to midnight, will be a block party outside of McNellie’s, 409 E. 1st St., to support the American Red Cross and their efforts to assist victims of the hurricane disaster. The benefit will be open to the public and include live music provided by local Tulsa bands, beverages and food. There will be a cover charge of $5 and all proceeds from the block party and cover charge will be donated to the American Red Cross. In addition, McNellie’s owner, Elliot Nelson is donating a portion of the pub’s proceeds from the evening of the American Red Cross. "McNellie's, at it's core, is a community establishment. It's a place built to foster relationships and discussions, to improve the urban fabric of a depleted inner city,” said Nelson. “Now there is another community in need, and we feel as though it's part of our charge to help - for if we just think of our own community, and not that of our neighbors we become nothing more than hypocrites and don't deserve our self-proclaimed title of ‘community pub’." Organizers are encouraging Tulsans of all ages to come downtown for the benefit on Friday, including those who will spend the day participating in the Tulsa Area United Way’s Day of Caring. Additional donations will also be accepted at the event or can be made by contacting the American Red Cross at 918-831-1100. Sponsors of the event include James E. McNellie’s Public House, Tulsa’s Young Professionals (TYPros), YP Tulsa, Southeast Jaycees, CorporateSurvey, Cox Communications, City of Tulsa, Straxis Technology, Tulsa Parks, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and the Jazz Ambassadors
Laura Chalus, YP Tulsa Director

Cain's Hosting Benefit for Hurricane Victims

2005-09-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Featuring...
6:15-6:45 -A.D.D.
7:00-7:30 - The Effects
7:45-8:15 - Jenny Labow
8:30-9:00 - Jeff Scheel of Gravity Kills
9:15-9:45 - Zac Maloy
10:15-10:30 - Hanson

Updates and Ticket Info HERE.

In Urban Tulsa - Heeding the Call Local musicians help stage a benefit for hurricane victims.

Thinking inside the box / Kitchell's "side of the story"

2005-09-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

Two real good reads in the new UrbanTulsa...

Rebuilding Tulsa
As the city’s limits begin reaching critical mass, it’s time to begin thinking inside the box.
Introducing a new series to help citizens become more familiar with issues dealing with the redevelopment of their hometown

Embattled entertainment impresario, Steve Kitchell gives his side.
We add a few clarifications and it all makes for an interesting look into the club business as practiced by one of the local area’s most famous and successful. No matter how you feel about him, no matter how tired anyone is of hearing, reading or writing about him, he shouldn’t be without a chance to defend himself in print, no matter what his reputation is.

Arena Watch

2005-09-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

Several Articles from the blog world.

9/1/05 OKC Downtown Guy - They Don't Get It

8/31/05 Batesline - ARENA: AN UNGRACIOUS BEGINNING

8/31/05 Vision2025 Official - Mayor's Remarks at Groundbreaking & Pictures

Ummm… Any optimistic views out there?

Casino in Downtown Brady District?

2005-09-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

This has been on the rumor mill for awhile. One rumor is even that the Creeks have been talking with the management group that runs the Hard Rock Casino chain.

Transcribed/ summarized from Tulsa World and posted on TulsaNow...
The Creek Nation's National Council is taking initial steps toward building a gaming site in the Brady District.

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation could be the first tribe to open a casino downtown, officials said Friday.

The tribe's National Council approved an unbinding memorandum of understanding with Sharp Development to construct a gaming site in the Brady District, according to Creek Chief A.D. Ellis.

One possible site discussed is near the Cain's Ballroom, although the exact location was not given.

Ellis said the tribe was approached by a representative of Tulsa-based Sharp Development about the possibility of operating a casino in conjunction with that business.

"If they can't put the land into trust, then the agreement is voided," he said. "They got a long road to go, but we've got nothing to lose at this point. We're committing nothing yet."

The tribe will work on entering a binding memorandum if a preliminary plan works out, Ellis said.

If the property gains trust status, the Creeks would be the first state tribe to offer a downtown gaming site in an urban area. The casino could be an asset to recent efforts to revitalize downtown Tulsa, said
Mike Flood, a tribal spokesman.

Because the development plans are in the early stages, officials had no details on casino size, machine quantity or employment numbers.

City officials said that while the venture is still in a preliminary stage, Mayor Bill LaFortune has never been a big proponent of casinos in the Tulsa area, said his spokeswoman, Kim MacLeod.

"We are aware of it. Any economic impact would be purely speculative at this point. We haven't done anything yet on it," she said.

"But gaming has not traditionally been a part of the mayor's vision for the revitalization of downtown Tulsa."

Other gaming tribes, such as the Osage Nation and the Cherokee Nation, both operate casinos within their jurisdictional ter-[ 4] ritories, yet their casinos are miles from downtown, in north Tulsa and Catoosa.

The Creeks operate a Tulsa casino near 81st Street and Riverside Drive that is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation.

The opening of a downtown casino would be contingent on obtaining federal trust status for the site, as required by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Trust status, obtained through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, can be a lengthy process.

However, this trust application could go smoothly because downtown Tulsa is within the tribe's historical jurisdiction.

Ellis said that the offer of putting land into trust was one made frequently to the tribe.

"But people don't have any idea exactly what it takes to do this," he said.

David Sharp of Sharp Development could not be reached for comment Friday. He is listed on a Downtown Tulsa Unlimited Web site under property managers and leasing agents.

His company owns property in the Brady District.

Ellis said the possibility of a downtown casino is just part of the 55,000-member tribe's plans for future enterprises. The tribe recently bought 25 acres along the Arkansas River directly west of its 81st Street and Riverside Drive property.

Ellis said no firm plans had been made about what to do with the newly acquired land but that the tribe hopes to become a part of the Jenks Riverwalk Crossing area.

ALERT - Hurricane Help

2005-09-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

We have all seen the devastation throughout the Gulf coast area, and in particular New Orleans. As we keep the victims and aid workers in our thoughts and prayers it is important that we do all we can to help. The easiest way to help is to go to www.redcross.org and give your money. No donation is too small.

Arena Watch - Groundbreaking

2005-08-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

At 9:00am this morning, the official groundbreaking for the Tulsa Events Center took place.

KOTV Coverage... "Groundbreaking Held For Tulsa's New Downtown Arena Project"
TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Groundbreaking was Wednesday morning in downtown Tulsa for an arena that's the centerpiece of Tulsa's Vision 2025 project.

The 18,000 seat arena is to be complete in April 2008 and is part of a $183-million project that includes renovations on the nearby Convention Center.

Tulsa County voters in 2003 approved the Vision 2025 project which increased the sales tax to pay for a variety of economic development projects.

KTUL - "Groundbreaking Today For Downtown Arena"

More soon...

Big Goals for Downtown

2005-08-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

Great article in Sunday’s Tulsa World about East Village development… Check out the on going conversation at the Tulsa Now Forums. There’s plenty of rumors floating around that didn’t make the article. Plenty of developers have big goals for downtown Tulsa, and from what we’ve heard downtown could be getting a real big announcement in the next few months.

Downtown Weekends...

2005-08-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

It’s our second weekly installment of Downtown Weekend. I’ve been a little extra tied up this week, and out of the loop, so I could easily be missing something. Please let me know of more events!!!

From Urban Tulsa
Thru Aug. 26_ _PHOTOGRAPHERS IN BLOOM _Black and White, wet darkroom production at the Pictures Gallery; 6-9pm; North Hall Conference Center, OSU Tulsa, 700 North Greenwood Ave; 808-0008

Thru Aug. 27 _ _MYSTICAL MAGICAL GARDEN: AN INTERACTIVE INSTALLATION _presented by Tulsa Artists’ Coalition. 2D & 3D hands on art exhibit. _6pm - 9pm; Tulsa Artists’ Coalition Gallery, 9 East Brady, Tulsa; FREE, 592-0041; www.tacgallery.org

Sat., Aug. 27 _ _SING FOR THE CURE _Council Oak Men’s Chorale benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 8pm, Tulsa Preforming Arts Center, 3rd & Cincinnati, 596-7111.

Arena Watch

2005-08-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

8/21 Batesline - Arena feasibility study still valid?

8/22 Living on Tulsa Time – Our Arena has a Fatal Flaw.

That’s all I’ve got for this week. Let me know if I missed something by posting in the comments.

A Loft Reality

2005-08-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

After several years of talk the Philtower Lofts are finally a reality. KOTV did a nice little package on the project tonight. You can find the video here. As you will see in the clip, they point out 11 of the 26 high-end units are already leased with over 100 people still scheduled to tour the model apartment. Occupancy starts next month.

Downtown Weekends - Overground 8

2005-08-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

Keeping with the theme of special sections look for the new weekly feature... "Downtown Weekends." We'll keep you posted on the latest & greatest downtown activities.

This week we will kick off with the Tulsa Overground Film Festival! In it's eighth year, it lives on strong with a great weekend of film from local and national directors along with a great schedule of after-parties. Check the schedule on their web site.

Arena Watch

2005-08-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

We're going to start a new feature here on the Downtown Tulsa blog, the weekly Arena Watch. I know its a bit of a cliche, ala KOTV's Vision Watch, but we think it best to try and get all the latest info in one place. We'll just spend a little time over each weekend to compile links to news stories and articles focusing on the arena's progress.

So to kick it off lets look at this weeks latest arena developments & chat...

8-14 Batesline - Counting the arena cost

8/16 KOTV - Questions Raised By Several Tulsa City Councilors Over Downtown Arena Plans

8/16 KOTV - Oklahoma City's Downtown Arena Overcomes Concerns

8/16 Batesline - Arena naming rights survey

8/18 KTUL - Some Fear Arena Construction Could Go Over Budget

The official Vision 2025 site now hosts a live Arena Cam of the arena site.

Did I miss a story? Post in the Comments and I'll update the list!

Thanks for the attention!

2005-08-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to send a quick thanks for the shout outs from Michael Bates & OKC's The Downtown Guy! If you haven't checked out there site, they are definitely worth a read!

Look for some exciting updates this weekend.

Arena

2005-08-06T00:20:00.000-07:00

"Tuesday August 2 architect Cesar Pelli presented to the public the final design of the new events center arena."

http://www.vision2025.info/

Update: oops... the arena didnt get washed away, the vision2025.info site changed the image at that link... so no more arena picture

let the big announcements begin....

2005-08-06T00:16:00.000-07:00

Here is the first of a few big announcements coming for downtown Tulsa....

"A California millionaire has bought six high-profile buildings in downtown Tulsa all at once. The deal just went through a few days ago.

Spokesmen for Kanbar Spirits out of San Francisco say the company has big plans for the big buildings.

News on 6 reporter Steve Berg says Maurice Kanbar thinks Tulsa could be the next Portland and that downtown is on the verge of a renaissance and he's putting millions of dollars behind it. "

http://www.kotv.com/main/home/stories.asp?whichpage=1&id=87965

"Tulsa will be elated when it hears the long-term plans."

From KOTV

and the fun begins!

Bilingual Signs Downtown

2005-07-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

from KOTV...
TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- The signs around public buildings in a four-block area of downtown Tulsa are now posted in both English and Spanish.

Tulsa city and county government officials say they're working to meet the needs of a growing Hispanic community as they put up at least 13 signs. Another 14 or 15 signs will be erected in coming weeks.

http://www.kotv.com/main/home/stories.asp?whichpage=1&id=87345

http://www2.ktul.com/news/stories/0705/246514.html

Northwest Passage

2005-07-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

If you haven’t yet seen or heard of Tulsa developer David Charney’s Northwest Passage residential development, be sure to check out today’s KOTV story about it. The Northwest Passage is a big turning point in Tulsa Development as it’s the first development in northwest Tulsa in over 30 years. Hopefully this will be the start of a trend that can bring downtown Tulsa back to being the true center of our community.

This is what it's all about!

2005-07-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

This is what it's all about, the locals putting their money where their mouth is and creating something downtown. Be sure to check out Tulsa's newest art gallery http://www.kotv.com/main/home/stories.asp?whichpage=1&id=87013.

I'm Back

2005-07-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

I’m back! Fortunately I will finally have to time keep this updated, so here we go…

Downtown Nightlife scene

If you haven’t made a trip down to McNellies, you are truly missing out. Their success is incredible considering they are basically on an island downtown away from any other similar business. I have a feeling that the smarts of Elliot Nelson won’t be limited to just McNellies in downtown Tulsa.

The tragic story of the death of Scott Bolton at downtown Tulsa’s Voodoo Room has taken another turn. A Tulsa judge has said the two bouncers involved must stand trial for Manslaughter. Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with the Bolton family.

Look for a new nightclub, under new management coming to 1st street soon. Also several other private projects are in the works in the Blue Dome District.

Rebirth

Downtown’s rebirth continues, be sure to check out the Young Professionals YP Zone project. . It's an ambitious project, we'll see what comes of it.

There have been some rumblings about a downtown $500 Million downtown movie studio project. For the sake of keeping a ‘far from likely’ rumor alive here’s a link to the continued discussion on Tulsa Now which contains some of the original Daily Oklahoman article on the topic. < http://www.tulsanow.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2007>

Progress continues on the Arena < http://www.vision2025.info/category.php?category=tulsaregionalconventioneventscenter>

RFP’s for the approximately $9 million available for downtown residential development under Vision 2025 are rumored to be out in the next month or so. From what I’ve seen some of the proposals will be pretty stunning and a good change in direction for downtown housing. < http://www.vision2025.info/project.php?project=tulsa;category=downtownsneighborhoods>

More soon

OSU Tulsa

2005-03-17T10:32:00.000-08:00

OSU's continuing efforts to build up it's Tulsa campus are impressive. The OSU Tulsa Vision 2020 plan calls for 20,000 students at the Tulsa campus fifteen years from now. Talk about a rebirth in downtown! With help from Vison 2025 and the forth coming bond for higher education in Oklahoma the campus will continue to grow with the addition of the high tech research center and student housing. Here is an article from The Daily O'Collegian, the OSU student newspaper.

http://www.ocolly.com/new_ocollycom/show_story.php?a_id=25725

OSU-Tulsa will begin construction on new research center in April.

Oklahoma State University-Tulsa plans to expand the university by building a 180,000 square-foot research center and university housing in downtown Tulsa.

OSU-Tulsa will begin construction for the Advanced Technology Research Center in April.

The center will be constructed in two phases. Phase I will contain 110,000 square feet and will involve construction of specialized laboratories, faculty offices and seminar rooms. Phase II will contain 45,000 square feet and will add classrooms, computer laboratories and general laboratory space.

“OSU-Tulsa has a lot of classroom and office space now, but we do not currently have any faculty or graduate student research space,” said OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl. “The research center will provide lab and research space for faculty and graduate students primarily in engineering.

“The research center will not only benefit us (OSU-Tulsa) but will also benefit OSU and the state of Oklahoma. It will bring positive opportunities for creating new technology and will attract new industries to the state.”

Trennepohl said the research center will focus on four main areas of research: advanced materials, information technology and sensors, energy technologies and bio-based technologies.

The project is projected to cost $45 million. Vision 2025 is providing OSU-Tulsa with $30 million for the construction of Phase I and $15 million for Phase II of the project.

Vision 2025 is an organization created by the city of Tulsa and Tulsa County in September 2003 when voters of Tulsa County approved a one-penny increase in sales tax for 13 years.

The goal of the organization is to further develop Tulsa’s economy and build community facilities for the benefit of its residents. Vision 2025 provides funding to projects that will improve Tulsa’s economy.

“The projects all have an edge toward economic development,” said Kirby Crowe, program director for Vision 2025.

“The research center will benefit the city because it will fit into Tulsa’s regional economy development plan and position the community for job advancement.”

Vision 2025 uses Tulsa County sales-tax money instead of the university’s money to build the center, Crowe said. The money enables the facility to be designed and constructed, he said.

Dewberry Design Group of Tulsa is the architect of the research center, and Flintco will serve as construction manager.

Trennepohl said the center is expected to be finished in January 2007. Once the center is complete it will hold 25 faculty members, 40 graduate students and five to 10 visiting professors.

“Now is when we need to start hiring faculty to work at the center, attracting graduate students to study there and getting hardware for the buildings to do research,” Trennepohl said.

According to the Vision 2025 Web site, the research center will create new jobs and attract new industries to Tulsa. It will produce an annual payroll of $8 million to $10 million including federal and private research funds.

OSU-Tulsa plans to attract students from around the world with the research center when completed.

To assist international and out-of-state students, the university plans to build apartment-style university housing in downtown Tulsa. The apartments will house about 150 to 200 students.

“The housing will help students transition into the state and university. Any person working downtown and enrolled in our master’s program will be eligible to live in the university housing,” Trennepohl said.

The apartments will be constructed by a private firm, Capstone Construction.

OSU-Tulsa hopes for 20,000 students to attend the university by the year 2020. There are currently 2,700 students enrolled.

Trennepohl said OSU-Tulsa owns about 200 acres of land that it can use for development of the university.

“I visited the OSU-Tulsa campus over Christmas Break, and it looked a lot nicer since the last time I saw it last summer,” psychology freshman Nikki Wyatt said. “I was very proud of the university because of how much it had improved.”

Goodbye to Kitchell's Bar's

2005-03-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

We'll many saw this coming, and alot of people have mixed feeling's about it, but it's finially happened. Steve Kitchell's bars are gonna be gone. Heres the story from KOTV.com....

The man who runs the club in question in the Scott Bolton case faces more problems this morning. Tulsa County Sheriff’s deputies plan to visit several of his clubs before the St. Patrick's Day celebrations can begin.

6 in the Morning reporter Omar Villafranca sheriff's deputies will show up to two downtown bars this morning to evict the owner. Court records show nightclub owner Steve Kitchell was served with the eviction paperwork on December 17th. He filed for bankruptcy two days later.

The landlord says Kitchell owes them more than $100,000 in rent. The News on 6 went by two of his downtown clubs early this morning. Both clubs looked empty and the doors were wide open. Kitchell has owned several bars in downtown that have changed names. Among them is Studio 310, which used to be known to customers as Studio 54. And there's the Baja Club formerly known as the Voodoo Room. The Voodoo Room is the club involved in the Scott Bolton case.

Steve Kitchell told the News on 6 back in December he was not closing any of his clubs.

http://www.kotv.com/main/home/stories.asp?whichpage=1&id=79773

Welcome!

2005-03-17T06:49:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying welcome! I have started this blog to talk about what's happening in downtown Tulsa. It's an independent perspective, with insperation from "The Downtown Guy" - http://www.downtownguy.blogspot.com/ - a blog focused on downtown OKC and the bricktown. The Downtown Guy has decided to remain anaynomous, and I think that's a good idea, so I plan on doing the same.

My goals are to sort of 'spread the gosple' when it comes to downtown. What I will tell you about myself is that I am part of the younger generation. I'll soon be finishing my education at one of the Tulsa areas universities and I am staying here, in Tulsa, something that many of my peer's will not be doing. I truely find that a sad thing. I have spent much of my life traveling and I have fallen in love with this town and it's people. I can not imagine living or raising a family anywhere else.

Hopefully, in some little way, this blog can centralize what is happening downtown and foster more growth. That is my only goal. I won't venture to much into Tulsa politics, or what is going on with the city council. I beleive there roles are obviously important, but I think what will bring downtown Tulsa back to life is a new generation of thinkers at the provate level. People like Elliot Nelson and his McNellies Public House. Micah Alexander and his 818, and the many many others starting to make there dreams a reality in downtown. So check back often, tell your friends, and most importantly come downtown!