The Tulsa World reports today that the City Council is expected to allow part of southwest Tulsa, known as Red Fork, to participate in the Oklahoma Main Street revitalization and preservation program. It would last for three years and cost $150,000.
It would recognize what is being called Red Fork Main Street, which encompasses two blocks on either side of Southwest Boulevard stretching from 49th West Avenue to the Arkansas River.
“If we can stage a comeback for this part of the city, we will all benefit,” Councilor Rick Westcott said during Tuesday’s council committee meetings. […]
The program provides technical support, planning, expertise and access to resources that help communities preserve historic buildings and make them economically viable.
Southwest Boulevard is part of old Route 66.
Red Fork is most associated with a string of old buildings on Southwest Boulevard near 41st Street West, across the road from Ollie’s Station restaurant. Many of those buildings had stood vacant for years. But there’s been a lot of activity around them in recent months. The Red Fork Art Gallery opened there, and there appears to be renovation of another space going on.
Participation in the Main Street program had been rumored for months, which may have a lot to do with the excitement around the Red Fork district. I’ve heard that Mayor Kathy Taylor is strongly on board with the Red Fork Main Street program. Her endorsement carries heft, so the City Council’s passage of the program appears likely.
Also, the Quay County Sun in Tucumcari, N.M., reports that the town was accepted into the New Mexico MainStreet project to help boost downtown. Route 66 doesn’t go through downtown Tucumcari, but it contains enough attractions — including the historic Odeon theater — that many Route 66 travelers are familiar with it.
According to the story, it appears Tucumcari’s downtown is already on an upswing with activity, including a new restaurant coming soon.
UPDATE: Enrollment in the Red Fork Main Street program was approved by the Tulsa City Council.