If you’re traveling west on Route 66 near downtown Tulsa, here’s a new sight you’ll encounter on Southwest Boulevard approaching the Arkansas River.
This is the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza. The Tulsa World on Sunday had an update about this particular Route 66 project, which should be finished sometime later this year. A big bronze statue of the Averys riding in a Model T near a horse-drawn carriage should be installed in the fall or early winter. A Route 66 museum eventually will be built next to the plaza. An artist’s rendering at the top of this Vision 2025 page should give you an idea what it will eventually look like.
The photograph with the article, however, was about a week old. The Route 66 shield on the pedestrian overpass was installed just a few days ago.
The shield bears an uncanny resemblance to the Phillips 66 logo. I don’t know whether that means a corporate sponsorship from ConocoPhillips is imminent. But the Phillips 66 brand was developed in Oklahoma and tested on and inspired by Route 66. So the link would be logical.
I also like the bridge-like structure that’s part of the pedestrian overpass. It’s reminiscent of many old iron bridges you find along the Mother Road.
Here’s the actual plaza that will hold the statue. The eight flagpoles, I’m told, will represent each of the states in which Route 66 traverses.
Here’s a closeup of one of the waist-high stone monoliths at the plaza.
Nearby is the historical 11th Street Bridge, which was built in 1916 and became an original artery of Route 66. Planners initially wanted to rehab the long-closed bridge, but found it would have likely chewed through the entire $15 million budget for Route 66 in Tulsa County.
Instead, the bridge has been cosmetically touched up.
You can’t walk on the old bridge, but at least the gate that prevents you from strolling onto it is classy-looking.
The old 11th Street Bridge remains an architectural gem. Hope springs eternal it will be fully refurbished one day. To the right is the Interstate 244 bridge.
Here’s a close-up of one of the bridge’s Art Deco details.
I would like to learn more about the untold story of Cyrus Avery’s work in China. He had three children by his Chinese wife and the descendants have a Gathering every year in various West Coast cities. I’ve researched various books on Route 66 which mention Mr. Avery yet I seldom see any reference to his work and family in China. If anyone knows where the story is available in any detail please post this info. Thanks!