Re: Downtown Tulsa development ahead of OKC?
I actually think OKC is in the middle of the third round of downtown investment with the start of the fourth round.
the first round was back in the middle/early 1990s, with Maps 1. There we saw the rise of Bricktown and initial investment of Deep Deuce. We also saw plans for the other downtown districts; AAlley, Flatiron, and Arts District.
the second round was in the early 2000's with the spin-offs from private investment that occurred because of earlier Maps 1. We have seen the rise of Automobile Alley, Midtown, and lower bricktown; and the maturation if you will of Bricktown and Arts District. Also we saw the OKC national memorial mature and the new Federal Building.
this third round had started in mid 2007ish, and is really in 'preparation'/anticipation if you will of MAPS III, mostly with plans for Core to Shore being finally began to materialize and the maturation of other downtown districts (deep deuce, flatiron, aalley, arts district, cbd, lower bricktown) and Midtown. We also saw the rise of the boundary area of downtown to Oklahoma Health Center, we've also seen the rise of Film Row and 'plans' for Bricktown two. So far, Bricktown has more or less been in a lul as has the boundary between BT and DD and along the canal.
Really, I think we're in the beginning fourth phase of downtown development - with Devon Tower/Myriad Gardens, Project 180, Maps III, SandRidge, OCU Law and other projects being started. To me, Bricktown did not get the huge injection that was planned in the 3rd phase; but I think that is over now as we have moved on.
And not to start a fight or anything, but I think Tulsa is probably beginning their 2nd phase of downtown development, with the first being BOK and the new ballpark.
Again, when you consider OKC's investment and addition of amenities - it blows away anything else in the region save Dallas. As others have said, I dont think Tulsa can match it given their political and economic climate but then again - why do they NEED to try? They can just be themselves and OKC can be who it is.
Why does it need to be a competition?
Oklahoma City, the RENAISSANCE CITY!
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