Upon the inception of talks about a new Drillers experience via a new stadium, there was no shortage of skepticism. And reasonably so; hinging the entire success (with regard to local acceptance) of a minor league baseball team based entirely on atmosphere seemed like a long shot. Predictably enough however, the “if you build it, they will come” mantra seems to have proven itself legitimate once again, because when the deep-pocketed developers and investors started talking the response of the Brady and Greenwood Districts was loud and clear. The Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa plans to construct a new, ultra-modern facility by 2011; on Cameron Street, a sign stands in a large open lot announcing the future construction of a media center that will house Channel Six’s offices. Based on seeing these, it would appear that the private sector has locked and loaded on the north end of downtown.
Visual Arts Center
Image courtesy Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa.
Before I stray too far, I should ask the question, “Will the end user also accept this move as a reason to venture north of the tracks?” Sure they will.
If you don’t already know about the Cain’s Ballroom or the Brady Theater, you probably aren’t going to be spending a lot of time in this part of downtown anyway, but for a district already thriving with bars, arts, and eateries, I think it’s pretty obvious that the new field is already helping. The Greenwood District even got its own little burger joint, Fat Guy’s Burger Bar. Drop in at lunch time and tell me what you think; it’s already taken the eye of downtown workers, and pretty soon, they’ll be bringing friends.
To sum it up, the private sector will get what it’s after: the end user’s interest. It’s happening right now. The availability of space for retailers, food joints, and pubs is the key; this, rather than the BOK Center, should be held as the litmus test for potential of development in downtown Tulsa.
And don’t get me wrong; none of this is news. Talks of further development of Brady and Greenwood have been going on since the first word about a new baseball field was spoken. What I’m saying, however, is that the first seeds have sprouted, and we’ve barely seen a fraction of what lies ahead.
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