The Gathering Place posted this on their Facebook page in honor of Earth Day. The park is sure looking nice. Too bad it's closed due to the current situation.
I like Tulsa, cause it reminded me of Austin in a way. Laid back lifestyle, big art scene, hilly terrain and the abundance of parks. Though its crazy to think Tulsa is now half the size of Austin. Back then it was around the same size.
Are there any plans to have the park better connect with the riverfront? If not, that seems like one missed opportunity of what appears to be one incredible looking, even world-class park amenity.
I came right after they built the Tulsa City Hall building.
Yeah, I believe that building was constructed in 2001 and was originally home to WilTel, Williams Companies fiber optic network operator. They suffered in the .com bust of the early 2000's I believe. The city moved their offices there in 2007 or 2008.
I like Tulsa, cause it reminded me of Austin in a way. Laid back lifestyle, big art scene, hilly terrain and the abundance of parks. Though its crazy to think Tulsa is now half the size of Austin. Back then it was around the same size.
Yeah, I have heard people compare Tulsa to Austin. Even Rolling Stone magazine thinks we're the next Austin (music wise anyway). But yeah, there is similar topography, art and music scene. Austin just more so of course in terms of art and music. And Austin is growing much much faster than Tulsa.
Last edited by Urban Enthusiast; Apr 24, 2020 at 10:22 PM.
Are there any plans to have the park better connect with the riverfront? If not, that seems like one missed opportunity of what appears to be one incredible looking, even world-class park amenity.
Yes there is. It is all waiting on a new low water dam, which is set to start construction either this year or next. It is supposed to raise the water level in Zink Lake (the portion of the river just behind the dam) by 3 feet. It will also facilitate white water amenities, which will be part of Gathering Place. In addition there is going to be a new pedestrian bridge constructed over the river. In fact you can see a pedestrian bridge in the lower portion of the picture above that crosses over Riverside Drive. It will connect to the new pedestrian bridge. It is part of the Midland Valley (former railroad) trail that ties into downtown.
Yes there is. It is all waiting on a new low water dam, which is set to start construction either this year or next. It is supposed to raise the water level in Zink Lake (the portion of the river just behind the dam) by 3 feet. It will also facilitate white water amenities, which will be part of Gathering Place. In addition there is going to be a new pedestrian bridge constructed over the river. In fact you can see a pedestrian bridge in the lower portion of the picture above that crosses over Riverside Drive. It will connect to the new pedestrian bridge. It is part of the Midland Valley (former railroad) trail that ties into downtown.
Rendering of this major public works project which will be starting soon. Once it is complete the final riverfront work along the Gathering Place will be finished.
The construction will take place on the left side of this picture and tie directly into the park and riverfront
Daytime rendering of the new pedestrian bridge that will be built at the same time next to the whitewater flume
Davenport Lofts - Here is an updated picture of progress so far on the Davenport Lofts project. The crane on the left is for the OKPOP museum currently under construction.
Tulsa Development Authority (TDA) lot - Here are a couple of proposals that were submitted to the TDA for the land they own downtown (the parking lot in the foreground of the picture above). They will likely select one to be constructed here in the near future. I got these renderings from TulsaNow.
Proposal 1
Proposal 2
Western Supply Development - This is a development slated for the former Western Supply Company located downtown. According to Tulsan on the TulsaNow forum this is supposed to be
Quote:
“. . . a mixed use development with 3 levels of underground parking, retail storefronts on first floor along Boulder, office space on first 3-4 levels, and a 13 story residential tower in the center of the block. My understanding is that it’s intended as affordable, workforce housing. Architecture by Lilly Architects.”
Recently completed 6 story Vast Bank HQ (Block 44) and 6 story The View apartments under construction across from ONEOK Field
11 story WPX HQ under construction with the 9 story Davenport Lofts condo building under construction in the background
WPX and Vast Bank HQ are only a block apart
OKPop Museum under construction across from Cain's Ballroom downtown
Recently completed Village Flats just east of downtown
Mixed-use project with a Route 66 museum proposed for 11th & Lewis
The rebuilding of Zink Dam to create a deeper lake and whitewater flume next to the Gathering Place starts this month. Work on the new pedestrian bridge will start later this year.
Tulsa strikes me as a very lovely city. I think if I were making a choice between Tulsa and OKC I would choose Tulsa. Am I wrong, or perhaps what are some of the differences of Tulsa vs. OKC, aside from the NBA?
Tulsa strikes me as a very lovely city. I think if I were making a choice between Tulsa and OKC I would choose Tulsa. Am I wrong, or perhaps what are some of the differences of Tulsa vs. OKC, aside from the NBA?
They are very different for being only 90 miles apart. The area around Tulsa is hilly and forested with numerous lakes and the Ozark Mountains to the east. OKC is flatter with more agricultural and ranching land around it, similar to Dallas/Ft Worth. Tulsa has more old oil money wealth and is more arts-oriented. OKC has a more dynamic economy and is faster-growing with an NBA team and the state’s flagship university in its metro (OU in Norman). The combined population of both metro areas is nearly 2.5 million.
They are very different for being only 90 miles apart. The area around Tulsa is hilly and forested with numerous lakes and the Ozark Mountains to the east. OKC is flatter with more agricultural and ranching land around it, similar to Dallas/Ft Worth. Tulsa has more old oil money wealth and is more arts-oriented. OKC has a more dynamic economy and is faster-growing with an NBA team and the state’s flagship university in its metro (OU in Norman). The combined population of both metro areas is nearly 2.5 million.
Do you think OKC is bigger partly because it is the state capital? Why was the flagship university placed in Norman?
Do you think OKC is bigger partly because it is the state capital? Why was the flagship university placed in Norman?
I'm sure that has something to do with it. OU is only 20 miles south of downtown OKC and Norman is Oklahoma's third largest city. The other large state university is Oklahoma State in Stillwater which is halfway between OKC and Tulsa.
Tulsa strikes me as a very lovely city. I think if I were making a choice between Tulsa and OKC I would choose Tulsa. Am I wrong, or perhaps what are some of the differences of Tulsa vs. OKC, aside from the NBA?
Quote:
Originally Posted by BG918
They are very different for being only 90 miles apart. The area around Tulsa is hilly and forested with numerous lakes and the Ozark Mountains to the east. OKC is flatter with more agricultural and ranching land around it, similar to Dallas/Ft Worth. Tulsa has more old oil money wealth and is more arts-oriented. OKC has a more dynamic economy and is faster-growing with an NBA team and the state’s flagship university in its metro (OU in Norman). The combined population of both metro areas is nearly 2.5 million.
Yeah, Tulsa is quite hilly and lush.
I better stop before I get scolded for posting non-development pictures!
^^ I'm honestly okay with the non-development pictures. This forum is a way for me to understand a culture of a city/metro from locals who pay attention to what's going around.
I just went through some of the last few posts and wow, Tulsa looks amazing! Thanks for the dialogue with how Oklahoma is like @BG918
A new infill project has been proposed for the Brookside neighborhood. This is currently a large estate that will mostly be developed into residences with some commercial space. It goes before the planning commission on Sep. 2.