The Tulsa Market District, anchored by the Mother Road Market near Lewis Avenue and 11th Street (aka Route 66), will undergo a major beautification project in the next year.
According to Public Radio Tulsa, plans for the big face-lift include new water and sewer lines, traffic lights, traffic calming measures, dozens of trees and benches, and Route 66 signs.
Work will span from 12th to 10th streets on Lewis and from Yorktown to Atlanta on 11th Street. The Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation, which owns Mother Road Market, is paying for the work up front. The city will pay them back with proceeds from a special taxing district around the area.
The Tulsa World reported the project will cost about $7 million.
The project was announced last week during an event attended by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who also leads the state’s tourism department and has been a strong proponent of Route 66.
“This development right here, I firmly believe in a few years — it already is becoming it — not just the centerpiece for the city, not just the centerpiece for the state when it comes to Route 66, but I truly believe this will be the premiere attraction on Route 66 in the United States of America,” Pinnell said.
Kathy Taylor of the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation talked to KTUL-TV about the project:
“Route 66 is a worldwide attraction, and we want to make sure that people are able to come here, visit our businesses and help our economy, and the residents around her.” […]
“Brighter streets, beautiful trees, native plants, and wider sidewalks,” said Elizabeth Frame Ellison, executive director of the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation. “People won’t only sit, eat, shop, and sip local, but they’ll also enjoy spending the entire day on our unique stretch of Route 66.”
The idea is to have that area done and fully functional before Route 66’s centennial in 2026.
(Artist’s rendering of the Tulsa Market District at 11th Street and Lewis Avenue via Tulsa Market District website)