The Tulsa Planning Commission recently released renderings of signs the city plans to place in several areas before Route 66’s centennial in 2026, including the largest that contain a subtle reference to the highway.
The signs incorporate the city’s flag design, but that’s not all, according to the commission:
The largest concept (Gateway Triangle) features an inverted triangle with the sides angled at 66°, a nod to Tulsa being the birthplace of Route 66. At the top is a large Tulsa Flag shield outlined by lighted acrylic to mimic neon. It is supported by a decorative concrete base and surrounded by landscaping.
The two large signs will stand at the city’s east and west edges, reported KRMG, and will stand 42 feet tall.
More about the smaller signs:
The second sign concept (Welcome Monument) is a painted concrete monument sign inspired by a Zig Zag Art Deco sunburst design with “Welcome to Tulsa” beside a large Tulsa Flag shield, surrounded by landscaping. It is envisioned that the sign will be illuminated with up- or down-lighting.
A smaller concept (Local Monument) is designed to welcome people exiting major highways onto Tulsa’s main arterial streets. It is envisioned that the sign will be illuminated with up- or down-lighting.
A map by the planning commission shows about 40 locations are proposed for the signs.
About $3.7 million in voter-approved sales taxes will be used for the signs.
(Conceptual drawings by the Tulsa Planning Commission of the “Welcome to Tulsa” signs)
Very subtle indeed! Is it the triangle?
I wonder what the over/under is on the number of travelers who’ll recognize and appreciate the triangle’s 66-degree side slopes as a nod (or side-eye?) to Route 66.