Tulsa’s Blue Dome District in the eastern part of downtown has been named to the National Register of Historic Places, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service.
According to NPS, the listing was effective Dec. 13. The district includes Second Street, an alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1932.
The approximate area is bounded by Kenosha and Detroit avenues, Eighth Street, and the Frisco railroad tracks.
The National Register listing enables buildings to be eligible for more federal grants for their upkeep.
The Blue Dome District features the distinctive Blue Dome that was originally built as a Gulf Oil gas station in 1924. The above photo of the Blue Dome station is from 1949.
It’s not operated as a gas station for many years, but remains an architectural focal point.
The district has seen an upswing in activity in recent years, with interesting new restaurants, shops, and bars. This website shows and explains that revival fairly well. The district also plays host to the annual Blue Dome Arts Festival.