Destination Districts

By Laura Dennis

In an effort to imbue new life and vitality into some of the lesser-known, yet significant parts of the city, Tulsa Planning Office has added a new initiative to its roster. Since 2019, Destination Districts has looked to increase economic growth, support cultural representation and create a deep sense of community in areas of Tulsa with historical and cultural importance. In doing so, TPO aims to retain talent, attract new residents and increase tourism opportunities within these neighborhoods, according to TPO’s website.

Kendall Whittier Main Street “Our purpose is to create vibrant places in Tulsa where people want to be,” said Luisa Krug, former manager for TPO’s Destination Districts program. In short, Destination Districts is a commercial revitalization program, intended to help struggling areas in Tulsa realize their full potential, she said. As the liaison between TPO and approved districts, Krug assists them through the process of becoming their own entity by offering technical support, guidance and marketing expertise. After identifying a district, the manager guides a steering committee through the process to become a Main Street organization, which includes an application to the Oklahoma Main Street Center, creating a board and incorporating with the State of Oklahoma, applying for 501(c)(3) status, and creating a strategic plan and goals for the organization. All of this is supported through seed funding from the City of Tulsa. The steering committee is made up of community leaders, advocates, business owners and property owners. “The idea is that these districts will eventually be self-

sufficient,” Krug said. “Which is why we have certain criteria for eligibility.” When determining a potential Destination District, Krug looks for environments where small businesses can thrive. Ideally, they also have a diverse and committed community with the desire and potential for growth. The goal is the district becomes an authentic representation of its community and consists of local businesses that appeal to shoppers, businesses and residents.

Currently, the program has selected four locations as Destination Districts. In 2019, TPO took on Kendall Whittier Main Street, located at East Admiral Boulevard and North Lewis Avenue, and Route 66 Main Street, located at 3310 Southwest Blvd. Both of which offer a plethora of mixed-income housing and small businesses. The Historic Greenwood Main Street, located at North Greenwood Avenue and East Archer Street, and East Tulsa Main Street, located at the intersection of East 21st Street and South Garnett Road, were added to the list in 2020. Historic Greenwood, also known as “Black Wall Street” is home to the 1921 Race Massacre. Its history includes a hub of successful Blackowned businesses that continue to thrive today. East Tulsa Main Street is home to a diverse amount of immigrants from multiple cultures and ethnicities and is growing at a rapid pace. Krug said TPO would like to expand the program in 2022, based on funding availability. This could include new Main Street programs and/ or technical assistance for smaller districts that are just starting but aren’t ready to become Main Streets.

Tulsa Planning Office is looking for areas for the city that have historical or cultural significance, but need additional investment to realize their full potential as a destination within the city. Krug said, “We want people to see these places as destinations within their own city, because they are.”

Route 66 Main Street Historic Greenwood Main Street

East Tulsa Main Street