Westside Wonder

Last April Tulsa's Young Professionals kicked off Street CReD with a Pearl District makeover, which was a huge success. This year their sights are set on the Red Fork district along Southwest Boulevard. This Red Fork Revival will restore the history of the area, which is a part of Route 66, clean it up and revitalize it. The event is scheduled for April 13-14.

"Street CReD was founded on the belief that when no area of Tulsa is neglected, everyone benefits," said Kate Hoback, TYPros chair. This year's event will showcase Red Fork's "potential to be a thriving area for commerce and community involvement. The residents of Southwest Tulsa have an abundance of pride and enthusiasm for Red Fork and have already made great efforts in revitalizing this area."

Red Fork Revival will feature temporary shops and exhibits, street vendors, a carnival and more. They will bring in classic cars to play up the nostalgia of Route 66. "There will be a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy," said Greg Tatum, Urbanist crew leader for TYPros. "I'm really excited about this year's Street CReD. With the Red Fork Revival, it's all about bringing the historical aspects of the Red Fork area back and really emphasizing the historical Route 66."

"I am so excited that TYPros chose us. This is such a blessing for Southwest Tulsa," said District 2 City Councilor Jeannie Cue. "We are working together to revitalize Route 66 because we see the economic and tourism potential."

Red Fork Main Street has been working on improving the area since 2007. According to board member Emily Koller, "This area has all the right ingredients for successful community revitalization: committed residents, long-time business owners, major retail employers, great transportation access and close proximity to downtown. However, we do need new energy, ideas and investment to help us envision a revitalized neighborhood." She believes their involvement with Street CReD is exactly the help they need. "We are absolutely thrilled," she said.

"A great community has a little something for everybody. It's got a thriving downtown and it's got growing suburban areas and its historically significant little pieces of land are achieving their potential. I think that's what Street CReD has recognized," said District 4 City Councilor Blake Ewing. "I think as Tulsa grows, as we continue to develop into a modern, exciting city, our citizenry, especially our young professionals, will start waking up to the idea that for Tulsa to be truly great all of our parts of town need to be great."

TYPros Executive Director Brian Paschal agreed. "It's exciting to see programs like Street CReD create a visible effect in the Tulsa community," he said.