"Tulsa Treasures" Architectural Tour - Dec 5th, 10:00 AM

Tulsa is home to a wealth of architectural gems and historic buildings. You’ve driven past them a thousand times. But have you ever been inside? Join TulsaNow for our first “Tulsa Treasures” architectural tour.

Celebrating the release of the Historic Survey of Downtown Tulsa, we will be touring a selection of unique (and sometimes underappreciated) historic buildings.

The tour will begin in the lobby of the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building at the corner of 7th and Boston. (Built in 1928, the ONG Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.)

Here, we will be joined by Amanda DeCort, Preservation Planning Administrator for the Tulsa Preservation Commission; and Rex Ball, FAIA, AICP, and local guru on the history and architecture of downtown Tulsa.

Amanda will give a brief presentation about the recently completed Historical Survey of Downtown Tulsa, and the economic benefits of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Did someone say, “Tax credits for up to 40% of the cost of rehabilitation?” Yep, you heard that right.)

After we take time to appreciate the ZigZag Art Deco architecture of the ONG Building, we’ll cross the street to learn about another Tulsa specialty: Mid-Century Modern design.

We’ll explore the old Ponca City Federal Savings and Loan building (designed by Robert Buchner, and considered by many to be the most important mid-century structure in Tulsa), as well as the Chase Auto Bank.

Finally, we’ll wrap up with a look at the ARCO building (formerly, the Service Pipeline Building), built in 1949, which demonstrates how the Art Deco style evolved over time.

The tour is free and open to the public. Bring a friend and get an inside look at some of Tulsa’s amazing architectural treasures. We’re starting early so you can get on with your shopping, ice skating...or the big game on Saturday afternoon.

WHAT: "Tulsa Treasures" Architectural Tour
WHEN: Saturday, Dec 5, 10:00-11:30 AM
WHERE: Tour begins at the ONG building at 624 S. Boston
MORE INFO: info@tulsanow.org

Help Shape the Vision of Tulsa's Future!

Here's the "vision" document (draft) from PlaniTulsa called "Our Vision for Tulsa."

http://www.planitulsa.org/files/tulsa-vision-draft-091509-screen.pdf

It includes descriptions of where we want to be and how to get there. Be sure to read the proposed strategies & next steps (beginning on page 42).

This is where it starts to get fun, because these are concrete steps that must be taken if we want to achieve real change in Tulsa. And these changes are going to be a threat to those who like things just the way they are. (Motto: "Preserving the status quo for a mediocre Tulsa for the past 50 years!")

After you read it, make sure and offer your thoughts and feedback:
http://www.planitulsa.org/vision/feedback

TulsaNow is hitting the Road Again! (Date changed)

How can spending money downtown help my neighborhood?
What is a “Comprehensive Plan” and how does it affect me?
Who needs trains, when we’ve got potholes to fill?

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!

In the spirit of community involvement, TulsaNow is bringing its Community Forum Tour “on the road” to a neighborhood near you! Our first event was held in April in North Tulsa and now we are excited to announce our second event!

This second in a series of public forums will be held at the Zarrow Regional Library on June 23. Topics will include: downtown development, new forms of transit, PLANiTULSA (Tulsa’s citywide Comprehensive Plan)…and how it all relates to the challenges in West Tulsa!

Informative presentations will be followed by open discussions with local community leaders.

Speakers:
Jack Crowley, Special Advisor to the Mayor on Urban Planning
Theron Warlick, City of Tulsa Planning Department

Panelists:
Katy Davis – Red Fork Main Street
Gary Perceful - Tulsa County News, Scissortail Group & Tulsa Public Schools Board
Linda Jordan - Tulsa County News and Scissortail Group
Cindi Hemm - Principal, Eugene Field Elementary

The diverse group of panelists and speakers will field questions and discuss how collaborative efforts can create a brighter future for ALL Tulsans.

Expect an evening that is both exciting and informative!

WHEN: Tuesday, June 23rd 6:00-8:00 PM
WHERE: Zarrow Library Auditorium 2224 W. 51st St.
MORE INFO: info@tulsanow.org
COST: Free!

TulsaNow is a grassroots, non-profit organization working to help Tulsa reach its full potential. We encourage civic participation by providing people with the information they need to get educated, get involved, and make a positive impact on Tulsa. Our goal? To help Tulsa become the most vibrant, diverse, sustainable and prosperous city of its size.