West Tulsa Renaissance Touts Route 66 Travel

After years of planning -- a renaissance is beginning in West Tulsa -- Redfork, and around Crystal City, and it all ties to Route 66.

For people coming into Tulsa on Route 66 a new sign will be a landmark to let them know what's ahead.

It's part of the effort to build up Route 66 tourism in, and it's already paying off right here.

This sign is not what changed everything -- but it's a symbol of progress after years of planning that's finally beginning to turn things around.

The Crystal City shopping Center is right by the new Route 66 gateway sign and a future park, and that tie-in has encouraged new investment.

It's undergoing a renovation - with a new grocery store and pharmacy opening by spring time.

"There are other entrepreneurs who want to do something along Route 66 and in West Tulsa, and they're looking at building and asking where can I establish a presence?" SW Tulsa Chamber's Matt Crain said.

Crain said the 4 miles of Route 66 that runs through SW Tulsa is helping fuel interest for tourism and business.

He said the sign -- even though it's not finished -- has created a new buzz about the whole area.

"Because that's going to be the western gateway for Route 66 and we want to highlight that," Crain said.

Rail lines and highways cut across West Tulsa, so leaders are working around the natural dividing lines to rebuild a community where many of the old buildings were demolished.

These are some of the last ones left, but a couple are being restored, one of them by architect Keith Robertson.

"It's a real exciting time for the west side to see something that's been dormant for so long and forgotten to give it new life,” Robertson said.

Robertson is also working on the design for Crystal City -- with art deco designs and neon lighting, a reflection of the history, and the new investment that's coming in.