Group Wants New Life For The Big Ten

A local non-profit group known for giving Tulsa kids a little hope wants to do the same for a Tulsa landmark.  The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports A Pocket Full of Hope was searching for a venue for its theatre productions and they found one in an abandoned ballroom with a storied past.

It may not look like much now, with the roof caved in, insulation dangling, and vines growing through the walls.  But once, the Big Ten Ballroom at 1632 East Apache was a must-stop for music acts touring on Route 66.

"Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Ray Charles, Ike and Tina Turner.  Everybody that was anybody back in the day had to play at the Big Ten," said Dr. Lester Shaw.

Back in the 1950's, the Big Ten wasn't just the place for music, but an architectural icon for streamlined Art Deco.  The ballroom closed in the 1960's and was used as a warehouse for American Beauty Products, before it was abandoned.

Now the sunken dance floor, once packed with music lovers, is littered with debris.  But, Dr. Lester Shaw still sees shades of greatness.

"This is history already here so, all we're doing is resurrecting and restoring it. Because without historical significance, youth can't be empowered," said Dr. Lester Shaw.

Empowering young people through music and theatre is what Dr. Lester Shaw does with his organization A Pocket Full of Hope.  And, he's using a community block grant to transform the rundown ballroom into a venue for his kids' productions.

"So we're going to keep some of that stage too so the actual stage that Ike and Tina stood on will be in this spot right here," said Dr. Lester Shaw.

At the site, Tulsa's past can meet its future.  And, Dr. Shaw's kids will learn there's history and hope, even amid ruins.

A Pocket Full of Hope received a $50,000 block grant to bring the Big Ten back.  A number of Tulsa foundations are also lending their support.

Dr. Lester Shaw says he thinks the renovations will cost about $300,000.