Ideas Pour In For Riverside 'Gathering Place' In Tulsa

The plans for a new gathering place along the river could be finalized by the fall and construction underway by this time next year.

The scale of what's being planned is significant - along the lines of huge redevelopment projects the architect on the job has already undertaken.

The concept at this point is virtually a blank slate - with endless possibilities and a big budget, all private money from the George Kaiser Family Foundation.

Tuesday was the first public meeting to solicit ideas and present the framework of what's being called for now a Gathering spot for Tulsa.

03/06/2012 Related Story: First Public Meeting On Tulsa River Park Development Tuesday

"We've committed $10 to $150 million dollars to the project, to build a new public park for the City of Tulsa, and connect it to River Parks," said Jeff Stava, Project Manager:

The project will build on more than 55 acres starting at the Blair Mansion - extending south to the RiverParks parking lot - and to the two apartment complexes south of 31st. The new park will be adjacent to the River Parks.

The two apartment complexes will be cleared, but they'll stay open for two more years.

"We're two years from anything being demolished or changed and it may not all happen at once. It may be a phased approach, it depends on what the plans are, how the design, this process of public input, what we have at the end of the process," Stava said.

The plan is also to move the Blair Mansion to another location and make that property the first to be developed.

The architect has a resume of massive projects along waterfronts, like the development of the Hudson River in New York, and several pier redevelopment projects that demonstrate the possibilities.

The plan from the Kaiser Foundation is to create a spot that will build on the popularity of River Parks - and the demand for more public space.

"In May we'll come back with some illustrations and study concepts for people to opine on. We hope to come back with a final design plan, at least a concept in the fall, September," Stava said.

There's another meeting Wednesday at the TCC Center for Creativity downtown and you can also submit ideas and questions online.