Tulsa Nightclub To Be Reborn

A North Tulsa nightclub that hosted some of the biggest stars in music is about to be re-born. News On 6 anchor Jennifer Loren reports a community group known for working with young people is now turning its attention to renovating the Big Ten Ballroom.

"This is a piece of cake.  You know.  How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time," said Dr. Lester Shaw of A Pocket Full Of Hope.

Dr. Lester Shaw knows it will be a big job to restore the Big Ten Ballroom to its former glory. He says the Big Ten will be a perfect place for the kids from his non-profit group, A Pocket Full of Hope, to stage their productions. He wants it to be a Tulsa icon again, and so much more.

"We could have festivals here out here, you know, I want to have like Indian Powwows, you know you could just see teepees and vendors available, you know, different cultures can come and celebrate, Cinco de Mayo!" said Dr. Shaw.

The bank that financed the club's purchase agrees.

"This is an unusual project, but sometimes those unusual projects turn out to be very successful, good success stories and I think that's what's going to happen here," said Rick Walters of American Heritage Bank.

In the 50's & 60's, the Big Ten was the place to be if you wanted to see the hottest musical acts of the day. Since then it has served as a warehouse for a beauty supply company, then sat empty and decaying for years.

It was built by a man named Lonny Williams, who was only the second black officer on the Tulsa police force.

"He gave his heart, you know, being an officer, but he loved his community," said Club Owner's Daughter, Andranez Williams Stephens.

Half a century later, his daughter says it's fitting that the club he loved is getting a second chance, though not as a nightclub, but as a community center.

"He always encouraged, you know, the kids to go to school, you know, do your best,   live your dreams, and always have a second dream to fall back on," said Williams Stephens.