More businesses popping up downtown

TULSA - More businesses keep popping up in Downtown Tulsa and it's a trend that's expected to continue.

Take a drive through downtown and you'll find land being leveled for new projects and construction going on everywhere.

"This used to be the front of Miss Jackson's," Hunt Hawkins said about the space he's developing.

Hawkins and his business partner, Eric Richards, are behind Edward Delk's.

It's a new bar and restaurant that will be in the first floor of the Philtower, named after the historic building's architect.

"We're bringing back the original terrazzo floors. Bringing back the external fire brick because that looks pretty cool," Hawkins said.

Richard described the area as, "Lofty, industrial, 20's mix. There will be exposed brick. Exposed concrete ceilings."

While Edward Delk's is just getting started, a few blocks away Justin Thompson is ready to open Juniper.

He calls it a farm to table concept, keeping the food local.

"The menu is going to be changing weekly. Always going to be doing something different. I love cooking all different styles of food and I've had experience with Italian, and Spanish, and French."

"The growth's happening and I think Tulsa should be excited it's nice to have a vibrant downtown," Restaurant and Bar Owner Elliot Nelson said.

He also heads up the Economic Development Commission and the Downtown Coordinating Counsel.

Nelson's excited about the new businesses.  He's also watching a new wave of residential construction.

Which, he said, could push the growth of more service industries.

"You're seeing two grocery stores go in right now. Groceries will come, and hopefully drug stores, and dry cleaners, and all those other kind of services that come along with more residents."

From projects just starting, to businesses ready to open, it is a busy time in Downtown Tulsa.

"People want something around here and we're hoping to add to that," Hawkins said.

Edward Delk's is set to open in early to mid-December. Junipers is scheduled to open October 11th at the corner of 3rd and Elgin Avenue.