One year later, owners of the Admiral Twin Drive-In still trying to rebuild

TULSA - It has been one year since a fire destroyed a Tulsa icon.

As you drive by the Admiral Twin Drive-In, not much has changed. However, the owner's say they will be up and running by spring 2012.

"I'm a little surprised it's taken this long," said co-owner Blake Smith. "It seems like it should be a fairly simple structure. They can drive by and not see a lot happening, but we are doing things."

Smith says he's been hit with several obstacles in getting the landmark rebuilt and the city of Tulsa seems to be asking for stricter building requirements.

"A lot of people were concerned about covering themselves and making sure they aren't okaying something and that something else happen," Smith said.

Just like the massive blaze it endured, there's been a massive effort to "Save the Admiral Twin."

More than $33,000 was raised so far in an effort to jump-start the rebuilding process. However, Smith estimates the restoration will cost about $400,000.

He's turning to banks for financial help and away from private investors.

"I missed a whole years revenue, plus I owed money on the land, plus I've got a new loan," Smith said. "No one wants it to move faster and be open more than I."

The drive-in's 60 year old layout will slightly change Smith says.

The body of the movie screen will be made out of steel instead of wood and there will be a concession stand.

Smith says he was never given the cause of the fire, but he says someone was trying to steal copper in the electrical tower, causing a spark.