Revitalization project in west Tulsa hopes to bring business and tourists

TULSA - A project to bring more tourists and businesses is underway along historic Route 66 in west Tulsa.

Johnny Stutsman frequently dines at Ollie's Station Restaurant. He's lived in the neighborhood for over 40 years and says the area just isn't what it used to be.

"There's a lot of things that are not here anymore that used to be here. We had gas stations, motels, everything," he says.

The city is working to change that by revitalizing Southwest Blvd., all the way from Riverside Dr. to 33rd W. Ave. The city has been planning the project for several years. Construction has already started on some of the streetscaping.

"As we redo the streets, make parking more accessible, give it an updated look from a capital improvement level, then you start thinking about filling these spaces that are empty and dilapidated," says Matt Crain with the Southwest Tulsa Chamber of Commerce.

The Crystal City Shopping Center has made some recent improvements and is looking to attract new businesses. Officials say a sandwich shop has some interest and so does a go-cart track. They're looking to get a grocery store into the complex as well.

In addition to bringing more retail stores and restaurants, city officials hope the plan draws more tourists. Restored rail cars will be featured at a little park known as Route 66 Village.

Officials say the streetscaping should be done by the end of the year. The rail cars will go in sometime in June.