Volunteers polish up the Pearl District

TULSA - You might drive by 6th St. and Peoria Ave every day without even giving it glance. That could soon change, thanks to a community led effort.

Organizers hope revitalizing the Pearl District will give new life to one of downtown Tulsa's corridors. Old abandoned buildings in the area are getting makeover.

"It was pretty impressive," said volunteer Kate Hoback. "A lot of these buildings had been leased, and then abandaned. So there was a lot of trash, there was furniture, there was anything you can imagine."

It's being called the Pearl District, and volunteers are getting their hands dirty to make it shine.

"You start to take down the plywood, you realize that these buildings are really beautiful," said Brian Paschal, executive director with Tulsa's Young Professionals..

Paschal pulled together dozens of volunteers and local businesses to bring plans to re-develop the forgotten area into the spotlight.

"Whether it's the BOK or ONEOK, time and time again we have shown when we focus on one area of the city, and revitalize it, we can do really great things," he said.

He hopes the Pearl District will become as successful as Cherry Street or the Blue Dome district. Until then, he's asking you to use your imagination. Next weekend, visitors will find a tree-lined street with a makeshift canal, touched up buildings and plenty of vendors setting up temporary shop. Local businesses are happy to support the effort.

"I just think if people believe in something strong enough it will happen. So coming out, throwing on a coat of paint on a building and setting up a little shop for one weekend is the least I can do to try to help Tulsa," said Rusty Rowe, owner of Mod's Coffee and Crepes.

And volunteers are happy to say they lent a hand.
"Tulsa's a great place, and I just want to reinvigorate this part of town," said volunteer Sean Comeaux.

You can see the progress for yourself next weekend. The revitalization event runs Friday, April 15th 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, April 16th 10 a.m.To 3 p.m. in the Pearl District. For more information, visit www.tulsapearl.com .