Whittier Square nominated to National Register of Historic Places

TULSA - The Kendall Whittier Square neighborhood could soon be part of the National Register of Historic Places.

One of Tulsa's oldest neighborhoods, Whittier Square has been nominated for the honor, a process that took off in 2010 as a joint effort between the City of Tulsa's preservation planning office and the Kendall Whittier Square Main Street program.

A designation would give the district historical significance and make it eligible for state and federal tax credits that could be used to help preserve its historic buildings, which were built in the 1920s.

"Properties can be listed in the national register if they meet certain criteria," said Amanda DeCort, the City of Tulsa's preservation planner. "They have to be old enough and have enough historic integrity, architectural integrity to qualify."

Whittier Square was the location of Tulsa's first shopping center and is the current home of Circle Cinema.

"We are the last remaining historical movie theater in Tulsa," said Stephanie LaFevers, executive director of the Circle Cinema Foundation.

Circle Cinema has already been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

LaFevers hopes Circle Cinema will get to share the distinct honor with the whole district.

"It seems almost fitting and proper that this whole district, with its historic buildings, could also have that recognition," said LaFevers.

Only a portion of the district, between Lewis and Zunis avenues, where most of the businesses are,  would receive the designation.

Nancy Phelps, executive director of the Kendall Whittier Main Street Program, said the designation would enhance things already in progress.

"I love to change the perception people have of this area," said Phelps. "I think it's a positive thing, not only for the area, but the businesses who are involved as well."

Phelps said 90 percent of Whittier Square business owners signed off on the application.

The National Park Service will make the final decision, which could take up to 45 days.