Route 66 Enhancements and Promotion

Reestablishing a Historic Transportation Icon

Tulsa, Oklahoma

The pedestrian bridge over Southwest Boulevard connects visitor parking to the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza and provides an overlook for visitors.

The larger-than-life bronze sculpture is the centerpiece of the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza, where kiosks tell the story of Cyrus Avery’s contribution to the road’s development.

Designed to emulate art deco architecture and reflect the American automobile culture of the 1950s and 1960s, the gateways at both ends of the corridor mark the extents of Route 66 through Tulsa.

Kiosks inside the Meadow Gold sign plaza contain historical information about the sign, its preservation story, and details the restoration of the largest neon sign on Route 66.

Route 66 helped spawn the American automobile culture of the 1950s and 1960s – a time when untold numbers of "mom and pop" motels, diners, service stations, and tourist attractions sprung up along the route's 2,500-mile length. Gaining legendary status through song, television, books, and personal experiences, thousands of people now travel the old road each year to appreciate the indelible mark it left on American culture.

26

miles of historical roadway redevelopment

Recognizing the economic impact of this transportation icon, the City of Tulsa asked Dewberry to develop a master plan for promoting and enhancing 26 miles of the historic highway. Working closely with Tulsa planners and engineers, we designed gateways that mark each end of the corridor, created the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza at the Arkansas River, and helped restore the route's largest neon sign.

The enhancement of Route 66 has spurred economic development by promoting infill development and repurposing old buildings.

Owner/Client

City of Tulsa

Awards

State Historic Preservation Officer's Citation of Merit (Meadow Gold Sign)

Oklahoma Historical Society

Mileage

26 miles

Cost

$20 million

Services

Architecture

Markets

Transportation

Regions

Southwest