As part of the land use planning process for the Innovation District, the planning firm Perkins + Will recently held stakeholder meetings for employees and residents in and near the district. As part of this community engagement process, participants identified several physical, social and historical assets they would like to see preserved and celebrated, many significant to Oklahoma City’s black history. One of the most noted was the Jewel Theater at 904 NE Fourth St. The th

Thriving, unique commercial districts add immense value, celebrate our cultural diversity and support Oklahoma City’s economic development efforts. As with small commercial districts in many cities, our commercial districts are walkable, comfortable and interesting. The shops and restaurants are often operated by local artists and entrepreneurs, which brings authenticity to the offerings in the districts. Being able to walk from home to great shops and restaurants is desirabl

It takes a host of people, from developers and Realtors, city planners, architects, bankers, landscapers and construction companies to create an outstanding project. Often, we don’t see the hours of behind-the-scenes work, piles of paperwork and emails, meetings and construction deadlines. What we do see, and experience, are the positive results of that work – places where people want to work, play and raise families and are balanced with sustainable and responsible land use.

If you only think of monuments when you hear the term “public art,” you need to schedule a public art tour of Oklahoma City. Since adoption in 2009 of an initiative that requires 1 percent of the construction budget for public projects to be spent on public art, Oklahoma City’s public art scene has significantly changed. There are now dozens of murals, sculptures and art installations across the city. Public art adds meaning to our public spaces, reflects the culture of Oklah