TULSA INSPIRES A NEW KIND OF LIVING “We were so impressed with our mortgage experience, we moved everything to TTCU.” – Matt N., TTCU member
We’re local. We’re global. And proud to be both.
Linde Engineering North America Inc. is part of the fabric of Tulsa. Our role in the everyday items you use and commitment to our community help make Tulsa and the world a better place to live.
We engineer and build plants for gas processing, LNG and deep cryogenics - here in Tulsa and worldwide.
After moving five times to five different cities, Matt came home to Tulsa – and TTCU. He said, “A mortgage is the largest purchase you’ll probably ever make. You need a friend, someone who watches out for your best interest. Choosing TTCU for our mortgage was the best decision ever.” Life is better in balance.® To learn more about our 100% local mortgages and our 100% financing 918-749-8828 | www.ttcu.com option, call, click or come by.
#wechilleditfirst With approved credit (WAC) | Some restrictions apply | Property and/or flood insurance may be required | Fixed rate only No down payment required for 100% financing. | For example: 80% of the loan is a 30-year fixed with an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 4.33%. The payment per $1,000 financed would be $4.92. 20% of the loan is a 15-year fixed with an APR of Linde Engineering North America Inc. 6.75%. The payment per $1,000 financed would be $8.82. | Federally insured by NCUA www.leamericas.com
ttcu_chamb_reloc_mort_2_18.indd 1 2/14/18 12:35 PM TULSA IS ...
vibrant (PANORAMA SKYLINE) Urban Revitalization...... 9 Historic Neighborhoods...... 11 Surrounding Communities...... 12 Shopping...... 13 Unique Entertainment Districts...... 14 Alternative Transportation...... 15
family-friendly Museums & Attractions...... 17 Fairs & Festivals ...... 18 Sports...... 19
active WELCOME. Outdoor Experiences...... 21 Geographically, Tulsa sits at the crossroads of America. Metaphorically, it is the crossroads of America. Special Events...... 22 Lake Activities...... 23 It’s where creative expression, sophistication, and down-to-earth hospitality all converge in a lush natural setting to redefine what it creative means to be a new, millennial city. Tulsa in the Spotlight...... 25 Tulsa is unique in that it offers an enviable low cost of living combined Visual Artists...... 26 with big city attractions and amenities. From world-class parks, museums, Tulsa Arts Fellowship...... 26 and legendary music venues to renowned shopping districts and notable Creative Hotspots...... 27 restaurants, Tulsa offers an unexpected, dynamic quality of life without Music & Arts Festivals...... 27 the sticker shock of other cities. And while we’re clearly biased, it’s not a stretch to say that Tulsa is a historic wonderfully uncomplicated city that caters to you and what you want Route 66...... 29 out of life. Art Deco Masterpieces...... 30 Historic Oil Baron Mansions...... 31 Black Wall Street...... 31
entrepreneurial Education...... 33 Specialized Industries...... 34 Entrepreneurial Business Organizations & Resources...... 34
4 Published by the Tulsa Regional Chamber. Design by Littlefield Agency. 5 WHEN YOU FOCUS ON QUALITY OF LIFE, there are few cities in America, or even the world, that compare to Tulsa’s livability. From boasting a low cost of living to short commute times to endless conveniences, it’s an easy go that doesn’t break the bank.
MSA POPULATION: top 10 BEST CITY FOR 964,340 MOST BUDGET-FRIENDLY young METROS MEDIAN AGE: entrepreneurs (Apartment Guide) 37 (Forbes)
COST OF LIVING: 12% below national average no. 1 MOST affordable bang for AVERAGE PER CAPITA INCOME: $65,434 city your buck IN THE U.S. APARTMENT RENT AVERAGE HOUSE COST: (Relocate America) (Apartment Guide) $192,223
AVERAGE APARTMENT RENT: $600
AVERAGE ENERGY COST PER MONTH: $126.88
6 7 URBAN REVITALIZATION Tulsa’s historic city center and neighboring communities are enjoying a renewal of spirit with the influx of young professionals and families, encouraging community-centric development and unique cultural experiences.
guthrie green TULSA This unique, downtown public park serves as an outdoor performance center on special occasions and plays host to Food Truck Wednesday, every week spring through fall. Guthrie Green
woody guthrie center INSPIRES This dynamic museum features state-of-the-art exhibits, an extensive outreach and education program, and a concert series that celebrates the legacy of one of America’s most influential folk artists.
the bob dylan archive™ VIBRANT Complete with more than 6,000 items spanning the length of Bob Dylan’s career, this legendary collection is a treasure chest for scholars and fans of arguably the greatest songwriter of the late 20th century. AHHA Tulsa hardesty arts center: ahha tulsa COMMUNITY This dynamic destination features a contemporary art gallery, two creative studios, and a third-floor terrace for event rental that overlooks downtown. It’s the anchor for Tulsa’s popular First Friday Art Crawl.
bok center ENGAGEMENT Celebrating a decade of concerts, rodeos, sports, and other special events, this incredible arena was designed by world-renowned architect, Cesar Pelli. It attracts big name acts and performers.
cain’s ballroom BOK Center Considered the home of Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Cain’s is one CONNECTIVITY. COLLABORATION. CULTURE. These are the cornerstones of of the last and most famous honky tonks in the country. Today, it’s a what makes Tulsa a lively and engaged community. It’s artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, business favorite destination among musicians and bands, covering a full spectrum leaders, politicians, activists, and families working together toward a dynamic vision of not only what of music. a city can be but what a city should be. brady theater Originally designed as a municipal auditorium and convention hall in 1914, this legendary venue has played host to every- one from David Copperfield to Robin Williams to U2 to BB King to The Flaming Lips. Cain’s Ballroom
8 9 HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS Welcome home to where yesteryear charm and character meets modern chic. Tulsa is known for its many diverse and historical residential districts, bordering the city center. While the majority of these popular neighborhoods can be found in what Tulsans commonly refer to as Midtown, just south of downtown, some unique neighborhoods can be found a short drive north as well.
GATHERING PLACE, TULSA’S RIVERFRONT PARK brady heights owen park Just north of downtown, this area is considered by the Directly west of Tulsa’s city center, Owen Park has a rich Lots of cities have notable parks but very few have a crown jewel like Gathering Place. This 100-acre, world-class urban National Register of Historic Places to be the most history that can be traced back to early territorial days. park is situated in the heart of Tulsa along the Arkansas River. Rivaled only by such legendary and visionary public spaces complete pre-1920 neighborhood surviving in Tulsa. as Central Park in New York City and Millenium Park in Chicago, Gathering Place blends nature within an urban setting, ranch acres providing Tulsans and visitors more space to play, relax, and gather together along the river. The park includes features buena vista park Designated in 2007 as Ranch Acres National Historic such as a lodge, boathouse, nature walks, two land bridges connecting the two sides of river parks, sporting areas, multiple This small but noteworthy neighborhood boasts a nice District, this neighborhood is celebrated as featuring an age-appropriate playgrounds, and a pond. collection of residential architecture dating back between excellent collection of mid-century, ranch-style houses built 1913 and 1933. after World War II.
gillette riverview This unique neighborhood is comprised of thirty-one single Residents of the Riverview neighborhood enjoy being within family residences and six duplexes built between 1922 walking distance of the Arkansas River and RiverPark park oneok field: drillers stadium philbrook downtown and 1941. It’s just east from the lively action of Midtown’s areas as well as being conveniently located two miles south Built in 2010, ONEOK Field is home to the Tulsa A satellite facility of Philbrook Museum of Art popular Cherry Street district. of downtown. Drillers of the AA Texas League. It’s located in the offering exhibitions of Native American and burgeoning historic Greenwood district downtown contemporary works. maple ridge swan lake and is a favorite family destination. One of the largest historic neighborhoods in Tulsa, Considered Tulsa’s first playground, Swan Lake neighborhood Maple Ridge runs along the Arkansas River and borders actually began as Orcutt Lake, where Tulsans could swim, okpop museum Gathering Place park. Its heritage and architectural diversity fish, and boat. Now it’s home to a large collection of Soon to break ground, this museum will celebrate the is as notable as the oil and banking magnates who called it waterfowl and surrounded by a diverse collection of creative spirit of Oklahomans and the influence of home, such as Grant McCollough, W. G. Skelly, Harry Tyrell, historic homes. Oklahoma artists on popular culture around the world. Alfred and Lionel Aaronson, J. J. McGraw, R. Otis McClintock, J. Paul Getty, and Waite Phillips.
10 11 SHOPPING Tulsa is a comfortably cosmopolitan town that fancies itself a place of fashion and good taste. Which is why you can find anything your heart desires from couture-inspired boutiques to large national retail chains like Macy’s to vintage five and dimes...it’s as eclectic a mix as everyone’s style.
utica square cherry street A favorite shopping destination for families and the Actually, Cherry Street doesn’t technically exist. It’s simply chic, this open-air mall boasts specialty boutiques, the nickname for a mile-long stretch of trendy bars, notable retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as restaurants, and fashion retailers along 15th Street. high-end restaurants. It’s also home to one of Tulsa’s most popular Farmer’s Markets, Saturdays spring through fall. brookside This stretch of eclectic shopping, dining, and nightlife can be found in the heart of Midtown running north and south along Peoria Avenue. It also boasts a number of notable specialty grocers, including Whole Food and Trader Joe’s.
SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES As Tulsa has grown, so has its need for new communities. Boasting a tremendous bang-for-your-home-buying- buck as well as some of the best public school systems in the state, Tulsa’s suburbs are a great place to call home.
south north Jenks- This community is located southwest and features Owasso- Resting comfortably to the north of Tulsa about excellent public schools, Riverwalk Crossing shopping and 20 minutes, Owasso is a community growing exponentially entertainment district, as well as the Oklahoma Aquarium. given its convenient location, affordable housing, and quality public schools. Bixby- Bixby is Oklahoma’s fastest growing community with small-town safety and feel combined with easy access west to everything Tulsa has to offer. Sand Springs- Sand Springs is a charming community with a celebrated past and a future bright with potential. east Broken Arrow- Tulsa’s largest suburban town with 100,000 Sapulpa- With its quaint downtown and unique heritage, residents, Broken Arrow conveniently sits between the Sapulpa residents enjoy an easy-paced life with all of the retail corridors of South Tulsa and the hustle and bustle amenities of Tulsa close at hand. of Midtown.
12 13 blue dome arts district Located in the heart of downtown, this vibrant district Anchored by legendary music halls, Cain’s Ballroom features bars and restaurants, a bowling alley, music and The Brady Theater, this lively district is a great venues, art studios and retail stores, including the destination for local restaurants, bars, clubs, galleries, The Boxyard, a shopping area constructed of shipping museums, Guthrie Green events and the First Friday containers. It’s also ground zero for many special events, Art Crawl. like Tulsa Food Truck Festival, Tulsa Tough, district-wide St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations, and a Mardi Gras parade.
UNIQUE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS From hip, local coffee houses to energetic nightclubs and savvy cocktail lounges to eclectic restaurants and music venues, there are plenty of hotspots around town to see and be seen.
pearl district east village This burgeoning yet edgy district is an artists’ haven Affectionately referred to as “the sunny side of featuring a dynamic mix of local restaurants, coffee downtown” for its geographical location and sunny shops, yoga studio, boxing gym, and craft breweries. disposition, this is an area on the rise. It boasts a popular cocktail lounge, CrossFit gym, a bohemian-style sobo (south boston) pizzeria, and plays host to several special events, Quietly tucked in the neighborhood of Maple Ridge, including MOJOFest. this unique district is home to upscale fashion boutiques, gritty music venues, and a nationally renowned BBQ joint as well as a notable brewery tap room and coffee shop.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
bus rapid transit bike share - tulsa Tulsa is introducing a new public transportation system Bicycles can be picked up at any self-serve bike station along key corridors of commerce and entertainment. and returned to any other bike station, which makes These state-of-the-art buses will have charging stations bike-shares ideal for Point A to Point B transportation. and free wi-fi on board as well as traffic light alert technology allowing for faster commute times.
14 15 MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS
tulsa zoo Since 1928, the Tulsa Zoo has been a living museum introducing unique wildlife to residents and visitors. It boasts wonderful education programs and conservation efforts. Permanent collections include the recently built Lost World exhibit.
TULSA Tulsa Zoo oklahoma aquarium Featuring the largest collection of bull sharks in captivity in the U.S., the Oklahoma Aquarium is a must-see attraction with amazing aquatic life in INSPIRES immersive exhibits. tulsa children’s museum discovery lab Filled with opportunities to learn and experiment, the Discovery Lab is a place where kids and their families can make, play, and design things NEXT-LEVEL using “real” stuff in new and different ways. tulsa air & space museum Tulsa Air & Space Museum Tulsa has a rich history of aviation and aerospace, all of which is captured in this state-of-the-art facility featuring unique aircrafts and memorabilia FAMILY FUN for an out-of-this-world experience. safari joe’s h2o adventure park This water-slide themed amusement park isn’t on the outskirts of town; it can be found right in the middle of Midtown. It’s a great family destination featuring thrilling rides and lazy floats.
WITHOUT QUESTION, TULSA RAISES THE BAR when it comes to embracing a gilcrease museum family-friendly lifestyle. There’s a distinct focus on encouraging families to enjoy the great outdoors, get Considered one of the country’s best facilities for the preservation and Gilcrease Museum immersed in cultural experiences, and take advantage of educational opportunities. All while being easily study of American art and history, this museum houses the world’s largest accessible and even easier on your wallet. and most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West, including an unparalleled collection of Native American art and material.
philbrook museum of art This world-class art museum is found in the historic home of Waite and Genevieve Phillips, a sprawling 1920s-era villa with expansive formal gardens. It showcases nine collections of art from all over the world, and spanning various artistic media and styles, the cornerstone collection Philbrook Museum focuses on Native American art featuring basketry, pottery, paintings, and jewelry.
16 17 TULSA’S INTERNATIONAL tulsa garden center tulsa botanic gardens Located in the historic Snedden Mansion within A 170-acre horticultural dreamscape featuring thousands MAYFEST Woodward Park, TGC provides a variety of horticultural of permanent and seasonal plants just northwest of This three-day art and musical festival has something and environmental education opportunities for the downtown. Great for field trips and family excursions. for everyone. The outdoor areas of Mayfest include fine community and serves as the city’s horticultural headquarters. arts, crafts, four stages of performing artists, KidZone - a children’s hands-on art activity area, and of course, great festival food. In addition to the outdoor space, Mayfest also features three indoor galleries.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS Artists and performers from all over the Midwest flock to this event, providing attendees with exceptional visual arts, sculptures, woodworking, and musical tulsa state fair more family-friendly festivals entertainment. A favorite tradition for Tulsans, attracting more than Arvest Winterfest Shalomfest 1,000,000 visitors a year, this special fair and exposition Freedomfest Cherokee Art Market runs for an 11-day span starting the fourth Thursday after Indian Art Festival Blue Dome Arts Festival Labor Day. There are many different attractions at the Tulsa State Fair, which include thrill rides and kid activities on Tulsa Greek Fest Rock N Rib Fest the Midway, agricultural exhibits located in the Built Ford Scottish Games SPORTS Tough Livestock Complex, grounds entertainment, Festival Hispano educational exhibits, and more. tulsa drillers The Tulsa Drillers are a minor league baseball team that plays in the Texas League hop jam and is the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers major-league club. is Oklahoma’s largest craft beer and music festival, hosted by pop band, Hanson Brothers. Staged in the heart tulsa oilers of downtown, in the historic Tulsa Arts District, festivities Hockey in Oklahoma? You bet. The Oilers are a minor league team affiliated with include more than 300 craft beers and all-ages free the national powerhouse, St. Louis Blues NHL team. concerts on two stages. tulsa roughnecks For you soccer fans, you’ll love the Roughnecks, our local professional team supported by a rowdy and rabid following, including a popular fan club called OKTOBERFEST the Roustabouts.
Linde Oktoberfest Tulsa celebrates an authentic Bavarian culture in the heart of Oklahoma and represents an incredible setting patterned after Oktoberfest Munich in Bavaria, Germany. Enjoy große (huge) quantities of bratwurst, German beers, Bavarian cheesecake, and great music.
Named a 2017 Top Five Oktoberfest as ranked by USA Today as well as by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine, Linde Oktoberfest Tulsa has just been named by Orbitz as one of the five Largest Oktoberfests in America! 18 19 OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
TULSA 180 miles OF PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE TRAILS THAT WEAVE THROUGH THE CITY AND ALONG THE INSPIRES PICTURESQUE ARKANSAS RIVER. 125 recreational parks STEPPING OUT INCLUDING THE WORLD-CLASS, 100-ACRE GATHERING PLACE, TULSA’S RIVERFRONT PARK.
FOR SOME turkey mountain urban wilderness area oxley nature center A 300-acre area of undeveloped land with 45 miles of 800 pristine acres of walking trails through forests, exceptional hiking and mountain biking trails, a mere seven fields, and wetlands. miles from downtown. mohawk park FRESH AIR tallgrass prairie preserve Home to the Tulsa Zoo, golf course, nature trails, and The John H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is the larg- family-friendly park spaces perfect for parties and est (39,650 acres) protected remnant of tallgrass prairie special gatherings. left on earth. It’s open to the public and offers exceptional birding, hiking, and other nature-related activities.
NESTLED ALONG THE ARKANSAS RIVER at the foothills of the Ozarks, Tulsa enjoys a temperate climate with four full seasons and an abundant amount of outdoor adventures and activities. It’s the perfect setting for taking up the mantle of healthy and active living as well as fostering a great appreciation for nature and unique wildlife. living kitchen Living Kitchen Farm and Dairy is located in Depew, Plus, Tulsa is conveniently located near a number of exceptional lakes and public recreational areas. So, Oklahoma, on Historic Route 66. Set on 400 beautiful whether you prefer stepping out of your front door and enjoying all that the city has acres, the Living Kitchen raises and produces certified to offer or you like daytripping and exploring, there’s something close at hand for everyone. organic heirloom vegetables, Nubian milk goats and pastured laying hens, along with a few pet sheep and llamas. They provide tours and unique multi-course dining experiences on the back porch of a log cabin in the woods. 20 21 SPECIAL EVENTS
tulsa run route 66 marathon Tulsa Federal Credit Union Run is Tulsa’s most historic foot The Williams Route 66 Marathon starts in downtown race. Featuring 15k, 5k , and 2k events, there’s a race for Tulsa and then weaves its way through many of the city’s every athlete and fitness goal. vibrant and historic neighborhoods as well as the campus of the University of Tulsa.
LAKE ACTIVITIES Enjoy boating, fishing, jet skiing, sailing, and just relaxing at one of our many area lakes:
Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees Eucha Lake tulsa tough Skiatook Lake Keystone Lake Saint Francis Tulsa Tough is a premier three-day cycling festival in Tulsa, featuring two days of challenging rides in true Lake Hudson Lake Eufaula Gran Fondo style and professional-level criterium races in three distinct festival venues. This event attracts amateur and Fort Gibson Lake Lake Tenkiller professional riders from all over the world. As they say, “It’s like that thing they do in France, but in Tulsa.”
22 23 TULSANS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Once praised for its distinctive sound that influenced and inspired musicians such as Eric Clapton, Tulsa’s rich and renowned music tradition spans decades. Today, we continue to embrace our musical roots by TULSA celebrating nationally-acclaimed recording artists as well as genre-creating pioneers. Broncho JD McPherson Steve Ripley Wink Burcham John Moreland Tom Skinner INSPIRES John Fullbright Ben Rector Ryan Tedder CREATIVELY EXPRESSING YOURSELF
IT’S BEEN SAID that Tulsa had an opera house before it had roads. From its early beginnings, Tulsa established itself as a city keen on celebrating the arts and humanities. From oil barons who were committed to building museums, opera houses, and theatres to country legends like Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys to the advent of the world-renowned Tulsa Sound, there’s a rich history of creative VISUAL ARTISTS outpouring and appreciation. Tulsa has always been a city ready to embrace the visually sublime. Inspiration is everywhere. And the interpretative results can be seen in the notable works of our established artists as well as up and coming That spirit of self-expression and artistic endeavor is still very much a part of Tulsa’s character. This visionaries. includes not only a myriad of musicians and performers but filmmakers, chefs, architects, writers, clothing designers, brewmasters, and visual artists. Clean Hands Army Sterlin Harjo Jim Polan Patrick Gordon Chris Mantle Robert Taylor John Hammer
24 25 CREATIVE HOTSPOTS Feel free to embrace and express your inner creative being. From shared studio spaces to workshops and classes to theater groups to galleries to whatever your imaginative heart fancies, Tulsa has the opportunities and resources to bring your artistic vision to life. Tulsa Glass Blowing Studio AHHA 108 Contemporary Tulsa Glass Blowing Studio Tulsa Symphony Tulsa Ballet Tulsa Opera Tulsa Performing Arts Center Theatre Tulsa
Tulsa Spotlight Theater Tulsa Ballet LOOK Musical Theatre Living Arts of Tulsa AMERICANA MUSIC MECCA Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Home to notable collections such as the Bob Dylan Archive® and the dynamic Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa is quickly becoming the epicenter for the preservation and promotion of influential American folk music. Music that not only transcended genres but created social movements that forever changed the cultural landscape of our country. MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVALS
Blue Dome Arts Festival 108 Contemporary Tulsa International Mayfest Juneteenth Greenwood Jazz Festival Oklahoma Blues Festival TULSA ARTIST FELLOWSHIP LOOK Festival BaseCamp Music & Camping Festival Established by the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the Tulsa Artist Fellowship recruits visual and Summer’s Fifth Night literary artists to Tulsa, where they have creative freedom to pursue their crafts and contribute to a thriving arts community.
Juneteenth
26 27 TULSA INSPIRES A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
ROUTE 66 TULSA’S INCREDIBLE HISTORY is filled with notable stories from equally notable characters, heroes and villains alike. However, it also boasts such national treasures as one of the highest concentrations Conceived and championed by Tulsan Cyrus Avery, Route 66 was one of the original highways within the of Art Deco architectural masterpieces in the country and the longest stretch of fabled Route 66 in U.S. Highway System. It’s economic and cultural impact on America can’t be overstated. Connecting Chicago any state. to Los Angeles, traversing seven states, it’s often called the “Main Street of America” or the “Mother Road.”
In addition to once being heralded as the “Oil Capital of the World,” Tulsa was also dubbed “America’s Most Route 66’s path is peppered with famous, nostalgic Americana icons and scenic landscapes, making it the Beautiful City” in the 1950s. After World War II, a master plan for the city was developed, resulting in the ultimate roadtrip adventure. creation of numerous parks, along with such attractions as its oil mansions, beautiful churches, museums, and rose gardens. Gems we still enjoy today. route 66 highlights in tulsa Blue Whale Catoosa Campbell Hotel Admiral Twin Drive-In Desert Hills Motel 11th Street Arkansas River Bridge Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza Golden Driller Route 66 Museum & Interpretive Center
28 29 HISTORIC OIL BARON MANSIONS Ushering in the oil boom of the early twentieth century, Tulsa’s heads of industry were not only responsible for developing world-class, big city amenities, they also built lavish homes featuring unparalleled craftsmanship and luxuries of their era. Many of these mansions still stand today, restored to their original glory.
Skelly Mansion Travis Brothers Mansion Harwelden Mansion Parriott House McBirney Mansion Dresser Mansion Villa Farmers
ART DECO MASTERPIECES Second only to Miami, Florida, in terms of volume of Art Deco buildings, Tulsa’s skyline and residential areas are home to an impressive collection of office buildings, hotels, churches, and houses featuring this undeniably creative architecture.
philtower public service company of oklahoma An iconic Art Deco skyscraper built in 1928 by building Edward Delk. The selection of this style by the generally conservative utility company paved the way for a host of Art Deco philcade building buildings to follow. Designed by Arthur M. Atkinson. Completed in 1931, this office building features the Art Deco zigzag style and was designed by Leon Senter. boston avenue methodist church The crown jewel of Tulsa’s Art Deco collection, Boston atlas life building Avenue Methodist Church was hailed as the country’s first Designed by the firm Rush, Endacott and Rush for the church designed in a strictly American style of architecture. BLACK WALL STREET Atlas Life Insurance Company. Credit for the building’s design is still debated almost The Greenwood Historical District, once known as Black Wall Street, was an affluent African-American 100 years later. But without question, it was a creative community with a variety of thriving businesses, two newspapers, churches, expensive homes, and tulsa club collaboration between art teacher Adah Robinson and her well-known physicians, lawyers, realtors, and other professionals. This 11-story building was designed by a then former student, Bruce Goff. 21-year-old, a prodigious architect named Bruce Goff, Most of the area was destroyed during the infamous 1921 Tulsa Race Riots. Five years later, a contemporary and friend of Frank Lloyd Wright. residents rebuilt this neighborhood, which eventually became a hotbed for jazz and blues music. Built in 1925.
Today, it’s home to the Greenwood Cultural Center and John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park as well as ONEOK Field and a burgeoning entertainment district.
30 31 EDUCATION The foundation of any community is its focus on education. Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) is the largest district in the state, educating more than 42,000 students from pre-kindergarten through high school. In fact, Oklahoma leads the nation in early childhood education, setting a precedent for achievement and success TULSA and creating a progressive model for school systems across the country to emulate. Tulsa is a community committed to connecting a quality education with a well-paying job. In 2017, Lumina Foundation named Tulsa a Talent Hub, elevating the city’s efforts to attract, retain, and cultivate talent, particularly among today’s students of color, the first in their families to go to college, and those from INSPIRES low-income households. In addition to Tulsa’s public school system, other school districts in surrounding communities attract national attention for their students’ accomplishments. Jenks, Union, Owasso, Broken Arrow, and Bixby are known for their nationally ranked academics, athletics and fine arts programs.
DEFINING YOUR Tulsa is also known for having a rich tradition of parochial and non-parochial private schools, including several well-known college preparatory schools.
higher education OWN PATH As a city poised for excellent millennial growth, it’s important to provide advanced educational opportunities to not only attract new families to Tulsa but to retain the talent we’ve been preparing since pre-k.
Tulsa is fortunate in the fact that graduating high school students not only have the opportunity to take advantage of two state schools, Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, but they can stay right here and enjoy exceptional institutions of higher learning. From a nationally acclaimed private university, the University of Tulsa, to a progressive EVER SINCE OUR EARLY OIL BOOM DAYS, Tulsans have leaned into community college, to several vocational and industry-specific colleges, there’s opportunity for everyone. opportunity and embraced the idea of doing it our way. We foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurialism that can be seen in every industry, from Fortune 500 energy companies right tulsa achieves down to the neighborhood family-run craft brewery. All qualifying high school graduates living in Tulsa County have access to this dynamic program that pays up to 100% tuition and fees for Tulsa Community College. Tulsa has been celebrated as a top city for entrepreneurs and young professionals looking to educational institutions in and near tulsa make their mark. There are countless business incubators, shared work spaces, venture capitalist firms, SBA lenders, and professional organizations with the sole purpose of encouraging and Langston University Rogers State University supporting entrepreneurial endeavors. Northeastern State University-Broken Arrow Southern Nazarene University Oklahoma Weslyan University Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology The city also ranks ninth in the nation with a gross domestic product of $45 billion, featuring key Oklahoma State University-Tulsa Tulsa Community College industries and a cost of doing business 8% below the U.S. average. OU-Tulsa Tulsa Technology Center Oral Roberts University University of Tulsa
32 33 SPECIALIZED INDUSTRIES Aerospace & Aviation Information Technology Professional Services & Regional Energy Advanced Manufacturing Headquarters Health Care Transportation & Logistics HOW CRAFT BREWING Craft brewing has become a wildly popular cottage industry across the country. And Tulsa has become a hotbed for award-winning, handcrafted pours. Many of our locally-owned breweries are gaining national attention for their creative recipes and innovative brewing processes. WILL
American Solera Brewery Dead Armadillo Craft Brewing Cabin Boys Brewery Prairie Artisan Ales Marshall Brewing Company Renaissance Brewing Company TULSA Heirloom Rustic Ales INSPIRE ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS & RESOURCES
the forge kitchen 66 YOU? The Forge helps entrepreneurs with proven Kitchen 66 supports Tulsa food entrepreneurs by business models cultivate their ideas into successful, providing key resources: affordable commercial TELL US ON FACEBOOK. scalable businesses. kitchen space, business development programs, and sales support. #TULSAINSPIRES 36 degrees north This gathering point provides a high-quality work- fab lab space as well as fosters a passionate community, The lab provides open community access to allowing entrepreneurs to create impactful advanced manufacturing and digital fabrication businesses. tools, equipment, technology and resources.
tulsa startUp series This annual startup competition gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to network with business coaches and community leaders to bring their ideas to life. 34 35 We’ve got your back
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