We seek to help initiate and encourage increased attention, visual interest and investment in Route 66 by undertaking specific ‘demonstration projects’ which will, by example, help educate and encourage others to follow with their own efforts and seek to “leverage” patron funds with financial input from the businesses.
Urban Design Study:
Two of the Principals of the group helped bring about and supported a student/faculty study of Route 66 by the Architectural/Planning students of the Urban Design Studio of OU-Tulsa. Mr. Roach served as Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the study and as one of the Judges for the Design Competition. In the competition, 30 third-year Architectural students from the main Norman Campus of the University of Oklahoma developed and presented working models and graphics of their interpretation of possibilities at seven (7) major intersections along Historic Route 66 (11th Street) in Tulsa. Some of the models and graphics are shared in the Photo/Press pages.
Wall Art Project:
We conceived, helped organize and bring about, a first round of three large ‘art’ pieces on Route 66 to bring visual interest in how the street can be made more inviting and interesting to Tulsan’s and the visiting public. The first three (3) were 6’ x 12’ full color prints on Vinyl with clear protective coating, mounted on aluminum frame (similar to oil on canvas). The first three used a theme of ‘Highway Nostalgic’ utilizing three locally owned vintage cars. A “Gift to Route 66 from ________” lettering on the sign helped provide context as to why they were erected. Local patrons subsidized the majority of cost with a smaller cost to business. A second round is currently in production, which may add vintage trains and/or motorcycles to the visual mix. Smaller sixes of 5’ by 10’ or 4’ by 8’ are possible if appropriate for the wall space. We have placed nine (9) Wall Art pieces and are actively working on more.
Neon Signs:
We plan on a very public contest via media and web site for the public to vote on either of two large new neon signs depicting “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.” (one with a cowboy and the other, a kicking horse). The winning sign would be 8’ off the ground with the top at approx. 18’ It would be full color neon sign with two sides and with ‘activation’ neon to demonstrate the ‘kicks’ phrase of the original song. Graphics of the two signs and a chance to vote on the winner are contained on the ‘Neon Signs’ pages of this web site. A final location is currently under negotiation/discussion. The intent is to raise enough interest and proceeds so to establish a fund that could help make matching grants for other general public and specific business signs.
Building Facade Improvements:
We hope to initiate a minimum of three building fronts, which would be ‘refreshed’ with a ‘Retro Deco’ theme, which would play off of, and build on, Tulsa’s Art Deco legacy. Again, the cost would be partially underwritten by patrons and the final design and budget approved by the building/business owner. All financial participation, by either Patrons or business, would be to the Non-profit, which would constitute a tax-deductible contribution. The non-profit would assume responsibility and coordinate the effort.
