Tulsa officials picked Sharp Development
to lead the development of a new Route 66 mixed-use project that to be constructed on two acres of
city-owned land at 815 S. Riverside Drive across the street from the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza.
The development will consist of a Route 66 Interpretive Center, studio and 2-bedroom apartment units, retail and restaurant space, a hotel, and nearly 200 parking spaces.
Some of what will be in the Interpretive Center includes:
- Shared exhibits and amenity space
- Outdoor car tower display showcasing classic cars to travelers along Route 66, with classic cars offerings available for rent
- Additional lobby and outdoor displays of artifacts, photography, Route 66 signage, and immersive multi-media experiences
- Terrace overlooking River Parks, which incorporates outdoor amphitheater for performances.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with the City of Tulsa on what we believe will be a transformative project along Route 66 and Riverside Drive,” Sharp Development’s Brian Elliott said.
Following the completion of a development agreement in the coming months, work is expected to be complete in time for the Route 66 Centennial in 2026.
The total project cost is projected to be approximately $25 million, with $5 million in taxpayer funds from the 2006 sales tax program.
“We had so many great ideas and great participants,” District 2 City Councilor Jeannie Cue said.
“After weighing in on all ideas, it was a very close decision. The final decision was made on the drawings and the financial stability that was presented.”
Sharp Development and Selser Schaefer Architects have played a role in other Tulsa projects, such as the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Downtown, the Brut Hotel, Mother Road Market, Santa Fe Square, The Boxyard, and others.