I have lived in this area of town for the last 10 years. Prior to that, in the early 1990s, I lived one block from the Tower Theater. My friends and family were afraid to come see me for fear they might be robbed or shot. (Weenies!)
I, along with countless others, have witnessed the renaissance and revitalization of Oklahoma City. I've celebrated Western Avenue and the Plaza District; the metamorphis of Mid-Town, and let's not forget MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects). But, honestly, I've had to wonder if NW 23rd Street between Classen and Broadway would ever come along. This has been a long time in coming, and for me, it is the most personal of the revitalizations that have taken place. Some of my best memories of my youth and young adulthood were lived out along this urban byway that is Northwest 23rd Street, and my kids are growing up, passing the Tower Theater every day. What a lesson for them in preservation and history.
Not that long ago, Robert took little Juliette, not so little anymore, every Saturday morning, along with the family dog, to get donuts at the building that now houses Big Truck Tacos. The Vietnamese lady always had an extra donut hole for our Sheltie, Joey. Big Truck will be there tonight to hand out vouchers to the first 100 people to show up for the lighting. The vouchers are good for two tacos and a drink.
And, what was a relatively long time ago, I shopped inside Cuppies and Joe (also on NW 23rd) before the cupcake craze. I shopped for vintage clothes and antique earrings with Joanna. I miss her. If I ever had a neighborhood, this is it, and now, the lighting of the Tower Theater is a sign - no pun intended - of more great things to come.
Tonight is also First Friday in The Paseo. I hope I see you around!
About the Tower
Oklahoma City's Tower Theater officially opened in 1937 on an original stretch of Route 66. It was one of the first suburban theaters in Oklahoma City. Since then, I'd say the definition of suburban has changed dramatically.
My Posts about the Tower Theater
My Week in Photos
OKC's Tower Theater, Cinematic Subculture and the Rocky Horror Picture Show
4 comments:
Myles and I saw it lit a few weeks ago, I guess they were testing it, and almost wrecked we were so excited!
Jen, if I'm not mistaken, the 23rd Street corridor between Classen and Broadway was part of the Business Loop of old Route 66. The corner of Broadway and 23rd was a very busy area "back in the day." The revitalization of 23rd Street is really making a difference! Enjoy!
I'll be so happy to see the 23rd street area revitalized. Wasn't it like 3 years ago that there was a big deal in the paper about how that area was being transformed? I've been watching ever since. It's been like watching paint dry.
I have been following this theater as closely as I can. I would love to see it restored and used to show movies originally shown there recreating the environment they were shown in. The Sound of Music is one movie that can truly only be experienced with 70 mm film on a large screen revealed as beautiful curtains open and theatrical lighting dims.
Your street shot with the sign lit up is great!
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