'Cathedral District' launches in downtown Tulsa

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) -- A new downtown Tulsa district was officially named Wednesday for its legendary architecture and history.

There was excitement from many community leaders at a luncheon, a gathering to announce the newest official downtown Tulsa district.

“Putting that identity and associating it with each of the members gives us the opportunity to speak in one voice," said Cyntergy President Gordy Guest.

The company renovated one of the buildings in an area now called the Cathedral District, a potential model for future development.

“Growth is going to happen, all of the discussion shows buildings are being purchased up today, questions about the parking lots," said Guest.

And that’s one attractive feature about the Cathedral District: Its size.

Guest says the Cathedral District runs from 6th Street to the IDL and from Denver to Detroit, making it the largest downtown district.

The focus of Wednesday's discussion: How to best use the land.

The area already features six historic churches, coffee shops and schools.

“I just want to say how much I appreciate all the work we’ve done together to get to this point," said Tulsa Community College President Dr. Leigh Goodson.

The school’s metro campus anchors the Cathedral District.

“I think this announcement really solidifies the work we’ve been doing over the last two years," said Goodson.

The Cathedral District's name is already printed on some buildings and banners downtown.

But now this group is looking forward to the entire city knowing the name and what it could become.

The Cathedral District is the only downtown district through which Route 66 passes.

An outdoor food festival at the district to help jump start that growth is in its planning stages.