Tulsa's Center of the Universe to get Big Bang facelift
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — At any given moment, visit the Center of the Universe and you're bound to see someone enjoying its auditory coolness. Even if visually, it's like a giant shrug.
"You know, sometimes I wonder, why is anybody going up to the Center of the Universe, 'cause it just doesn’t seem like a destination to me now," said downtown Tulsa resident Patrick Bones.
That is, until today, with the unveiling of conceptual plans for a new Center of the Universe that preserves its old charm.
"I’m just really excited to see this revamp of the Center of the Universe," said Tulsa City Councilor Laura Bellis.
"Signature shade, definitely a plus for Oklahoma," said Lauren Lunsford.
"And they’re preserving the Center of the Universe and the echo effect," said Bones.
It seems so much more inviting with all the greenery and shade.
"That’s the ultimate goal. The design that we are showing here is based on the input of Tulsans," said President and CEO of Downtown Tulsa Partnership Brian Kurtz.
Price tag for the new and improved Center of the Universe?
"What we’re looking at here is a roughly five to seven million dollar project overall, and that depends on what pieces are in the final plans once we go out to bid and we go out to construction," said Kurtz.
The city and the county have committed to making structural repairs to the bridge, with community fundraising eyed for the new Big Bang facelift.
"Overall, it looks good, it looks green, I like it," said Bellis.
"Nice seating all the way around it, and it’s got some greenery in it," said Bones.
"I think it’ll emphasize it as a good attraction for locals and tourists," said Bellis.
