**PRESS ADVISORY**

DATE  7/19/2023

Contact: Cheryl Lawson, Cheryl@smtulsa.com, 918-928-2767

 Design Nonprofit Better Block Joins Forces with Local Organizations for an Urban Reimagination Project in North Tulsa’s Phoenix District

Tulsa, OK –The Phoenix Development Council, George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF), and the City of Tulsa’s Vibrant Neighborhoods Partnership are working with international design nonprofit Better Block to reimagine a stretch of East 36th Street North as a more vibrant place to live, work, and gather as a community. The activations and design of the space will bring to life a community vision for a more vibrant stretch through a placemaking demonstration. Scheduled to open in September, the teams will spend the next few weeks working with the community to teach about placemaking, discuss what they’d like to see in the space, and to ultimately bring it to life. The pop-up demonstration will feature space for small businesses, live music, performances, community workshops, and more. 

“Over the past seven years, we have had the privilege of learning about what makes places so special with neighbors all over the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and Australia,” says Krista Nightengale, Better Block’s Executive Director. “But we have never had the chance to work with neighbors in the Phoenix District in Tulsa. As a fellow Okie, I’m very excited to come back to my home state to work with neighbors to build off the incredible things they’re doing and bring even more of their ideas to life.”

The Better Block’s 120-day process puts the community at the forefront of the planning process. By collaborating with the Phoenix District Tulsa, City of Tulsa’s Vibrant Neighborhoods Partnership, and GKFF, the community will bring the heart and soul to the demonstration.

“Sustainable transformation comes from communities,” says Brandon Oldham, Senior Program Officer, GKFF. “Creativity, collaboration, and a sense of ownership are the heart of this project. The revitalization of the Phoenix District is about bringing a vision rooted in the aspirations and spirit of the community to fruition.”

“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with the Better Block team on this transformative initiative,” says Tracie Chandler, CEO of the Phoenix Development Council. “ The active involvement of The City of Tulsa’s Vibrant Neighborhoods Partnership and GKFF has been invaluable in bringing this project to the Phoenix District. Our community stands on the cusp of an exciting transformation, and we can’t wait to see the amazing results of everyone’s hard work. We believe in the strength and spirit of our neighbors, and together, we can make the Phoenix District a thriving, vibrant beacon for all to enjoy.”

Participants will join in volunteer workshops involving painting, furniture assembly, and event setup. Residents and members of the community are encouraged to sign up for volunteer opportunities here. The space will be up for several weeks, and organizations interested in using the space can learn more at https://www.phoenixdistricttulsa.org/betterblock/. 

About the Better Block Foundation

Better Block Foundation is an urban design nonprofit that educates, equips, and empowers communities and their leaders to reshape and reactivate built environments to promote the growth of healthy and vibrant neighborhoods. Find out more by visiting www.betterblock.org.

About GKFF

The George Kaiser Family Foundation is a Tulsa-based charitable foundation dedicated to providing equal opportunity for children through investments in early childhood education, community health and civic enhancements.

About Phoenix District

The Phoenix Development Council, a 501(c)(3) organization, is committed to revitalizing 36th St. N., the heart of the Phoenix District. Through initiatives that aim to increase economic opportunity, enhance visual appeal, foster social cohesion, ensure public safety, and improve public spaces and infrastructure, we strive to build a thriving, inclusive community reflective of the neighborhood’s spirit and diversity. For more information, visit our website at https://www.phoenixdistricttulsa.org/

About Vibrant Neighborhoods Partnerships

The Vibrant Neighborhoods Partnership, hosted by the City of Tulsa, is a community-driven program that improves the quality of life in Tulsa’s neighborhoods. It seeks to holistically improve neighborhood infrastructure and enjoyment through targeted public support and service delivery in collaboration with neighborhood residents. For more information, visit https://tulsaplanning.org/vnp/

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