Tower Theater Receives Grant From National Parks Service

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK —The Uptown Development Group, LLC has recently received a $15,000 grant from NPS Route 66 Preservation Committee. The money is a matching grant and is earmarked for the restoration of the historic Tower Theater sign.

Non-Profit Uptown 23 is focused on improving the 23rd Street Corridor. (www.uptown23.org)

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Uptown 23 a 501-C3 business and property owners association formed in 1993 to support the revitalization of an important section of the NW 23^rd Street Commercial Corridor between I-235 and Villa Avenue. 

Presently, we are working with the Oklahoma City Planning Department to develop new zoning ordinances for the area which will promote the establishment of new neighborhood commercial businesses, restaurants, services and entertainment venues.  At the top of our list of priorities is the reopening of the historic Tower Theater.  We believe that the events and activities of this important multi-purpose venue and its restored landmark marquee will serve as a beacon to energetic entrepreneurs and real estate investors who will in turn provide the driving force for the ongoing revitalization of Oklahoma City's most important street.  

February 27, 2006 
 
Tower Theater in OKC City Being Renovated

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK —The Uptown Development Group, LLC has purchased 24,000 square feet of historical property on NW 23rd Street including the landmark Tower Theater.  The property, on the original Route 66, is nestled between the historically preserved neighborhoods of Heritage Hills, Jefferson Park and the Paseo Arts District. The group plans on renovating the property under the guidance of Oklahoma Historical Society and the National Parks Service, into a thriving arts and entertainment destination. The property, built in 1926, includes 8000 square feet of retail space on NW 23^rd, 8000 ft of office space, 50,000 ft of parking and the 8000 ft theater which was built in 1937.

The Uptown Development Group LLC
 
  The Uptown Development Group's mission is to restore a portion of historic NW 23rd, a blighted urban area with 40 years of decline, in to a thriving entertainment and retail district. Restoring and renting the historic theater, retail spaces and offices will anchor the NW 23rd corridor, providing a catalyst for future growth in the area.

Tower Theater History

  The Tower Theatre, built in 1937, originally was a 1500 seat, ornate auditorium had a complete working stage, pipe organ, and billowing, scarlet waterfall stage curtains. It was also one of the first suburban theaters in Oklahoma City and one of the largest suburban theaters in the region. In the early sixties the theatre was given a deluxe renovation---70mm, rocking chair seats, very plush and very comfortable. Roadshow attractions were the staple with "Sound of Music" running at the Tower on a reserved seat basis for almost two years. "The Sand Pebbles" and "Cleopatra" also played at the Tower during those roadshow- reserved seat days.
 

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