Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza

Status: IN PROGRESS

Project Description:

The first major project to be completed within the Route 66 effort is the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza located on Southwest Boulevard at Riverside Drive in Tulsa. This project was funded in part by a grant from the Oklahoma Centennial Commission.

The Centennial Plaza, with the flags of the eight states of Route 66, and the Route 66 Skywalk, with its zigzag art deco style and familiar logo, were complete in July 2008 and dedicated on August 7, 2008.

The “East Meets West” bronze statue was dedicated November 2012.

Public events are capitalizing on the international draw of Route 66. The 2008 Route 66 Marathon (a Boston Marathon qualifying race, USATF-sanctioned and certified) attracted nearly 5,000 runners on November 16, 2008. One section of the route ran under the Route 66 Skywalk, and the design of the Olympic-style medals presented reflected elements of the Route 66 Skywalk and the bronze “East Meets West” statue. In 2009, the Volvo Club of America was drawn to Tulsa by the Route 66 Skywalk and Centennial Plaza as a venue to host its show, “Volvo Kicks on Route 66”.

Still to come at the Avery Centennial Plaza are a visitor’s center and the Route 66 Interpretive Center, to be located on the hill beside the Skywalk. It will feature Route 66 exhibits, historical perspectives, restaurants and gift shop.

Construction:
Crossland Heavy Contractors, Inc.

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