Overlooking the bricktown canal in oklahoma city, charlestons is the perfect spot to enjoy a weekday work lunch, date night before a movie at harkins bricktown cinema 16 or drinks and apps before an event at chesapeake energy center. Second time around okc second time around chronicles a 50year period in which hundreds of buildings were demolished in downtown okc, the demise of urban renewal, early development of bricktown, and downtowns recent resurgence. Bricktown was discussed in the first book, but space did not allow for an indepth history of the district. As the bricktown canal turns 10 this weekend, two businessmen who first saw potential in the old warehouse district will be honored posthumously. A narrative and visual history of oklahoma city, oklahoma. The major attractions of the district are the chickasaw bricktown ballpark, the navigable bricktown canal, and the 16screen harkins movie theatre. The general boundaries of the bricktown core development district are the bnsf railroad, reno avenue, interstate 235 and the railroad rightofway between main and ne 1st streets the bricktown urban design districts regulations and guidelines are intended to preserve the districts warehouse flavor while promoting commercial and retail development. The number of books across a wide range of genres means we cannot inform you about every 2019 tome. Meyersbarney hillerman photographic collection, ohs oklahoma city in 1889 7195, spencer hilton collection, ohs. Wander the city streets in search of spirits who inhabited hells half acre and the chinese underground, and uncover some of oklahomas darkest secrets, from its red. Visit bricktown on your trip to oklahoma city or united states. This thriving urban district is home to more than 45 restaurants, bars, and retail shops, along with familyfriendly attractions, public art, museums, galleries, and even an urban beach for summer fun. The historic bricktown entertainment district in oklahoma city, now has a new logo. Now, bricktown is the place to be in oklahoma city.
As relates to bricktown, the bricktown canal and ballpark were two of the maps projects. Bricktown is one of the most exciting areas of okc, giving us a restaurant, sports, and shopping hotspot in the tradition of san antonios riverwalk. Discover the haunted history of oklahoma city and hear tales of spooky ghost sightings. That book, which has a cover designed by the oklahomans todd pendleton, tells the story of corbettchoynskis legendary 27round, illegal finish fight on a california barge in 1889. Oklahoma city native supports navys nuclear deterrence. Bricktown is the historic crossroads of commerce in oklahoma city.
And satan came also an inside political history of oklahoma city. The general boundaries of the bricktown core development district are the bnsf railroad, reno avenue, interstate 235 and the railroad rightofway between main and ne 1st streets. Firsttime visitors can get a glimpse of oklahoma citys teeming nightlife, dining and entertainment options with a quick trip to bricktown. Our huge marble bar is the centerpiece of the restaurant. For several decades, the warehouse district sat dilapidated and underused. Steve is the author of three oklahoma city history books okc second time around and skirvin both coauthored by jack money and bricktown.
This downtown district contains crucial pieces of oklahoma city history, told. Today our continuing travels east have brought us to beautiful oklahoma city. In his 18 years as an oklahoman reporter, steve lackmeyer has spent much of his career covering bricktown s revival. Bricktown oklahoma city, ok commercial real estate. With turn of the century charm oklahomans can stroll along the pedestrian canal, enjoy live music, cheer on their. Steve lackmeyer is an awardwinning author and journalist whose books are considered the authoritative history on downtown oklahoma city. Much of downtown oklahoma citys oldest and finest buildings had been. Oklahoma city becomes the state capital of oklahoma.
Bricktown is host to both human powered and horse powered buggies and carriages. This video is about oklahoma city bricktown district. At the junction of the oklahoma railroad station and the oklahoma river, the land that is now oklahoma city and its surroundings was especially appealing to both farmers and settlers who wanted to establish a town. Inside the city is an area called bricktown and it has lots of history to offer as well as a spectacular riverwalk. Gentleman jim corbett, joe choynski, and the fight that launched boxings modern era. The oklahoma history center is a smithsonian affiliate. No matter what youre in the mood for, bricktown dining includes something for everyone. Okcs bricktown rotary club funded the project, providing the early readers for laangum learning center llc. Bricktown has become oklahoma citys premier entertainment district. Jan 19, 2009 bricktown features neverbeforepublished photographs of the districts earliest years. About bricktown bricktown ok bricktown ok bricktown. The north segment extends east from the santa fe railroad, past restaurants and entertainment venues to chickasaw bricktown ballpark as the canal turns south toward the river, it is highlighted by hiking and bicycle trails, water features and landscaped park areas. Jan 22, 2020 may 4, 2020 treasure abounds in the bricktown canal.
Four railroad companies, the santa fe, rock island, the frisco and the katy. Well have it back up and running as soon as possible. The bricktown boom began to quiet following the move of frederick douglass high school. Like the rest of oklahoma city, bricktown began with the land run of 1889. Bricktown features neverbeforepublished photographs of the districts earliest years.
Jim brewer, neal horton remembered in bricktown in okc by. Today, bricktown is thriving and is packed with things to see and do. The diversity of businesses, educational institutions, housing and leisure activities in this area make it a true 247 destination, one of the. Bricktown is an entertainment district just east of downtown oklahoma city, oklahoma, united states. Now in its sixth year, okc land run antique show is changing venues to showcase more than 50 vendors selling genuine antiques and vintage items. Bricktown began as a warehouse district that sprang up near the junction of the oklahoma railroad station and the oklahoma river after the 1889 land run. Aerial view of downtown oklahoma city, august 2007 photo by d. Insiders guide to bricktown in downtown oklahoma city okc. The book became available in january 2009 and steves 1st book signing occurred at full circle books on january 20. First, the grant will provide replacements for the first books, which have worn out after years of exposure to the climate in rural ghana and many little hands. Jim brewer, neal horton remembered in bricktown in okc.
Buggy rides, around bricktown and downtown oklahoma city. Today, its variety of restaurants and nightclubs has made it popular with locals and visitors. Bricktown is one of the best places to enjoy a steak dinner. Book jake fisher to speak at your next business event. Oh gosh, said scott copelin, natural resources manager for oklahoma city parks and recreation. The term bricktown refers to a popular entertainment district on the east side of downtown okc. Bricktown ballpark, criterion theater, banjo museum. Horton had the original vision for bricktown but was derailed by financial troubles. And with its rugged western past, working stockyards and title as horse show capital of the world, its rich in cowboy culture, as well. A new grant from bricktown rotary club funds three important projects. Try the local dishes for a taste of southern cooking and culture, including favorites like cornbread, barbecued pork, and. From the moment 10,000 settlers descended upon oklahoma station in 1889 and declared it oklahoma city, the land surrounding the depot was destined to become the new community s hub of commerce. All taxis are staffed by ambassadors that narrate points of interest along the way and give a feel for the unique history and culture of the area.
The bricktown urban design districts regulations and guidelines are intended to preserve the districts warehouse flavor while promoting commercial and retail. Many of your neighbors have written and published books, either by conventional means or through online or socalled vanity presses. May 4, 2020 treasure abounds in the bricktown canal. Officials with the bricktown association and downtown oklahoma city, inc. Skirvin, a history of the centuryold skirvin hilton hotel.
Steelyard is located at an okc streetcar stop, which provides access to all districts in downtown okc. Everything that you want to know about okcs bricktown entertainment. By the end of the day on april 22, 1889, oklahoma city had over 10,000 residents, including freedmen. Mar 30, 2018 today our continuing travels east have brought us to beautiful oklahoma city.
This downtown district contains crucial pieces of oklahoma city history, told through the visual art hidden along its winding pathways. Close to downtown okc hotels and attractions, bricktown is a former warehouse district with several restaurants offering fine dining to casual plates. The horse carriages are generally seen on family oriented event nights, although they are open for business all days of the week if there is a demand. Oklahoma city began modestly, with 10,000 homesteaders and no city government. From taking a cruise along the bricktown canal to catching an oklahoma city dodgers game at the chickasaw bricktown ballpark, bricktown is a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike. I much prefer books that have indices, and, sadly, some of the otherwise better okc history books below notably the arcadia publications do not. In his 18 years as an oklahoman reporter, steve lackmeyer has spent much of his career covering bricktowns revival. The book became available in january 2009 and steves 1st booksigning occurred at full circle books on january 20. Everett, oklahoma historical society publications division, ohs downtown oklahoma city, circa 1943 21412. Both okc second time around and skirvin were finalists for best nonfiction and design by the oklahoma book awards. Know the landscape, so you can thoroughly enjoy yourself as you travel along the canal. Donald harington wrote a number of books set in the ozarks. Bricktown is the historic crossroad for oklahoma city and is home to four railroad companies. Founded just days after the land run of 1889, bricktown was, and still is, a central hub connecting not only railroads and highways, but local citizens and visitors.
It is located at the bricktown ballpark in the heart of this historic district in downtown oklahoma city. The oklahoma history center is an eighteenacre, 215,000 squarefoot learning center exploring oklahomas unique history of geology, transportation, commerce, culture, aviation, heritage, and more. Just a short walk from downtown hotels, event venues and attractions, this former warehouse district is filled with restaurants, nightlife and entertainment options. The war department announces that oklahoma city will be the location of an air depot. One could quite easily spend an afternoon exploring it all, but you should have a plan before you go. You can purchase bricktown at any local bookstore or online at. Land run antique show brings vintage treasures to bricktown. Jul 31, 2017 oklahoma city bricktown sights and dining. Bricktown by steve lackmeyer arcadia publishing 2009 and is long overdue.
Oklahoma history center oklahoma historical society. With the passage of the maps initiative in 1993, the city of oklahoma city constructed the bricktown ballpark and a onemile canal that connects the north bricktown area with the chesapeake boathouse. The bricktown community was once known as an industrial center. Browse listings to get a full list of bricktown restaurants. Territorial days through downtown civil rights marches. It soon evolved into much more than a crossroad, becoming a battleground for civil rights. Oklahoma city the encyclopedia of oklahoma history and. Bricktown is an entertainment district just east of downtown oklahoma city, oklahoma, united. Think about buying books by oklahomans or set in oklahoma. Jul 04, 2009 if you want great detail about this, though, read okc. Lackmeyers books include okc second time around, a history of downtown oklahoma citys urban renewal era in the 1960s and 1970s, its revival in the 1990s. Just east of okcs downtown business district is bricktown, the citys original warehouse and distribution center turned entertainment district. Hilton garden inn oklahoma citybricktown oklahoma city hotels, oklahoma duration.
I consider the element which makes this book particularly unique is its coverage of deep deuce and bricktown, covered in more depth than any other publication. Lackmeyer authored two books detailing bricktowns history okc. Discover the haunted history of oklahoma city and hear tales of spooky ghost sightings and eerie attractions on this nighttime walking tour, a great choice for firsttime visitors. Oklahoma citys bricktown district has gone from warehouse zone to vibrant entertainment center and. The oklahoma history center is a smithsonian affiliate and is accredited by the american alliance of museums.
The milelong bricktown canal links downtown, bricktown and the oklahoma river. Stop by the american banjo museum to learn about the history of the stringed instrument, from its african origins to its prominent presence in modernday folk music. Written by administrator wednesday, 14 july 2010 00. July 14, 2010 a yearlong effort to make oklahoma city history more accessible goes public thursday with the unveiling of retro metro okc and the groups website, retro metro okc is pending 501c3 organization whose goal is to create an online exhibit of thousands of photos and documents relating to our citys. This enduring image, captured in history books, western art and the american imagination, completely defines the essence of oklahoma and its residents there is a lust for life and adventure here that is unmatched. Lackmeyers books include okc second time around, a history of downtown oklahoma citys urban renewal era in the 1960s and 1970s, its revival in the. Bricktown oklahoma city 2020 all you need to know before. Through several stages of renovations, bricktown continues to progress from its origins as a warehouse and. Oklahoma city rediscovered focuses on downtown broadway, particularly automobile alley, capitol hill, deep deuce, and the warehouse district, i.
Be sure to visit one of the citys landmarkschickasaw bricktown ballparkhome of oklahoma city dodgers. Neither does the 2007 release by larry johnson, caretaker that he is for the okc metropolitan library systems oklahoma area. Bricktown is oklahomas premier entertainment district, packed with restaurants, nightclubs, sporting. If your plans include catching a baseball game, book a room at hampton inn.
The bricktown book begins with the land run of 1889 and follows the area that would become bricktown from land occupied by federal troops to its presentday role as an entertainment destination. Bricktown rotary club grant funds important llc literacy projects. Cheer on the hometown heroes, the oklahoma city dodgers, at the chickasaw bricktown ballpark. Formerly a warehouse district, bricktown now serves as an entertainment area with a vibrant bar scene, restaurants, boutiques, museums, and boat rides. The history of bricktown, made by local artist susan morrison, is composed over more than 158,000 tiles over six different panels depicting the monumental events in bricktowns history. The 10 best things to do near bricktown, oklahoma city. Barbara kingsolvers heaven in pigs in heaven is supposed to be in cherokee county, oklahoma. On the bank of a drainage ditch just beyond the land run monument on a.
A 40minute trip on the bricktown water taxi is the perfect way to tour through bricktown, from the eastern edge of downtown all the way to the northern edge of the oklahoma river. At the sound of a gun, 10,000 people settled in oklahoma city as part of the land run of 1889. Neal horton and jim brewer are the first inductees into the bricktown walk of fame. Bricktown by steve lackmeyer arcadia publishing books. Original audio and transcript archived with voices of oklahoma oral history project.