From OKCbyNight

You do not have permission to edit this page, for the following reason:

You can view and copy the source of this page:

{{IC}} {{Main|wikipedia:Oklahoma City|l1=Oklahoma City (Wikipedia)}} {{Infobox settlement |name = Oklahoma City |settlement_type = [[wikipedia:City|City]] |nickname = |motto = |image_skyline = OKC Skyline.jpg |imagesize = |image_caption = |image_flag = OKC_flag.png |image_seal = OKC_Seal.png |image_map = OKMap-doton-OklahomaCity.PNG |mapsize = 250px |map_caption = Location in [[wikipedia:Oklahoma County, Oklahoma|Oklahoma County]] and the state of [[wikipedia:Oklahoma|Oklahoma]]. |image_map1 = |mapsize1 = |map_caption1 = |pushpin_map =USA |pushpin_map_caption = Location in the United States |subdivision_type = [[wikipedia:List of countries|Country]] |subdivision_type1 = [[wikipedia:Political divisions of the United States|State]] |subdivision_type2 = [[wikipedia:List of counties in Oklahoma|Counties]] |subdivision_name = [[wikipedia:United States|United States]] |subdivision_name1 = [[wikipedia:Oklahoma|Oklahoma]] |subdivision_name2 = [[wikipedia:Canadian County, Oklahoma|Canadian]], [[wikipedia:Cleveland County, Oklahoma|Cleveland]], [[wikipedia:Oklahoma County, Oklahoma|Oklahoma]], [[wikipedia:Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma|Pottawatomie]] |government_type = [[wikipedia:Mayor-council government|Mayor-Council]] |leader_title = [[wikipedia:Mayor|Mayor]] |leader_name = [[wikipedia:Mick Cornett|Mick Cornett]] ([[wikipedia:United States Republican party|R]]) |leader_title1 = [[wikipedia:City Manager|City Manager]] |leader_name1 = Jim Couch |established = Founded |established_date = 1889 |area_magnitude = 1 E9 |area_total_km2 = 1608.8 |area_total_sq_mi = 621.2 |area_land_km2 = 1572.1 |area_land_sq_mi = 607.0 |area_water_km2 = 36.7 |area_water_sq_mi = 14.2 |area_urban_km2 = 834.9 |area_urban_sq_mi = 322.3 |population_as_of = 2008 |population_total = 551,789 |population_urban = 747,003 |population_metro = 1,275,758 |population_density_km2 = 336.5 |timezone = [[wikipedia:North American Central Time Zone|CST]] |utc_offset = -6 |timezone_DST = [[wikipedia:North American Central Time Zone|CDT]] |utc_offset_DST = -5 |postal_code_type = |postal_code = 731XX |area_code = [[wikipedia:Area code 405|405]] |elevation_ft = 1201 |coordinates_display = |elevation_m = 396 |website = http://www.okc.gov/ |blank_name = |blank_info = |blank1_name = |blank1_info = |footnotes = }} '''Oklahoma City''' is the capital and largest city of the [[wikipedia:U.S. state|U.S. state]] of [[wikipedia:Oklahoma|Oklahoma]]. The [[wikipedia:county seat|county seat]] of [[wikipedia:Oklahoma County, Oklahoma|Oklahoma County]],{{GR|6}} the city ranks [[wikipedia:List of United States cities by population|31st]] among [[wikipedia:United States|United States]] cities in population.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2006-01.csv |title=Annual Estimates of the Population for Incorporated Places Over 100,000, Ranked by July 1, 2006 Population: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2006}}</ref> The city's estimated population as of 2008 was 551,789<ref>[http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFPopulation?_event=Search&_name=Oklahoma+City&_state=04000US40&_county=Oklahoma+City&_cityTown=Oklahoma+City&_zip=&_sse=on&_lang=en&pctxt=fph Oklahoma City city, Oklahoma]. U.S. Census Bureau</ref>, with an estimated [[wikipedia:Oklahoma City Metroplex|metro-area]] population of 1,206,142<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/popest/metro/tables/2008/CBSA-EST2008-01.csv |title=Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008}}</ref>. In 2008, the Oklahoma City-[[wikipedia:Shawnee, Oklahoma|Shawnee]] [[wikipedia:Combined Statistical Area|Combined Statistical Area]] had a population of 1,275,758 residents.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/popest/metro/tables/2008/CBSA-EST2008-02.csv |title=Annual Estimates of the Population of Combined Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008}}</ref> Besides the core Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City's city limits extend into [[wikipedia:Canadian County, Oklahoma|Canadian]], [[wikipedia:Cleveland County, Oklahoma|Cleveland]], and [[wikipedia:Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma|Pottawatomie]] counties, though much of those areas are rural or suburban. The city ranks as the [[wikipedia:List of United States cities by area|seventh-largest city in the United States by land area]] which includes [[wikipedia:Consolidated city-county|consolidated city-counties]]; it is the largest city in the United States by land area whose government is not consolidated with that of a county (or, in the case of [[wikipedia:Alaska|Alaska]], a [[wikipedia:Borough (United States)#Alaska|borough]]). The city is the largest city and metro area in population of the traditional 'plains states' as well as the [[wikipedia:South Central United States|South Central United States]] outside of [[wikipedia:Texas|Texas]]. Oklahoma City is an important livestock market, featuring one of the top livestock markets in the world.<ref>{{cite web | last =Knapp | first =Adam | title =Stockyards City | publisher =[[wikipedia:About.com|About.com]] | url =http://okc.about.com/od/neighborhoods/p/okcstockyards.htm | accessdate =2009-06-01 }}</ref> Oil, natural gas, and petroleum products are a major product of the economy, as the city is situated in the middle of an oil field, with oil derricks even on the capitol grounds. Several prominent Energy companies are headquartered in Oklahoma City. The city has varied light and heavy industries, [[wikipedia:Tinker Air Force Base|Tinker Air Force Base]] and the [[wikipedia:Federal Government|Federal Government]] are also vital sources of employment. The city was founded during the [[wikipedia:Land Run of 1889|Land Run of 1889]]. The city was the scene of the April 1995 [[wikipedia:Oklahoma City bombing|bombing attack]] of the [[wikipedia:Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building|Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building]], in which 168 people lost their lives. It was the worst terror attack in the history of the United States before the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. ==History== {{Main|wikipedia:History of Oklahoma City|l1=A History of Oklahoma City from a Mortal Perspective}} {{See also|Kindred History of Oklahoma City|l1=A History of Oklahoma City from a Kindred Perspective}} Oklahoma City was settled on April 22, 1889, when the area known as the "[[wikipedia:Unassigned Lands|unassigned lands]]" was opened for settlement in an event known as the "[[wikipedia:The Land Run|The Land Run]]".<ref>Wilson, Linda D. "[http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/O/OK025.html Oklahoma City]," [http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/index.html Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture]. (accessed January 26, 2010).</ref> Some 10,000 [[wikipedia:homesteader|homesteader]]s settled the area that would become the capital of Oklahoma. The town grew quickly; the population doubled between 1890 and 1900.<ref>Wilson. [http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/index.html Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture]</ref> Early leaders of the development of the city included Anton Classen, [[wikipedia:Henry Overholser|Henry Overholser]] and [[wikipedia:James W. Maney|James W. Maney]]. [[Image:Oklahoma City 1890.jpg|left|thumb]] By the time Oklahoma was admitted to the Union in 1907, Oklahoma City had surpassed [[wikipedia:Guthrie, Oklahoma|Guthrie]], the territorial capital, as the population center and commercial hub of the new state. Soon after, the capital was moved from Guthrie to Oklahoma City.<ref>Curtis, Gene. [http://www.tulsaworld.com/webextra/itemsofinterest/centennial/centennial_storypage.asp?ID=070611_1_A4_cpSta85612 Only in Oklahoma: State capital location was a fight to the finish], ''Tulsa World'' (accessed February 4, 2010).</ref> Oklahoma City was a major stop on Route 66 during the early part of the 20th century and was prominently mentioned in Bobby Troup's 1946 jazz classic, "[[wikipedia:Route 66 (song)|(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66]]," later made famous by [[wikipedia:Nat King Cole|Nat King Cole]]. Before World War II, Oklahoma City developed major stockyards and, with the 1928 discovery of oil within the city limits (including under the State Capitol), it became a center of oil production.<ref>[http://www.ogs.ou.edu/fossilfuels/pdf/OKOilNotesPDF.pdf Oklahoma Oil: Past, Present and Future]</ref> Post-war growth accompanied Oklahoma City's location as a major interchange on the [[wikipedia:Interstate Highway System|Interstate Highway System]], with the convergence of I-35, I-40 and I-44 in the city. It was also aided by federal development of [[wikipedia:Tinker Air Force Base|Tinker Air Force Base]]. As with many other American cities, center city population declined in the 1970s and 80s as families moved to newer housing in nearby suburbs. [[wikipedia:Urban Renewal|Urban Renewal]] projects in the 1970s including the [[wikipedia:Pei Plan (Oklahoma City)|Pei Plan (Oklahoma City)]] removed many older historic structures but failed to spark much new development. A notable exception was the construction of the Myriad Gardens and Crystal Bridge, a botanical garden and modernistic [[wikipedia:Conservatory (greenhouse)|conservatory]] in the heart of the city. Casualties of the plan included the Criterion Theater,<ref>{{cite web |title=Criterion Group |url=http://www.okchistory.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63:preservingabout&catid=44:about-the-criterion-group&Itemid=84 |publisher=OKCHistory.com |accessdate=2009-10-20 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.criteriongroup.org/ |title=The Criterion Group, main page|publisher=The Criterion Group |accessdate=2009-10-20}}</ref>, the Baum Building,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://okhistory.org/research/hillerman/results.php?mapnoinput=3h&action=Search |publisher=OKCHistory.org |title=Baum Building |accessdate=2009-10-20}}</ref> the Hales Building,<ref>{{cite web |accessdate=2009-10-21 |url=http://okhistory.org/research/hillerman/results.php?mapnoinput=2a&action=Search |publisher=OKCHistory.org |title=Hales Building }}</ref><ref>[[wikipedia:#Lackmeyer|Lackmeyer and Money]], pp. 20, 42.</ref> and the Biltmore Hotel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://okhistory.org/research/hillerman/results.php?mapnoinput=2y&action=Search |publisher=OKCHistory.org |title=Biltmore Hotel |accessdate=2009-10-20}}</ref> In 1993, the city passed a massive redevelopment package known as the [[wikipedia:Metropolitan Area Projects|Metropolitan Area Projects]] (MAPS), which aimed to rebuild the city's core. The city added a new [[wikipedia:baseball|baseball]] park; central library; renovations to the civic center, convention center and fairgrounds; and a canal to the [[wikipedia:Bricktown (Oklahoma City)|Bricktown]] entertainment district. MAPS has become one of the most aggressive and successful public-private partnerships ever undertaken in the U.S. exceeding $3 billion.<ref>[http://www.okcchamber.com/page.asp?atomid=290 Metropolitan Area Projects], Greater Oklahoma City Chamber (accessed February 5, 2010).</ref> As a result of MAPS downtown housing has skyrocketed as well as increased demand for residential amenities, such as grocery and other retail stores. [[Image:Murrah Building - Aerial.jpg|thumb|The Murrah Federal Building damage]] Since the MAPS projects' completion, the downtown area has seen continued development. Several of the downtown buildings are undergoing renovation/restoration projects. Notable among these was the restoration of the Skirvin Hotel in 2007. The famed [[wikipedia:First National Center|First National Center]] is also currently being renovated. The "Core-to-Shore" project was created to relocate I-40 one mile (1.6&nbsp;km) south and replace it with a boulevard that will create an entrance to the city.<ref>[http://www.okc.gov/planning/coretoshore/index.html City of Oklahoma City | Core to Shore<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> This allows the central portion of the city to expand south toward the Oklahoma River, thus connecting the core of the city to the shore of the Oklahoma River. Several elements of Core to Shore were included in the[[wikipedia:Metropolitan Area Projects Plan 3|MAPS 3]] proposal which passed in late 2009. Residents of Oklahoma City suffered substantial losses on April 19, 1995 when [[wikipedia:Timothy McVeigh|Timothy McVeigh]] [[wikipedia:Oklahoma City bombing|set off a bomb]] in front of the [[wikipedia:Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building|Murrah building]]. The building was destroyed, more than 100 nearby buildings suffered severe damage, and 168 people were killed. The site is now home to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. Since its opening in 2000, over 3 million people have visited. Every year on April 19, survivors, friends and family return to the memorial to read the names of every victim lost. == Government == {{Main|Government of Oklahoma City}} {{See also|List of mayors of Oklahoma City}} [[Image:Oklahoma City, City Hall.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Oklahoma City's art deco city hall building.]] The '''City of Oklahoma City''' has operated under a council-manager form of city government since 1927.<ref>"[http://www.okc.gov/council/index.html Mayor and Council]," [http://www.okc.gov City of Oklahoma City]. (accessed January 27, 2010).</ref> [[wikipedia:Mick Cornett|Mick Cornett]] serves as [[wikipedia:Mayor|Mayor]], having first been elected in 2004 and then re-elected in 2006. Eight councilpersons represent each of the eight wards of Oklahoma City. ==Geography== [[Image:Oklahoma City Skyline from I-35 (cropped).jpg|thumb|250px|left|Oklahoma City's landscape consists mainly of rolling hills, low trees and shrubs]] According to the [[wikipedia:United States Census Bureau|United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of 621.2&nbsp;square miles (1,608.8&nbsp;km²), of which, 607.0&nbsp;square miles (1,572.1&nbsp;km²) of it is land and 14.2&nbsp;square miles (36.7&nbsp;km²) of it is water. The total area is 2.28% water. Oklahoma City is located in the [[wikipedia:Central Oklahoma|Frontier Country]] region of Central Oklahoma, in the [[wikipedia:Great Plains|Southern Plains]] of North America; it is on the [[wikipedia:tallgrass|tallgrass]] and mixed-grass prairie section of the Great Plains. [[Image:Hefnersunset.JPG|right|thumb|Sunset over Lake Hefner in northwest Oklahoma City.]] Oklahoma City lies in the Sandstone Hills region of Oklahoma, known for hills of 250 to 400 feet and two species of oak - blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica) and post oak (Q. stellata).<ref>[http://www.netstate.com/states/geography/ok_geography.htm Oklahoma Geography], NetState.com (accessed February 4, 2010).</ref> The northeastern part of the city and its suburbs fall into an ecological region known as the [[wikipedia:Cross Timbers|Cross Timbers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=ftp://ftp.epa.gov/wed/ecoregions/ok/ok_front.pdf|title=Ecoregions of Oklahoma|accessdate=2008-09-24}}</ref> The city is roughly bisected by the North Canadian River (recently renamed the Oklahoma River inside city limits). The North Canadian was once substantial enough to flood every year, wreaking destruction on surrounding areas, including the original Oklahoma City Zoo.<ref>[http://www.oklahoma-city-life.com/history-of-the-oklahoma-city-zoo.html History of the Oklahoma City Zoo], Oklahoma City Life Web site (accessed February 5, 2010).</ref> In the 1940s a dam was built on the river to manage the flood control and reduced its level.<ref>[http://www.ou.edu/special/albertctr/archives/ThomasLegInventory/Etproj05.htm Elmias Thomas Collection Projects Series], University of Oklahoma Web site (accessed February 5, 2010).</ref> In the 1990s, as part of the citywide revitalization project known as MAPS, the city built a series of low-water dams, returning water to the portion of the river flowing near downtown.<ref>[http://www.okc.gov/maps/river/index.html=November 2008 Oklahoma River], [http://www.okc.gov City of Oklahoma City (accessed February 4, 2010).</ref> The city also has three large lakes: Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser, in the Northwestern quarter of the city; and the largest, Lake Stanley Draper, in the sparsely populated far southeast of the city. The [[wikipedia:population density|population density]] normally reported for Oklahoma City using area of its city limits can be a bit misleading, as its urbanized zone covers roughly {{convert|244|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}, compared with larger rural areas incorporated by the city, which cover the remaining {{convert|377|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}} of the city limits.<ref name=autogenerated3>American Fact Finder Table GCT-PH1 retrieved on 2008-07-17</ref> Oklahoma City is one of the largest cities in the nation in compliance with the [[wikipedia:Clean Air Act|Clean Air Act]].<ref>[http://www.mtpokc.com/about.html About], Modern Transit Project (accessed February 5, 2010).</ref> ==Demographics== {{USCensusPop |1890=4151 |1900=10037 |1910=64205 |1920=91295 |1930=185389 |1940=204424 |1950=243504 |1960=321599 |1970=368164 |1980=404014 |1990=438922 |2000=506132 |estyear=2008 |estimate=551789 |footnote=<ref name="Oklahoma City Data 1910-1920">{{cite web | url=http://www.http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0027/twps0027.html |title=Oklahoma City Data}}</ref> }} At the 2005-2007 American Community Survey Estimates the city's population was 72.7% White (60.7% non-Hispanic White alone), 16.1% Black or African American, 7.6% American Indian and Alaska Native (2.7% non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native alone), 4.7% Asian, 0.2% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 5.4% from some other race and 6.3% from two or more races. 13.9% of the total population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. [http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-context=adp&-qr_name=ACS_2007_3YR_G00_DP3YR5&-ds_name=ACS_2007_3YR_G00_&-tree_id=3307&-redoLog=true&-_caller=geoselect&-geo_id=16000US4055000&-format=&-_lang=en] As of the [[wikipedia:census|census]]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 506,132 people, 204,434 households, and 129,360 families residing in the city. The [[wikipedia:population density|population density]] was 321.9/km² (833.8/mi²) with 2,317.4/mi² for an urban area<ref name=autogenerated3 /> that occupies a small portion within the city's incorporated limits, which cover hundreds of square miles of rural land. There were 228,149 housing units at an average density of 375.9/sq&nbsp;mi (145.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 68.4% [[wikipedia:White American|White]], 15.4% [[wikipedia:African American|Black or African American]], 3.5% [[wikipedia:Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 3.5% [[wikipedia:Asian American|Asian American]], 0.1% [[wikipedia:Pacific Islander American|Pacific Islander]], 5.3% from [[wikipedia:Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|other races]] based on persons indicating only one race category on Census forms. 5.6% of the population were two or more races. 10.1% of the population were [[wikipedia:Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanics or Latinos]] of any race. There were 204,434 households, 30.8% of which had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.8% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% were non-families. One person households account for 30.7% of all households and 8.8% of all households had someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.04. In the 2000 Census Oklahoma City's age composition was 25.5% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males. The 1999 median income for a household in the city was $34,947, and the median income for a family was $42,689. Among full time employed persons, males had median 1999 earnings of $31,589 compared to $24,420 for females. The [[wikipedia:per capita income|per capita income]] for the city was $19,098. 16.0% of the population and 12.4% of families were below the [[wikipedia:poverty line|poverty line]]. Out of the total population, 23.0% of those under the age of 18 and 9.2% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. In June, 2007, the U.S. Census announced its estimate population of 547,274 and that Oklahoma City had grown 1.4 percent between July, 2006 and July, 2007. Since the official Census in 2000, Oklahoma City had grown 8.1 percent, according to the Census Bureau's estimates. ===Metropolitan Statistical Area=== {{Main| Oklahoma City metropolitan area}} Oklahoma City is the principal city of the eight-county Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area in Central Oklahoma and is the state's largest urbanized area. Based on population rank, the metropolitan area was the [[wikipedia:List of United States metropolitan areas|46th largest in the nation]] as of the year 2000. ==Economy== [[Image:Sonic Drive In Corporate Headquaters .JPG|thumb|left|Oklahoma City is home to [[wikipedia:Sonic Drive-In|Sonic Drive-In]].]] The economy of Oklahoma City, once a regional power center of government and energy exploration, has diversified to include the sectors of [[wikipedia:information technology|information technology]], [[wikipedia:tertiary sector of the economy|services]], [[wikipedia:health care|health services]] and administration. The city has two [[wikipedia:Fortune 500|Fortune 500]] companies: [[wikipedia:Devon Energy|Devon Energy Corporation]] and [[wikipedia:Chesapeake Energy|Chesapeake Energy Corporation]], several others that are in the Fortune 1000 and a number of large privately owned companies. Oklahoma City is home to the corporate headquarters of [[wikipedia:Sonic Drive-In|Sonic Drive-In]], whose office building and corporate restaurant is located in [[wikipedia:Bricktown (Oklahoma City)|Bricktown]]. Devon Energy revealed plans in August 2008 for a new {{convert|900|ft|m|adj=on}} tall, {{convert|1900000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} headquarters building in downtown Oklahoma City.<ref>[http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D92M6OP00.htm Devon plans 925-foot skyscraper in Oklahoma City | Business Week]</ref> The new [[wikipedia:Devon Tower|skyscraper]] is currently under construction and is expected to be complete in [[wikipedia:2012|2012]]. Other large employers in Oklahoma City include [[wikipedia:Tinker Air Force Base|Tinker Air Force Base]], the [[wikipedia:Federal government of the United States|federal government]], the [[wikipedia:University of Oklahoma|University of Oklahoma]], [[wikipedia:AT&T|AT&T]], [[wikipedia:Boeing|The Boeing Company]], [[wikipedia:Xerox|Xerox]], [[wikipedia:United Parcel Service|United Parcel Service]], [[wikipedia:Cox|Cox]], and the state of Oklahoma.<ref>"[http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-South/Oklahoma-City-Economy.html Oklahoma City: Economy], City-Data.com. (accessed January 26, 2010).</ref> [[wikipedia:Six Flags|Six Flags]] at one point was headquartered in Oklahoma City but relocated to [[wikipedia:New York City|New York City]] on January 27, 2006.<ref>Ahles, Andrea. "[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-12531337_ITM Six Flags to shut OKC office and move headquarters to New York.]" ''[[wikipedia:Fort Worth Star-Telegram|Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]''. January 28, 2006. Retrieved on May 6, 2009.</ref> According to the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the metropolitan area's economic output grew by 33 percent between 2001 and 2005 due chiefly to economic diversification. Its [[wikipedia:gross metropolitan product|gross metropolitan product]] totaled $43.1 billion in 2005.<ref>[http://newsok.com/article/3096816 City area enjoys increase in jobs | NewsOK.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In 2008, ''[[wikipedia:Forbes|Forbes]]'' magazine named Oklahoma City the most "recession proof city in America". The magazine reported that the city had falling unemployment, one of the strongest housing markets in the country and solid growth in energy, agriculture and manufacturing.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/2008/04/29/cities-recession-places-forbeslife-cx_jz_0429realestate.html America's Recession-Proof Cities - Forbes.com]</ref> ==Business Districts== [[Image:2009 Film Row Streetscape Efforts OKC.jpg|thumb|The beginning of streetscape efforts along Oklahoma City's Historic Film Row.]] ===Film Exchange District=== In 2003, a part of downtown Oklahoma City was developed into the new Film Exchange District, to honor its roots as a film exchange.<ref>Wynn, Bradley. "[http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2010/01/01/guest-blog-the-incredible-true-story-of-film-row/?custom_click=search Guest Blog: The Incredible True Story of Film Row]," NewsOk.com. (accessed January 26, 2010).</ref> The Film Exchange District encompasses 42 square blocks and lies between Classen Boulevard and Walker Avenue along Sheridan Avenue. It is also bordered by S.W. 2nd Street, S.W. 1st Street and Colcord Drive. The district's history includes the likes of Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Fox Films starting with silent films.<ref>Wynn. "[http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2010/01/01/guest-blog-the-incredible-true-story-of-film-row/?custom_click=search Guest Blog: The Incredible True Story of Film Row]</ref> The first film exchange appeared in Oklahoma City as early as 1907, and in 1910, the General Film Exchange was established on West 2nd Street.<ref>Wynn. "[http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2010/01/01/guest-blog-the-incredible-true-story-of-film-row/?custom_click=search Guest Blog: The Incredible True Story of Film Row]</ref> Paramount Pictures operated at 123 SW 3rd and by 1929 relocated to 701 W. Grand (Sheridan Ave.), now in the heart of the Film Exchange District and backed the opening of the Plaza Theatre in 1935.<ref>"[http://www.lyrictheatreokc.com/plazarenovation/history History of the Plaza Theatre]," [http://www.lyrictheatreokc.com Lyric Theatre OKC]. (accessed January 26, 2010).</ref> By 1930, most studio offices had moved along what is now Sheridan Avenue.<ref>Wynn. "[http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2010/01/01/guest-blog-the-incredible-true-story-of-film-row/?custom_click=search Guest Blog: The Incredible True Story of Film Row]</ref> [[Image:2008 Sheridan Ave Film Exchange OKC.jpg|thumb|left|The Film Exchange building's marque at 700 W. Sheridan Avenue.]] [[Image:1943 Paramount Pictures OKC.jpg|thumb|The Paramount Pictures building in 1943 along Oklahoma City's Historic Film Row.]] The 1930s came to know the area as Film Row, where theater owners came to screen and lease films for their movie houses.<ref>Wynn. "[http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2010/01/01/guest-blog-the-incredible-true-story-of-film-row/?custom_click=search Guest Blog: The Incredible True Story of Film Row]</ref> J. Eldon Peek, a graduate student of Oklahoma State University, and his wife Maxine opened the Oklahoma Theatre Supply Company and Missouri Theatre Supply Company at 708 W. Grand (Sheridan) in 1930. By 1988, she and her granddaughter Sharon Allen were still operating the business, which closed in 2004.<ref>"[http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-5453172.html Theatre supply company sees changes]," The Journal Record, September 6, 1988. (accessed January 27, 2010)</ref> The Peeks landed contracts to install sound systems in former silent theatres across Oklahoma and relocated to their newly constructed building at 628 W. Grand (Sheridan) in 1946.<ref>Wynn. "[http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2010/01/01/guest-blog-the-incredible-true-story-of-film-row/?custom_click=search Guest Blog: The Incredible True Story of Film Row]</ref> In the 1950s, cable television first came to Oklahoma in Bartlesville, where the "Telemovies" system was started by Video Independent Theatres.<ref>"[http://museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=paytelevisio Pay Television]," The Museum of Broadcast Communications. (accessed January 27, 2010).</ref> Television and the advent of new technology and introduction of inexpensive air freight, hurt the film exchange business and by the 1970s and early 1980s, film row became a haven for bars, prostitution and drugs.<ref>Wynn. "[http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2010/01/01/guest-blog-the-incredible-true-story-of-film-row/?custom_click=search Guest Blog: The Incredible True Story of Film Row]</ref> David Wanzer and Bradley Wynn were behind the 2003 plan to revive film row. They convinced property owners, city planners, and businessmen to invest in the area, saving it from destruction. Several of the historic buildings in the district are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.<ref>Wynn. "[http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2010/01/01/guest-blog-the-incredible-true-story-of-film-row/?custom_click=search Guest Blog: The Incredible True Story of Film Row]</ref> ===Plaza District=== Area businesses and residents have worked to develop a western area of Oklahoma City now known as the Plaza District<ref>Sit, Jacqueline. "[http://www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=11870421 Plaza District Growing in Diversity and Popularity]," News9. (accessed January 27, 2010).</ref> Located off of N.W. 16th Street between Classen and Penn, the district includes The Lyric Theatre and the Everything Goes Dance Studio. In the 1930s, what is now the Plaza District consisted mostly of drugstores and drycleaners,<ref>Sit. "[http://www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=11870421 Plaza District Growing in Diversity and Popularity]," News9.</ref> but did see the opening of the Plaza Theatre in 1935. The theatre closed in 1979 before being renovated as the Lyric Theatre.<ref>"[http://www.lyrictheatreokc.com/plazarenovation/history History of the Plaza Theatre]," Lyric Theatre OKC. (accessed January 27, 2010).</ref> ==Neighborhoods== [[File:Bricktown Canal Water Taxis in Oklahoma City.jpg|thumb|Water taxis in Oklahoma City's downtown Bricktown neighborhood]] {{Main|Neighborhoods of Oklahoma City}} Oklahoma City neighborhoods are as varied as the Oklahoma climate. Historic, renovated neighborhoods sit alongside others that suffered from a mix of economic and social factors such as "[[wikipedia:white flight|white flight]]" and have not yet truly recovered. Inner-city neighborhoods radiate from those located in downtown and include mostly single-family detached houses with small yards and the occasional apartment complex. In the downtown and northwest business area, there are numerous condo and loft developments and several mid-rise and high-rise options. Downtown Oklahoma City itself is currently undergoing a renaissance, one of the largest in the nation. [[wikipedia:White flight|White flight]] during the 1950s and 1960s left much of the inner city abandoned. During the Urban Renewal days of the early 1980s, controversial urban planning allowed for the destruction of almost 50 historic buildings and skyscrapers. Examples include the Biltmore Hotel, which was imploded to make way for the I. M. Pei-designed Myriad Botanical Gardens, the only major Urban Renewal project completed as planned. Many of the buildings which were not destroyed in the Central Business District were covered by new façades or left to Class-C office space. The removal of historic structures left downtown without much retail presence. ==Higher Education== {{See also|List of Colleges and Universities in Oklahoma City}} [[Image:Ocu1law.jpg|left|thumb|[[wikipedia:Oklahoma City University School of Law|Oklahoma City University School of Law]], Sarkeys Law Center]] The city is home to several colleges and universities, including the cities [[wikipedia:Flagship (disambiguation)|flagship]] [[wikipedia:university|university]], [[wikipedia:Oklahoma City University|Oklahoma City University]], located in the [[wikipedia:Uptown Oklahoma City|Uptown]] area of the city. :{{Main|Oklahoma City University}} Oklahoma City University, formerly known as [[wikipedia:Oklahoma City University#History|Epworth University]], was founded by the [[wikipedia:United Methodist Church|United Methodist Church]] on September 1, [[wikipedia:1904|1904]] and is renowned for its performing arts, medical services, mass communications, business, law, and athletic programs. The [[wikipedia:University of Oklahoma|University of Oklahoma]] has institutions of higher learning in the city and metropolitan area, with the [[wikipedia:University of Oklahoma#Oklahoma City Campus|OU Medical Center]] east of downtown in the Oklahoma Health Center and the main University of Oklahoma campus located in the suburb of [[wikipedia:Norman, Oklahoma|Norman]]. OU Medical Center is one of the nation's largest independent medical center, employing more than 12,000 people.<ref>[http://www.oumedical.com/ OU Medical Center - Home Page<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> OU is one of only four major universities in the nation to have all six medical schools. [[Image:OUHSC park.jpg|right|thumb|Park on the campus of OU Medical Center near downtown]][[wikipedia:Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City|Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City]] is located in the "Furniture District" on the Westside. [[wikipedia:Oklahoma City Community College|Oklahoma City Community College]] in south Oklahoma City is the second-largest community college in the state. The third-largest university in the state, the [[wikipedia:University of Central Oklahoma|University of Central Oklahoma]], is located just north of the city in the suburb of [[wikipedia:Edmond, Oklahoma|Edmond]], as is [[wikipedia:Oklahoma Christian University|Oklahoma Christian University]], one of the state's private liberal arts institutions. Oklahoma City is the location of the [[wikipedia:Federal Aviation Administration|Federal Aviation Administration]]'s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. [[wikipedia:Rose State College|Rose State College]] is located east of Oklahoma City in suburban [[wikipedia:Midwest City|Midwest City]]. Northeast of the city is [[wikipedia:Langston University|Langston University]], the state's [[wikipedia:historically black college|historically black college]] (HBCU). Langston also has an urban campus in the [[wikipedia:Eastside, Oklahoma City|eastside]] section of the city. [[wikipedia:Southern Nazarene University|Southern Nazarene University]], which was founded by the [[wikipedia:Church of the Nazarene|Church of the Nazarene]], is a university located in suburban [[wikipedia:Bethany, Oklahoma|Bethany]], which is surrounded by Oklahoma City. ==Culture== ===Museums and theater=== The Donald W. Reynolds Visual Arts Center is the new downtown home for the [[wikipedia:Oklahoma City Museum of Art|Oklahoma City Museum of Art]]. The museum features visiting exhibits, original selections from its own collection, a theater showing a variety of foreign, independent, and classic films each week, and a restaurant. OKCMOA is also home to the most comprehensive collection of [[wikipedia:Chihuly|Chihuly]] glass in the world including the fifty-five foot Eleanor Blake Kirkpatrick Memorial Tower in the Museum's atrium.<ref>[http://www.okcmoa.com/exhibitions/dalechihuly-theexhibition Dale Chihuly: The Exhibition | Oklahoma City Museum Of Art<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The newly renovated art deco [[wikipedia:Civic Center Music Hall|Civic Center Music Hall]] has performances from ballet and opera to traveling Broadway shows and concerts. [http://www.artscouncilokc.com/stage-center Stage Center for the Performing Arts] is home to many of the city's top theater companies. The building that houses Stage Center, designed by [[wikipedia:John Johansen|John Johansen]] is a modernist architectural landmark, with the original model displayed in [[wikipedia:MOMA|MOMA]] in New York City. [[Image:The Survivor Tree at the Oklahoma City National Memorial.jpg|left|thumb|The Survivor Tree on the grounds of the Oklahoma City National Memorial]]Other theaters include the [http://www.lyrictheatreokc.com/ Lyric Theatre], [http://www.jewelboxtheatre.org/ Jewel Box Theatre], the [http://www.okcu.edu/music/musictheater.asp Kirkpatrick Auditorium], the [http://www.poteettheatre.com/ Poteet Theatre] and the 488-seat Petree Recital Hall, at the [[wikipedia:Oklahoma City University|Oklahoma City University]] campus. The university also opened the Wanda L Bass School of Music and auditorium in April 2006. The [[wikipedia:Science Museum Oklahoma|Science Museum Oklahoma]] (formerly Kirkpatrick Science and Air Space Museum at Omniplex) houses exhibits on science, aviation, and an IMAX theater. The museum houses the [http://www.iphf.org International Photography Hall of Fame] (IPHF) that exhibits photographs and artifacts from a large collection of cameras and other artifacts preserving the history of photography. IPHF honors those who have made significant contributions to the art and/or science of photography. The [[wikipedia:National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum|National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum]] has galleries of western art and is home to the [[wikipedia:Hall of Great Western Performers|Hall of Great Western Performers]]. In contrast, the city will also be the home to [http://www.aiccm.com/ The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum] that is under construction in 2009, on the South side of Interest 40, Southeast from Bricktown. The [[wikipedia:Oklahoma City National Memorial|Oklahoma City National Memorial]] in the northern part of Oklahoma City's downtown was created and the inscription on its eastern gate says, "to honor the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were changed forever on April 19, 1995". The outdoor Symbolic Memorial can be visited 24 hours a day for free, and the adjacent Memorial Museum, located in the former Journal Record building damaged by the bombing, can be entered for a small fee. The site is also home to the [http://www.mipt.org/ National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism], a non partisan, non profit [[wikipedia:thinktank|thinktank]] devoted to the prevention of terrorism. The [[wikipedia:Oklahoma History Center|Oklahoma History Center]] is the history [[wikipedia:museum|museum]] of the State of [[wikipedia:Oklahoma|Oklahoma]]. Located across the street from the Governor's mansion at 2401 N. Laird Avenue in Oklahoma City, the museum opened in 2005 and is operated by the [[wikipedia:Oklahoma Historical Society|Oklahoma Historical Society]]. It preserves the history of [[wikipedia:Oklahoma|Oklahoma]] from the prehistoric to the present day. ===Parks and recreation=== [[Image:Myriad Botanical Gardens.jpg|right|thumb|The Myriad Botanical Gardens in downtown OKC]] One of the more prominent landmarks downtown is the Crystal Bridge at the [http://www.myriadgardens.com/ Myriad Botanical Gardens], a large downtown urban park. Designed by [[wikipedia:I. M. Pei|I. M. Pei]], the Crystal Bridge is a tropical conservatory in the area. The park has an amphitheater, known as the Water Stage. In 2007, following a renovation of the stage, [http://www.oklahomashakespeare.com/ Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park] relocated to the Myriad Gardens. The Myriad Gardens will undergo a massive renovation in conjunction with construction of the Devon Tower directly north of it. The [http://www.okczoo.com/ Oklahoma City Zoological Park] is home to numerous natural habitats, [[wikipedia:Works Progress Administration|WPA]] era architecture and landscaping, and hosts major touring concerts during the summer at its amphitheater. Oklahoma City also has two amusement parks, Frontier City theme park and White Water Bay water park. [http://www.frontiercity.com// Frontier City] is an 'Old West' themed amusement park. The park also features a recreation of a western gunfight at the 'OK Corral' and many shops that line the "Western" town's main street. Frontier City also hosts a national concert circuit at its amphitheater during the summer. Walking trails line Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser in the northwest part of the city and downtown at the canal and the Oklahoma River. Part of the east shore of Lake Hefner has been developed into upscale offices and restaurants, but the majority of the area around the lake is taken up by parks and trails, including a new leashless dog park and the postwar era Stars and Stripes Park. Lake Stanley Draper is the city's largest and most remote lake. Oklahoma City has a major park in each quadrant of the city, going back to the first parks masterplan. [[wikipedia:Will Rogers Gardens|Will Rogers Park]], Lincoln Park, Trosper Park, and Woodson Park were once connected by the Grand Boulevard loop, some sections of which no longer exist. Martin Park Nature Center is a natural habitat in far northwest Oklahoma City. ===Media=== <!-- Image with inadequate rationale removed: [[Image:The Oklahoman front page.jpg|right|thumb|The Oklahoman, prior to design changes in September of 2008]] --> :''See also: [[wikipedia:Broadcast Media in Oklahoma City|Broadcast Media in Oklahoma City]]'' ''[[wikipedia:The Oklahoman|The Oklahoman]]'' is Oklahoma City's major metro newspaper and is the most widely circulated in the state. [http://www.okgazette.com ''The Oklahoma Gazette''] is Oklahoma City's independent newsweekly, featuring such staples as local commentary, feature stories, classifieds, restaurant reviews and movie listings. [http://www.journalrecord.com ''The Journal Record''] is Oklahoma City's daily business newspaper and [http://www.okcbusiness.com ''Oklahoma City Business''] is a bi-monthly business publication. There are various community and international papers in the city that cator to the ethnic mosaic of the city; such as ''[[wikipedia:Black Chronicle|The Black Chronicle]]'', headquartered in the [[wikipedia:Eastside, Oklahoma City|Eastside]], the OK VIETIMES and ''Oklahoma Chinese Times'', located in [[wikipedia:Asia District|Asia District]], and various Hispanic publications. ''[http://www.ocustupub.com/|The Campus]'' is the student newspaper at Oklahoma City University. Gay publications include [http://www.gossip-boy.com ''Gossip Boy''], which despite its name has become known for adventurous undercover work and investigative journalism that has attracted a national audience, and [[wikipedia:The Gayly Oklahoman|The Gayly Oklahoman]]. There are also six metro lifestyle magazines produced by local publisher, Southwestern Publishing: Nichols Hills News, Edmond Monthly, Norman Living, Northwest Style Downtown Monthly, and Design Oklahoma. In addition are two magazines published by [http://back40design.com ''Back40 Design'']: [http://edmondoutlook.com ''The Edmond Outlook''] and the [http://shawneeoutlook.com ''Shawnee Outlook'']. Both contain local commentary and human interest pieces provided to over 150,000 Oklahomans. Oklahoma City was home to several pioneers in radio and television broadcasting. Oklahoma City's [[wikipedia:WKY|WKY]] Radio was the first radio station transmitting west of the [[wikipedia:Mississippi River|Mississippi River]] and the third radio station in the United States.<ref>[http://www.50states.com/facts/okla.htm Oklahoma Fast Facts and Trivia]. (accessed January 26, 2009)</ref> WKY received its federal license in 1921 and has continually broadcast under the same call letters since 1922. In 1928, WKY was purchased by [[wikipedia:Edward K. Gaylord|E.K. Gaylord's]] Oklahoma Publishing Company and affiliated with [[wikipedia:NBC|NBC]]; in 1949, WKY-TV went on the air and became the first independently-owned television station in the U.S. to broadcast in color.<ref>[http://www.50states.com/facts/okla.htm Oklahoma Fast Facts and Trivia]. (accessed January 26, 2009)</ref> In mid-2002, WKY was purchased outright from the Gaylord family by Citadel Communications who owns and operates it to this day. ==Transportation== {{Main|Transportation in Oklahoma City}} Oklahoma City is an integral point on the [[wikipedia:Interstate Highway System|United States Interstate Network]], with three major interstate highways - [[wikipedia:Interstate 35 (Oklahoma)|Interstate 35]], [[wikipedia:Interstate 40 (Oklahoma)|Interstate 40]], and [[wikipedia:Interstate 44 (Oklahoma)|Interstate 44]] - bisecting the city. [[wikipedia:Interstate 240 (Oklahoma)|Interstate 240]] connects [[wikipedia:Interstate 40 (Oklahoma)|Interstate 40]] and [[wikipedia:Interstate 44 (Oklahoma)|Interstate 44]] in South Oklahoma City while [[wikipedia:Interstate 235 (Oklahoma)|Interstate 235]] spurs from Interstate 44 in Northcentral Oklahoma City into downtown Oklahoma City. Major state highways through the city include the Lake Hefner Parkway ([[wikipedia:Oklahoma State Highway 74|SH-74]]), the Kilpatrick Turnpike, Airport Road ([[wikipedia:Oklahoma State Highway 152|SH-152]]), and [[wikipedia:Broadway Extension|Broadway Extension]] ([[wikipedia:US-77 (OK)|US-77]]). Lake Hefner Parkway runs through Northwest Oklahoma City while Airport Road runs through Southwest Oklahoma City and leads to [[wikipedia:Will Rogers World Airport|Will Rogers World Airport]]. The Kilpatrick Turnpike loops around North and West Oklahoma City and [[wikipedia:Broadway Extension|Broadway Extension]] connects Central Oklahoma City to Edmond. [[Image:Okctrainriders.jpg|right|thumb|Riders prepare to board the Amtrak Heartland Flyer]] Oklahoma City is served by two primary airports, [[wikipedia:Will Rogers World Airport|Will Rogers World Airport]] and the much smaller [[wikipedia:Wiley Post Airport|Wiley Post Airport]] (incidentally, the two honorees died in the same plane crash in [[wikipedia:Alaska|Alaska]])<ref>"[http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Explorers_Record_Setters_and_Daredevils/Wiley_Post/EX27.htm Wiley Post]," U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. (accessed February 1, 2010).</ref> Will Rogers World Airport is the state's busiest passenger airport, with over 3 million passengers annually.<ref>[http://www.flyokc.com/releases/Nov%2009%20Activity.pdf Current Statistics], [http://www.flyokc.com Will Rogers World Airport] (accessed February 1, 2010).</ref> [[wikipedia:Tinker Air Force Base|Tinker Air Force Base]], in East Oklahoma City, is the largest military air depot in the nation, a major maintenance and deployment facility for the [[wikipedia:United States Navy|Navy]] and the [[wikipedia:United States Air Force|Air Force]], and the second largest military institution in the state (after [[wikipedia:Fort Sill|Fort Sill]] in [[wikipedia:Lawton, Oklahoma|Lawton]]). [[wikipedia:Amtrak|Amtrak]] has a [[wikipedia:Oklahoma City (Amtrak station)|train station]] downtown, with daily service to [[wikipedia:Fort Worth|Fort Worth]] and the nation's rail network via the [[wikipedia:Heartland Flyer|Heartland Flyer]]. Oklahoma City once was the crossroads of several interstate passenger railroads, but service at that level has long since been discontinued. [[wikipedia:Greyhound Lines|Greyhound]] and several other intercity bus companies serve Oklahoma City at [[wikipedia:Union Station (Oklahoma City)|Union Bus Station]], Downtown. [[wikipedia:Metro Transit (Oklahoma City)|METRO Transit]] is the public transit company. Their bus terminal is located downtown at NW 5th Street and Hudson Avenue. Though Oklahoma City currently has no light rail or commuter rail service, there is growing interest in incorporating light rail and commuter rail into the city's future transportation planning. In December 2009, voters in Oklahoma City passed the $777 million [[wikipedia:MAPS|MAPS3]] initiative, which will include funding for an estimated 5-mile to 6-mile modern streetcar in downtown Oklahoma City and commuter rail (the commuter rail component would be pending subject to federal and state funding). There is also a significant push for a commuter rail line connecting downtown with the eastern suburbs of [[wikipedia:Del City, Oklahoma|Del City]], [[wikipedia:Midwest City, Oklahoma|Midwest City]], and [[wikipedia:Tinker Air Force Base|Tinker Air Force Base]]. A short heritage rail line that will run from Bricktown to the [[wikipedia:Adventure District|Adventure District]] in Northeast Oklahoma City is under reconstruction. {{clear}} ==References== {{Reflist|2}} [[Category: IC]] [[Category: Places]] [[Category: Cities]] [[Category: Mortals]] [[Category: Oklahoma City]]

Return to Oklahoma City.