History

Historic Uptown in Oklahoma City made its mark with Oklahoma City University as a staple of the District since it was built in its current location at 23rd & N. Blackwelder in 1922.  When the first building was built it was in the “country” and only a short walk from the Trolley line stop.

Next to make its mark was Tower Theatre which opened in 1937 as a movie theatre. It was iconic with its neon marquee. The theatre closed in the late 80s and was purchased again in 2005 by Uptown developers and Pivot Project took over the redevelopment in 2014. Today, it thrives as a music venue and event space. It now serves as the entertainment anchor for Uptown 23rd. Its revitalization has been a catalyst for continued development as well as the survival of many Uptown businesses.

In the 1950s, the district was the first major shopping location away from downtown Oklahoma City. Cars filled the angled parking spots on the street while people watched movies at Tower Theater and browsed through stores of all kinds along the four-plus blocks on N.W. 23rd Street. 

Today, Uptown 23rd is known as an entertainment district with well established local restaurants, beloved dive bars, the iconic Tower Theatre, Gold Dome and more. Developments such as The Rise, Tower Theatre, 23rd St. Body Piercing, Cheever’s Cafe, and Big Truck Tacos serve as the district’s foundation and catalysts to the continued revitalization you see in Uptown 23rd today.

Text and Image Source: uptown23rd.com