Tulsa Company Helps Deliver Rebirth Of Downtown Bartlesville

A Tulsa-based development company sensed potential in a town an hour away and bought up almost an entire block.

Ross Group has its hands in a lot nowadays especially in Downtown Tulsa. But, after hearing about the revitalization efforts in Bartlesville, it jumped on that development momentum as well.

8/10/2015: Related Story: Company Chooses To Stay In Tulsa Despite International Growth

Bartlesville has a lot of history. But like many historic downtown districts - over the years - areas became neglected. This strip of shops on West Second street was one of them. But those days are over.

Chris Wilson with the Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority said, "Bring them back and show people we have the culture and historic values here."

The Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust bought the 14-thousand square foot space and with the help of Ross Group next year, it will look amazing.

Four retail spaces for the ground level and eleven apartments behind and above the shops.

"You can own a business downtown and live or work upstairs or behind. We've never had that sort of thing before in our downtown," Wilson said.

The Noble Lofts - named after one of the original building owners in the 1920s - is just the latest sign of renewed interest in downtown. Shop owner Kayla Wilson says when she opened three years ago - she was one of the only boutiques here.

"I think everyone is excited about it in Bartlesville everyone wants to see downtown improve and thrive like it used to when a lot more was going on down here," Kayla Wilson said.

The area even has a name now - the Boutique District. 

Kayla Wilson said, "Just has a perfect little mix of everything not that far from Tulsa but great small town feel."

A small town feel - but with a lot of industry. Those workers need places to live - many now commute from Tulsa.

Maybe all these newly paved streetscapes, shops and renovated apartments will send the message that Bartlesville is a place to be 24-7.

"So that when people come through they will see these people know what they are doing and really get it," Chris Wilson said.

The Bartlesville Project is one - like many we've reported on recently - that may have been demolished if it wasn't for things like state and federal historic tax credits.