Two major projects transform Tulsa's SOBO District

Tulsa’s SOBO District, near 18th and Boston, is undergoing a major transformation. 

Two large construction projects are underway at the same time in the heart of the district. One, a $2.3 million city-led road improvement project, is aimed at improving pedestrian safety and traffic flow. The other, a $2.8 million private redevelopment effort, is rebuilding a retail and restaurant space destroyed by a fire in 2022.

Together, these projects are reshaping the landscape of 18th and Boston. But while excitement is building, it’s also putting pressure on business owners caught in the middle.

City Project: Smoother Roads, Safer Sidewalks

The road reconstruction, part of the “Improve Our Tulsa 1” bond package, is led by the City of Tulsa’s Public Works department. According to Field Engineering Manager Ryan McKaskle, the project includes resurfacing roads, improving ADA accessibility, and upgrading sidewalks and lighting.

“This project is a reconstruction of the roadways,” McKaskle said. “You are seeing some milling and overlay uphill from us and down the street this way. It also is improving a lot of the pedestrian access here in the SOBO District.”

McKaskle says the city is on track to finish the project by September.

Private Project: New Life After Loss

Just a few feet away, Joseph Hull with Boston Avenue Realty is overseeing a complete rebuild of the former Burn Co. BBQ site, which was lost to a fire in February 2022. The new development will include a new restaurant and retail space while doubling the original square footage of the old building.

“The SOBO District has historically been Tulsa's nightlife and entertainment district,” Hull said. “So, the whole idea is to take a really great neighborhood with that energy and take it back to what it was, but we can't get there without infrastructure.”

Hull says their project, designed by Lilly Architects and constructed by Cowen Construction with engineering from Wallace Engineering, is slated for completion in November 2025, breathing new life into a corner of the district that’s been empty since the fire.

Growing Pains for Local Businesses

Sonny Dalesandro, whose family has operated Dalesandro’s Italian restaurant for two decades in the SOBO district, says the construction has created significant access issues for customers.

“When you don’t allow access to people’s businesses, it’s an enormous challenge,” Dalesandro said. “There are a lot of people who think we’re closed right now.”

Dalesandro adds that while he’s hopeful about the long-term improvements, the short-term disruption has been painful.

“I’m just trying to remain optimistic about what it will look like after the project has been completed,” Dalesandro said.

Hull acknowledges the inconvenience, particularly as part-owner of Tacos X Mezcal, which was impacted during the early phases of the roadwork.

“There was a little bit of business interruption,” Hull said. “But other than that, it’s been as fast and efficient as it can be, given the amount of rain we’ve had.”

He credits city departments for supporting a project that was difficult to get off the ground due to post-COVID challenges and rising construction costs.

Looking Ahead

Despite the disruption, both public and private leaders say these projects are investments in the SOBO District’s future and appreciate the patience and cooperation of the businesses and patrons.

By September, the roadwork will be complete. By November, the building will be completed.