Cover Story

March 2010

They say it was modeled after Hagia Sofia. We're not so sure about that, but we're sure about this: It's one of Tulsa's most memorable pieces of architecture. We talk about the dome and its up-and-coming district.
by Michael Champlin, photos by Matthew Beard.

First things first: lets get the history lesson out of the way.

The "Blue Dome", as it's lovingly known today, began its life in 1924 as the White Star Service Station at Elgin and 2nd street -- then Route 66 -- and joined the ranks of iconic service stations along the mother road. The station, on the edge of the newly bustling city center was, according to USA Today, modeled after the magestic Hagia Sofia in Turkey.We're not so sure about that, but we're sure about this: It's one of Tulsa's most memorable pieces of architecture. Quirky, historic, unforgettable -- much like the city itself. The picture at [left] shows the station the year it opened; aside from the obvious, not much has changed. The former retail section of the establishment now houses Arnie's bar; the dome, Turkish or otherwise, is blue and ever-present as it ever was.

Of course, the Blue Dome hasn't been a gas station for a long while, having dried up with the mother road itself with the advent of the interstate and urban renewal. But that certainly doesn't keep the Dome from being one of Tulsa's most recognizable landmarks, not to mention the anchor and namesake for a restaurant, an arts festival, and the geographic area itself. The Blue Dome district has been, after all, one of the fastest growing areas inside the IDL in the last couple of years. It serves as home to such establishments as Dwelling Spaces, the aforementioned Blue Dome Diner, Joe Momma's pizza, and the Elliot Nelson empire (McNellie's, El Guapo's, Yokozuna, and Dilly Deli). More development, including the new downtown location of Lee's Bicycles, is currently under construction. And with the new Oneok field just weeks away from opening, things can only get better from here.

You could say it's an example of Tulsa returning to its roots in the best possible way; some of the most exciting new development taking place in the shadow of one of the greatest things about the city: its rich architectural heritage. And it's fair to point out that although getting city government involved in the revitalization of downtown is all fine and good, the Blue Dome has become what it is largely thanks to independent investors who saw potential and took the risk. Now with the BOK Center and Oneok field, not to mention an ever-increasing number of downtown living spaces within walking distance, that risk is starting to pay off.

The Blue Dome is located downtown at 2^nd and Elgin. The district extends in a (roughly) two block radius.
View Larger Map

Copyright © 2010 by The Tulsa Project. All rights reserved. Share icons by dryicons.