David Harrison, of Mannford, stands at the Center of the Universe with his family on Wednesday.
A segment of missing bricks sit at the Center of the Universe on Wednesday.
Pedestrians walk through the Center of the Universe on Wednesday.
The Center of the Universe, as seen in downtown Tulsa on Wednesday.
A hole where a brick would be sits on a walkway at the Center of the Universe on Wednesday.
One of Tulsa’s unique attractions is being eyed for a facelift.
The Downtown Coordinating Council on Thursday presented to the Tulsa Development Authority its vision for $2.35 million in improvements to the Center of the Universe and Boston Avenue pedestrian bridge and plaza.
At a virtual meeting, the TDA approved of $191,750 in Technology TIF (tax increment financing) No. 3 unobligated funds to support design and construction.
Thousands of people annually experience the Center of the Universe’s echo-chamber acoustics, artwork and lighting installation.
“Acknowledging that we have people utilizing that pedestrian bridge and that public space multiple times per day ... we really feel that downtown is deserving and our visitors and residents and office workers are deserving of a space that is used as frequently as it is,” DCC Executive Director Brian Kurtz said.
Kurtz spoke to the TDA by Zoom on Thursday, noting that the proposal remains conceptual. The structure targeted for improvements is owned by the city of Tulsa, and the DCC, as the city’s downtown management organization, will serve as project manager and lead for fundraising and renovation, documents submitted for the meeting show.
A $1 million gift from an unnamed partner has been committed to the project, with remaining funds being sought from sources that include the city, Tulsa County, and corporate and philanthropic partners.
Pointing out that the TIF’s contribution represents 8.2% of the project’s cost, TDA staffer Casey Stowe said it “seems like an excellent way to leverage TIF funds.”
In disrepair and last upgraded in the early 1980s, the bridge and plaza serve as a passageway over the BNSF Railway for hundreds of Tulsans daily.
The renovation project, of which plans are being established, will include new sidewalks, paving, enhanced structural components, renewed planter beds, new and enhanced trees, landscaping and irrigation systems, new lighting and public art.
“The vision that is in place for this is contemplating how to link the north and south together in a way that gives honor to the history there,” TDA Chair Nancy Roberts said.
Throwback Tulsa gallery: Experts visit Center of the Universe to explain its acoustic magic
Center of the Universe
An apparent acoustical puzzlement in the downtown area is called the Center of the Universe.
No one has figured out exactly what it is and why it does what it does, not even the architect who drew up the plans and babied its construction.
"I haven't had a reason to go down there lately," John Laur, owner of JKL Architecture, said in 1997 when Tulsa World features writer Lou Ann Ruark reached out. "But I sure will now."
Center of the Universe
Brick pavers mark the spot of where pedestrians can hear a unique sound effect at the Center of the Universe on the Boston Avenue bridge downtown.
Center of the Universe
The circle-within-a-circle is at the apex of a rebuilt span of a pedestrian bridge that began its life in the 1930s as the Boston Avenue vehicular bridge downtown to carry traffic over the railroad tracks.
Center of the Universe
The phenomenon: When a person stands in the center of the brick circle, facing any direction, and speaks or sings aloud, their voice sounds perfectly normal to people within earshot, but not to the speaker.
Center of the Universe
"A 'whisper chamber,'" said John Novak (right), partner in Urban Design Group, and one of the architects who played a significant role in its design.
"It does surprise you, even when you've been told what to expect," said Frank Chitwood (center), head of HTB Inc., the architectural and engineering firm that developed the downtown Main Mall. Steve Childers is pictured at left.
Center of the Universe
The same thing happens if one stands a foot or less away from the circle and speaks to a person directly across the circle.
"That effect was not intentional," Laur said.
Center of the Universe
Pedestrians walk through Center of the Universe on the Boston Avenue bridge downtown.
Center of the Universe
Jerry McCoy, University of Tulsa physics professor, told the Tulsa World, "When you talk, your voice goes out in all directions. If you stand in the middle, the sound waves go out and hit the low planter walls and are reflected back to where you are.
"What makes the voice sound unusual is that in that particular place, there is a slight delay in the time it takes the sound waves to go to the wall and back. It's not as if you were facing a concrete wall, either. There are gaps in the circle of the planters. It's fun."
Center of the Universe
The Center of the Universe statue and local landmark in Tulsa on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. JOHN CLANTON/Tulsa World
Center of the Universe
To commemorate the opening of the 1991 Mayfest, a 60-foot structure was put in place south of the circle. "Artificial Cloud" was created by Indian artist Robert Haozous.
Center of the Universe
The sculpture is in two segments, and the artist says it's "a statement about technology. The cloud stands at the top, symbolizing a threatened hope. Because the structure was welded together with mild steel, it is meant to corrode, depending on the level of pollutants in the environment."
Rhett Morgan
Staff Writer
I'm in my fourth decade as a reporter. I cover real-estate development, manufacturing, aerospace, entrepreneurship and all other topics related to the Work and Money section.
