An annual event meant to draw attention to Tulsa's underdeveloped areas comes downtown this year.
Tulsa Young Professionals' Street CReD event this May will focus on developing south downtown.
TYPros Chair Isaac Rocha said the southern part of downtown Tulsa has too much space devoted to just parking lots.
"On May 3 and 4, city streets in south downtown will be closed temporarily to allow for a host of activities that will encourage people to leave their cars and experience downtown on foot, bringing focus to the need for a walkable shopping, nightlife and entertainment district here," Rocha said during the event announcement at Tulsa Community College's Center for Creativity.
Segments of Boulder and Boston avenues will be partially or fully closed to vehicle traffic from 21st Street to Fifth Street for the event.
Shane Fernandez with architecture firm Crafton Tull said it's an opportunity to see how downtown could be linked with existing trails.
"And then how you introduce that pedestrian, cycling traffic that makes the most sense, where you have safety, you have access, you benefit from exposure to the shops and that experience of socializing," Fernandez said.
Nearly half of 700 TYPros members surveyed said a vibrant downtown is very important in choosing where to live.
Past Street CReD events have targeted the Pearl District, RedFork and Peoria Avenue at 36th Street North.
