on the innovation district

One of the most interesting and exciting changes in Oklahoma City in recent years has been the emergence of unique districts throughout the city.

Investments in the MAPS projects and other public improvements have helped to bolster the efforts of the private sector to create new and interesting commercial and residential areas. Midtown, Film Row and the Plaza District are among the examples where public and privately funded efforts have created new residential, retail and office development.

Another exciting area is the emerging Innovation District. The Innovation District, which includes the area around the Oklahoma Health Center and Automobile Alley, is the subject of an in-depth study underway by the Brookings Institute and Project for Public Spaces. The study is examining the interplay between innovation, quality spaces and economic growth in Innovation Districts in both Oklahoma City and Philadelphia.

The study is looking at local and national data and using stakeholder and community interviews to gather information about the physical assets of the area along with the potential to catalyze entrepreneurial opportunities. Brookings and PPS will then work with community leaders to develop a unified vision and strategies for the district’s future.

Read the full article here in the March 9th edition of The Journal Record.