DowntownLIVE!

We've just begun gathering information for DowntownLIVE!, our guide to "The Heart of Tulsa." We started with some "test" areas to perfect the process, before sending out a large group of volunteers all at once.

The biggest surprise? How much fun it is to gather info! One moment you're Humphrey Bogart, casually strolling into an ancient, smoke-filled, hard-drinking dive. The next minute, you're a downtown ambassador, jotting down notes as merchants share their rapid-fire thoughts about "what downtown really needs..." Next you become a tourist in your own town, as you discover cool shops or restaurants that you never knew existed (inside buildings you've passed a thousand times.) And did we mention the architecture? If you've ever needed an excuse to step inside the most gorgeous buildings in Tulsa--or you just like discovering cool, old places--this is your chance!

It's time to start assigning blocks to people who want to help us gather information. You can sign up for as many or as few blocks as you wish. We'll start assigning blocks at our meeting next Tuesday night. If you can't make it to our meeting, you can still participate by contacting our project manager, Pam Curtis, at downtownlive (at) tulsanow.org.

Thanks for all your help!

WHAT: DowntownLIVE! Meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, April 29, 6:00 PM
WHERE: Topeca Coffee, The Mayo Hotel, 115 W. 5th (Enter “between the columns” just east of the main door.)
MORE INFO: downtownlive (at) tulsanow.org

This page is for information gathering team volunteers.

Team Chair: Pam Curtis
Scheduled completion date: May ??
Lots to survey:
Lots surveyed to date:
Surveys entered: 5

You can download the required paperwork here:
Authorization form Word Doc or Adobe PDF
Survey form Excel Spreadsheet or Adobe PDF or Word Doc (Old Form)

Forms can be submitted via:
email: downtownlive (at) tulsanow.org
fax: 866-459-2576
mail: TulsaNow 2210 S Main St. Tulsa, OK 74114
dropoff: Harwelden Mansion, AHCT offices, 2nd floor. 2210 S Main St.

If a business has been surveyed, turned in, and entered into the database, it will be listed here.

DowntownLIVE! is a project of TulsaNow, a non-profit organization. We have received no grant money or other private or government funding to do this project. We are doing it because a group of individuals in Tulsa knows that this is something Tulsa really needs and they are willing to do whatever it takes to make this happen. This same group doesn't want to clutter up our online or printed maps with ads to pay for the project either. That is why the printed map will feature some sponsor names but no ads. The website will feature limited space ads for downtown businesses.

So to get these maps in the hands of tourists and residents, we need your support. We appreciate donations of every size and will be having donation opportunities ranging everywhere from sponsoring a run of maps with your name on it, down to about the cost of dinner for two. We hope to have the mail-in and online forms available in early May.

If you are ready to donate now, or would just like more information, send email to info (at) tulsanow.org and we'd love to talk to you. We are also available to give presentations on our project to potential donors.

There are five work teams who are working to make this happen. All 5 are looking for volunteers. They are:

Information Gathering - Chairperson Pam Curtis
This group is performing a block-by-block audit of downtown. They are recording every public-serving business they can find. This team will be wrapping up it's research efforts in May.

Hard Copy Map - Chairperson Scott Grizzle
This group is working on the graphic design, layout, content and printing of the 11x17 printed and folded map. This team will be ongoing but is expected to have it's first run out in late August/early September.

Web based Map - Chairperson Carlos Moreno
This team is using the data gathered during the audit to create a more comprehensive and full-featured version of the printed map. Detailed information about every establishment as well as photos and reviews will be available for each business. This team is seeking individuals good with flash, php and sql.

Photographic - Chairperson William Franklin
This group is taking photos of every downtown business we find, both inside and out. They will be more active once the information gathering audit is complete, taking pictures to match up with the collected data.

Marketing - Chairperson Scott Grizzle
Marketing is handling sponsorships, advertising (web map only,) as well as distribution and public relations.

If you would like to help with any of these teams, please email downtownlive (at) tulsanow.org

DowntownLIVE! will be a comprehensive, one-of-a-kind guide to downtown Tulsa. Created by people who know and love downtown, the guide will offer an "insider's look" at all the unique and exciting things to be found here.

The DowntownLIVE! printed map will help visitors navigate downtown streets while identifying restaurants, retail, nightlife, event venues, parking, and significant architectural and historic sites. It will be available at many locations downtown, including hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, theaters, event centers, etc.

The DowntownLIVE! website will utilize the power of technology to introduce downtown to a new generation of visitors and consumers. The website will allow patrons to "Google before they go" using computers, iPhones, and other handheld devices. They will be able to view photos and maps, get directions, search based on specific criteria (live music, outdoor dining, free wi-fi, etc), read reviews, and more!

DO I HAVE TO PAY TO BE INCLUDED?
No! We want Tulsans and visitors alike to see the incredible diversity and array of retail, dining, and entertainment options that exist downtown. The more people learn about downtown, the more every downtown establishment will thrive.

CAN I BUY AN AD, OR BE A SPONSOR?
Yes! Because our guide will be creative, cool, comprehensive (and free!), we are certain that it will become the "go-to" guide for downtown Tulsa. And, because our website already has such high daily traffic, we can confidently expect top search engine rankings. We know that many people will want to advertise on the website or sponsor the printed maps. Sponsorships and ad revenue will help offset the costs of the guide.

WHO'S BEHIND ALL THIS?
DowntownLIVE! is a project of TulsaNow, a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to making Tulsa the most vibrant, livable, and sustainable city it can be. Our goal for this guide is not to make money. Our goal is to promote downtown and help it reach its full potential. We want to support those risk-takers and visionaries who are already investing in downtown, and making downtown revitalization a reality!

HOW DO I LEARN MORE?
If you want to be a sponsor, volunteer, or just want to learn more...
Contact us at: info @ tulsanow . org