State House votes for creation of Tulsa visual and performing arts high school
QuoteOKLAHOMA CITY -- By a narrow margin, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed legislation Wednesday authorizing the creation of a visual and performing arts high school in Tulsa.
The measure does not include funding for the proposed school, but does allow the transfer of Tulsa Development Authority property to the a board of trustees for the facility and for supporters to begin raising private money for the project.
The measure passed 52-45 with a number of Tulsa-area representatives voting against the authorization. Among those voting against it were Rep. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa; Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa; and Rep. Mike Ritze, R-Broken Arrow.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=298&articleid=20090520_298_0_OKLAHO691827 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=298&articleid=20090520_298_0_OKLAHO691827)
Why would our local guys vote against this? I understand OKC voting against but what's the problem for the local reps?
Just a guess but it was not designated for Owasso or Broken Arrow.
Excellent, and I hope its downtown or near OSU Tulsa and all the new arts stuff there. Could be one more thing to bring that critical mass of arts related items and energy to downtown, and of course further Tulsas creative/arts image and pedigree. Keep on keepin on. I am amazed that we may yet actually pull something off in this town.
If TDA's involved it will be in the City of Tulsa. I don't think the TDA has land holdings very far from downtown - I don't think. They particularly own lots of land around downtown.
I too would love for to see the new school positioned downtown particularly near the Brady. Wow, could they position more cultural entities down there? Absolutely awesome position we are establishing for ourselves with regard to the Arts.
I'm really optimistic that the synergy created by all of these identified cultural investments will draw some serious private investment and tourism (even if it's mostly suburban tourists).
Not that I am against this, far from it in fact, but would it not be a good idea to support what we have already before starting something new?
http://www.tulsaschools.org/schools/central/
Quote from: godboko71 on May 21, 2009, 12:38:17 AM
Not that I am against this, far from it in fact, but would it not be a good idea to support what we have already before starting something new?
http://www.tulsaschools.org/schools/central/
From what I can tell it has been supported, though many schools in Tulsa are not as supported as lots of us would like. I dont think it will hurt to have another specialty school of any type in tulsa, including one supporting the arts. (competition is just as good for artists as it is for rival football teams/schools lol) I can also see how we are finally getting on the ball and creating a critical mass and focus in one area, downtown, for the arts. Each of these things can reinforce and lift up the other making them better than they would be otherwise.
Having a tremendous amount of arts centered in north Downtown will create opportunities for artists everywhere in the city and region, no matter what school they are at, arts centered or not. Will be interesting to see what happens to Centrals arts programs though. Plus, remember this new school is supposed to be a statewide magnet, pulling students in from all over the state and perhaps more if it becomes really well known.
I always thought if they built a new larger and nicer downtown YMCA that they should turn that old building into a high school, either Tulsa School of Arts & Sciences or this. The old boarding rooms could be turned into classrooms and offices and there would already be athletic facilities. I know some hate that building but I like the mid century modern design, reminds me of a lot of the Bauhaus. I would hate to see it torn down.
(http://www.preservationok.org/images/tulsa_downtown_ymca_r7d0.jpg)
Quote from: SXSW on May 21, 2009, 08:19:49 AM
I always thought if they built a new larger and nicer downtown YMCA that they should turn that old building into a high school, either Tulsa School of Arts & Sciences or this. The old boarding rooms could be turned into classrooms and offices and there would already be athletic facilities. I know some hate that building but I like the mid century modern design, reminds me of a lot of the Bauhaus. I would hate to see it torn down.
(http://www.preservationok.org/images/tulsa_downtown_ymca_r7d0.jpg)
It's not "if" they build a new YMCA, a new one is already under construction inside the Mayo Building. Some of the floors of the former Mayo office building will be lofts and some will be the new Y.
Quote from: swake on May 21, 2009, 08:54:10 AM
It's not "if" they build a new YMCA, a new one is already under construction inside the Mayo Building. Some of the floors of the former Mayo office building will be lofts and some will be the new Y.
Really? What about a pool, gym, locker rooms, etc.? Maybe it can actually happen then at the old Y, although today's TW article mentions the Evans-Fintube site east of OSU.
I don't believe there will be a pool at the new Y, but I could be wrong about that. If there are any members on here they could probably tell you for sure. There will not be boarding rooms.
The old YMCA building is for sale and is officially an endangered building. The new Y is supposed to open late this year.
The old YMCA won't work as a high school unless they had sprinklers and other items to bring it to code.
Honestly, I'd rather see the money go to serve the schools we have now. Then again, I'm also not a big fan of state money going to fund a rock and roll museum when we need more money for schools, roads, bridges, and the uninsured.
Interesting that they are trying to model it off OSSM.
Quote from: swake on May 21, 2009, 10:23:39 AM
I don't believe there will be a pool at the new Y, but I could be wrong about that. If there are any members on here they could probably tell you for sure. There will not be boarding rooms.
The old YMCA building is for sale and is officially an endangered building. The new Y is supposed to open late this year.
For sale eh? Why not take this idea and merge it with TSAS, currently near 51st & Yale, and move them to the YMCA downtown? With the integrated athletic facilities it seems perfect for an urban school. It would need upgrades for sure though, but might be cheaper than building a brand new campus. A few hundred high school students and teachers downtown at 6th & Denver would be a good thing for sure. We always talk about the need for a downtown magnet school, here is our chance.
http://www.tsas.org/ (http://www.tsas.org/)
I think there is an over all, hoped for plan for the Brady Arts District/arena all the way down to OSU and the Fin Tube site. Here again its the critical mass and synergies of multiple programs from colleges, museums, shops and galleries, high school, artist housing/artist village, studios, design firms, music and performance venues, events and festivals,, anything and everything having to do with arts and creativity in one incredible community. Each thing reinforcing the other creating a fantastic energy and attraction. Versus a smattering of this and that scattered all over the place and getting lost, struggling or even forgotten about. We are starting to see the outlines of what can be a very visible and impactful arts and "creative class" community and destination that will pull in people, money and interest like a magnet. I am sure this is only the start. There will be many more arts related things going into this strip. ;)
Quote from: TheArtist on May 21, 2009, 02:54:32 PM
I think there is an over all, hoped for plan for the Brady Arts District/arena all the way down to OSU and the Fin Tube site. Here again its the critical mass and synergies of multiple programs from colleges, museums, shops and galleries, high school, artist housing/artist village, studios, design firms, music and performance venues, events and festivals,, anything and everything having to do with arts and creativity in one incredible community. Each thing reinforcing the other creating a fantastic energy and attraction. Versus a smattering of this and that scattered all over the place and getting lost, struggling or even forgotten about. We are starting to see the outlines of what can be a very visible and impactful arts and "creative class" community and destination that will pull in people, money and interest like a magnet. I am sure this is only the start. There will be many more arts related things going into this strip. ;)
That's excellent, but then what happens to other parts of downtown and what goes in the YMCA building?
The World showed this at the fintube site.
Quote from: SXSW on May 21, 2009, 03:37:15 PM
That's excellent, but then what happens to other parts of downtown and what goes in the YMCA building?
Well, I would still love to see some sort of Cathedral Square idea go in front of the Cathedral.
The area around the Arena will likely get hotels and mixed use stuff.
The East End currently seems to be headed towards being more of an urban neighborhood type scenario. (any new library could go there or at the Fin Tube site)
I would like to see 5th Street renamed 5th Avenue and see more shops and stores along it with living above.
Blue Dome and the Ballpark will likely turn into an entertainment area with some housing and businesses.
As for what goes in the YMCA? We could ask that about a dozen other buildings downtown too. Perhaps it could be a candidate for some of the next round of downtown housing or business incubation funding. The expense of a sprinkler system seems to be the big hangup with its redevelopment.
My little 'in the Arts' birdie confirmed that the City is pushing to locate the Arts High School on the Fin Tube site. - Great! I hope it's part of a larger community plan. That site can accommodate more and I hope there are clear connections to OSU-Tulsa and Upper Greenwood.
I also hope that the high school is part of nice northern terminus for Crowley's starter rail line...which now is starting to really make sense with all that has been proposed in the Brady. I'm also starting to dig the Boulder Streetcar idea linking 18th/Boston to points north of the Brady District in North Tulsa.
That near N. Tulsa area is really starting to sound too good to be...I won't say it.
Article from TW.... http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/article.aspx?subjectid=61&articleid=20090524_261_G6_Anarti530401
I couldnt resist adding some color.
(http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4983/okschoolvisualperformin.jpg)
http://www.tulsanow.org/forum/index.php?topic=7481.0
Quote from: Double A on May 29, 2009, 01:51:40 PM
http://www.tulsanow.org/forum/index.php?topic=7481.0
Can the two be merged together, or are they mutually exclusive? As much as I'd want to see the Tulsa visual/performing arts high school built at the Evans-Fin Tube site and then TSAS potentially occupying the YMCA or Tulsa Club buildings it does seem somewhat redundant but maybe not. TWO high schools, plus a large research university (some day), medical school/teaching hospital, and community college could really be great for downtown.
Hmm. I dunno about this. I think I too would rather them use money to support the existing schools then to build a better school catered to certain subjects and students. That will only result in the deterioration of the other schools.
I can't see how a 'state' high school would hurt local art education. As appears to be reported it sounds like an effort to boost and promote art education in the state, including Tulsa. Sure it will require state resources annually, but it appears that there would be a cultural payback (goes back to that quality of life question).
Does anyone hold that the OSSM in OKC has hurt Science and Math education statewide?
I see this school as a win for Tulsa and a win for the State of Oklahoma.
Love the idea of the visual and performing arts high school. Not so sure about the FinTube site, but I can be convinced.
Personally, I would prefer to see this smack dab in the middle of downtown Tulsa. But if we can implement the downtown master plan, along with the first three critical miles of rail, the Fin Tube site would essentially be connected to downtown.
You can call this number in support of House Bill 1737
(405) 521-2342
Calling the governor to urge him to sign the bill for The Oklahoma School for the Visual and Performing Arts. www.okarts.org.
It's passed in the house/senate, just needs to now be signed by Governor Henry.