I live just behind the Promenade Mall near 41st and Yale. I have been watching over the last several years how this area has started to improve and renew itself. The most promising addition has been that of the OU college. I like how they have added decorative lights, the landscaping and sculpture on the corner, and hope they continue to grow and improve the area. I think this area has a lot of potential and with just a few touches could become another mid town like area. I like how I can already walk to shopping and theaters, bookstore, coffee house, panera etc. It will be great when the trail system by the highway will be linked to riverside.
I think with some small improvements by the city like wide sidewalks on 41st in front of both malls with trees and decorative lights, could start to anchor this area in peoples minds as being a classy nice part of town. What would be really nice is if the city or the college would add a small park with a water feature/fountain. Some nice condos or apartments in the area would be great as well, especially if they were high rise lol.
I just see the area as having the potential to become a second "mid town". Another nice area that would continue to improve, and spread outward from the middle of Tulsa. Its already heading in that direction but could be greatly enhanced and jump started with some attention from the city. Perhaps even a name or "district" that would start to give it more of a sense of identity or "cache" in peoples minds.