Tulsa Adds Sobo District, Pearl Main Street to Growing List of Main Streets

Tulsa Adds Sobo District, Pearl Main Street to Growing List of Main Streets

8/4/2026

As part of the Oklahoma Main Street Program, the City of Tulsa announced today that the Sobo District and Pearl Main Street have officially been added to the city's growing network of Oklahoma Main Streets.

"The addition of the SoBo District and Pearl Main Street reflects the passion and commitment of the people who have invested in these neighborhoods for years," Mayor Nichols said. "Oklahoma Main Street communities have a proven track record of strengthening local economies and creating places where small businesses and residents can thrive. We're excited to see these districts build on that momentum and continue shaping Tulsa's future."

The Oklahoma Main Street Program is a nationally recognized revitalization initiative that provides training, technical assistance, and resources to help communities strengthen historic commercial districts. Local leaders say the designation will create new opportunities for investment and long-term growth in Tulsa's neighborhoods.

"I am thrilled to see the Pearl Main Street and SoBo District become part of Tulsa's Main Street communities," District 4 City Councilor Laura Bellis said. "These two districts, which are some of Tulsa's most walkable communities given their proximity to Downtown, represent some of the very best that Tulsa has to offer - vibrant neighborhoods, locally owned businesses, and engaged residents who are committed to seeing their city, and their neighbors, thrive. As these areas get new guidance and support from this program, I'm excited for the economic opportunities and resources that will come to District 4 and beyond."

With today's announcement, the SoBo District and Pearl Main Street join Tulsa's four existing Main Streets: Kendall-Whittier Main Street, Route 66 Main Street, the Historic Greenwood District, and the Tulsa Global District. State leaders say the expansion reflects the continued success of Tulsa's Main Street network.

"We are pleased to have two more Main Street districts in Tulsa," said Buffy Skee, Oklahoma Main Street Center director. "The SOBO District and The Pearl District are making a commitment to preserving each of their unique characters while creating thriving places for residents and tourists alike. We are excited that these two are joining other great programs in Tulsa and we look forward to working with their volunteers, business owners, residents, and local leaders as they begin this journey."

In 2025, Tulsa's four Main Streets had a combined impact of more than $4.5 million in private reinvestment, with a 2,000% return on investment last year alone. Throughout the year, these Main Streets logged more than 6,900 volunteer hours in service to the Tulsa community-picking up trash, organizing free community events, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, and lending their talent and skills to make Tulsa a better place to live.

Pearl Main Street and the SoBo District began as many of Tulsa's destination districts have formed, with community members coming together around a common goal. Pearl Main Street is a historic, walkable neighborhood just east of Downtown known for its vibrant arts scene, local eateries, and rich musical roots. Nationwide, people will notice the streets of the Pearl District represented in the FX hit series, The Lowdown.

Like many of Tulsa's destination districts, Pearl Main Street and the Sobo District grew from residents and business owners working together to strengthen their neighborhood. Community leaders say the new designation builds on years of grassroots investment.

"The Pearl has always been a neighborhood built by people willing to take a chance," said Matt Sanders, Executive Director of Pearl Main Street. "Every storefront represents someone who believed in this community. Becoming an Oklahoma Main Street gives us the opportunity to support those investments, bring more people to the table, and help the Pearl reach its full potential."

In 2007, the City pilot tested Main Street as a revitalization model with Route 66 Main Street in West Tulsa and saw firsthand what grassroots organizations made up of passionate neighbors and business owners could do. In 2010, the City added Kendall Whittier Main Street, and in 2020, the Historic Greenwood District and Tulsa Global District joined the fold.

The SoBo District is a diverse and vibrant Tulsa neighborhood featuring local highlights such as the Brut Hotel, Dreamkeepers Park, two dog parks, and popular spots like Dalesandro's, Tina's, Royce Myers Art Gallery, and so many more. The SoBo District has experienced steady growth over the past decade as business and property owners have worked together to improve the area's identity and quality of life.

Area leaders say becoming an Oklahoma Main Street marks the next step in that effort.

"We are thrilled that the SOBO Business & Property Owners Association has been chosen by the City of Tulsa as one of its two newest districts for the Main Street Program!" SOBO District president Brian L. Freese said. "We first assembled as a small group almost 11 years ago with the simple goal of improving our neighborhood, its safety, attractiveness, and property values. We look forward to partnering with our city representatives to integrate safe new sidewalks, attractive sidewalk lighting, security, district signage, and other amenities that highlight what we've known all along - that SOBO is a very cool, diverse, vibrant district with an interesting history, great restaurants, clubs, art galleries and more."

City officials say the addition of two new Main Streets reflects years of neighborhood-led planning and investment. While each district has its own identity, the path to designation follows the same community-driven approach that has shaped Tulsa's existing Main Street districts.

"Establishing new main streets and destination districts is a community-led process," said Samantha Extance, Destination Districts Manager for the City of Tulsa. "Community leaders often come together to solve a problem or implement a big idea and that starts the ball rolling. They solve the next problem; they implement the next big idea and they don't stop. Pearl Main Street and the SoBo District join the Tulsa Global District, Route 66 Main Street, Historic Greenwood District, and Kendall Whittier Main Street as Tulsa's official main streets. I am excited to work alongside them as they strive to make their districts more welcoming, vibrant, and resilient."

For more information on the Oklahoma Main Street Program, visit: www.okcommerce.gov/community-development/oklahoma-main-street/