OKC’s historic Paseo District to get sidewalk repairs, become ADA accessible, more

Oklahoma City’s Paseo District is about to get even friendlier.

The area known for its shops, food and artistic culture will get a facelift of sorts beginning after Memorial Day to address areas that have fallen to ruin and lack ADA-compliant accessibility.

Michael Clark, senior project manager with OKC’s Public Works Department, said the project is intended to strengthen the Paseo District’s connection with the community.

“Oklahoma City is blessed to have a number of vibrant districts that enrich the lives of those who live in and visit our community,” he said. “Paseo has a rich tradition rooted in the colorful architecture, unique offerings and unrivaled hospitality that can be experienced there.”

The $4 million project is expected to last about a year, wrapping up just in time for the 2024 Paseo Arts Festival. It is funded by the Better Streets, Safer City tax program.

Per Clark’s records, it’s been almost 40 years since sidewalk work was done in the district. Streetlights are no longer working. Potholes litter the roads in and around the area. ADA-compliant accessibility is virtually nonexistent.

All those things will be a thing of the past, Clark said.

“The public realm in Paseo has fallen into disrepair. [The district has] prioritized making the Paseo a safe, welcoming environment for residents and visitors,” he said.

Ward 2 Councilman James Cooper said the project will honor Paseo's history by bringing the neighborhood into the 21st century.

"When GA Nichols developed this area nearly 100 years ago as Spanish Village, his vision was simple," Cooper said. "Residents should have sidewalks, crosswalks and streetlights guiding them safely from their homes to their basic needs."

He said, while working on the plan to expand MAPS into surrounding neighborhoods, he used the district's history and the upcoming streetscape project as his guide.

"A true renaissance means a better environment for children — streets built for people again ... crosswalks connecting us to good schools and nearby grocery stores ... affordable housing and healthier living, parks with recreation," he said. "Paseo’s streetscape project will serve as a guiding light as we honor local history and continue OKC’s renaissance story."

Clark said business owners and operators are excited for the project, including the $3 million adjacent street enhancement project that will happen on Walker Avenue during the same time. This will allow businesses along Paseo Drive to better link their amenities to the surrounding neighborhoods, as well as the Uptown District south of Paseo.

“[Businesses] have worked tirelessly to develop opportunities for the public to still visit during construction, and they have sought to maximize the available resources to nurture a culture of art, entertainment and dining that is accessible to everyone,” Clark said.

That sentiment is one Collin Rosebrook, owner of Paseo Pottery, shares.

Paseo Pottery has been a district fixture for more than 30 years. They offer classes and have a small storefront. Rosebrook said the revitalization of the area has been needed for a long time.

“I’m pleased with how the city has been working on it,” he said. “The city has met with [business owners], met with stakeholders and has been straightforward. [The city is] trying anything they can to accommodate [businesses and the community].”

Rosebrook said he expects a little bit of a slowdown in business during the project but said “it’ll all be worth it.”

City officials in charge of the project hope to limit the impact on businesses and visitors. As of now, ongoing and regular events like the district’s art gallery walks won’t be affected by the work being done.