Commemorative Plaza to Honor Oklahoma City’s Black History

Photo courtesy: © credit Butzer Architects and Urbanism E

The transformation of Page Woodson School and the surrounding neighborhood in the heart of Northeast Oklahoma City has supporters planning the last phase of the revitalized area. The African American Commemorative Plaza will bring together the history of the school and the contributions of prominent cultural and community leaders. 

“We’ve partnered with the developers of Page Woodson on every phase of this development providing TIF support and other incentives to bring quality housing and preserve community assets in this community,” said Kenton Tsoodle, president of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.

Photo courtesy: © credit Butzer Architects and Urbanism E

“The Commemorative Plaza will be an investment that preserves Oklahoma City’s history, pays homage to Page Woodson and Douglass High School, and recognizes the educators, students and community members who were part of the school. I look forward to celebrating that impact at the opening of the African American Commemorative Plaza,” said Tsoodle.

Located in the John F. Kennedy neighborhood, Page Woodson opened its doors in the early 1900s as the Lowell School and in 1934 became the all-Black Douglass High School. It was later known as F.D. Moon Middle School, then Page Woodson School until it closed in 1993.  The school was abandoned until rehabilitation began in 2017. When completed, the development will have nearly 500 residential units along with commercial and retail space and the proposed plaza.  

“In addition to preserving one of OKC’s important Black landmarks and historical buildings, this project has been a model for how strategic public-private partnerships can help ensure projects meet the needs and expectations of the community,” added Tsoodle. 

Designed by Butzer Architects and Urbanism, the plaza will be a public gathering place and will honor those with connections to the school including musician and educator Zelia Page Breaux and her father Inman Page, the first president of Colored Agricultural and Normal University (CANU) now known as Langston University, along with educator Frederick Douglass Moon who was principal of Douglass High School and the first Black president of the Oklahoma City Board of Education. The design also includes references to books, including a shade structure and stage area spotlighting the works of Oklahoma native and author Ralph Ellison.