Kendall Whittier Main Street Impact
There’s something for everyone in this funky corner of Tulsa.
Our Mission
Kendall Whittier Main Street works with businesses, property owners, and community partners to create vibrancy in Kendall Whittier’s commercial areas.
Illustration by Sydney Alison
Our Core Values
Cultural Diversity / Inclusion
welcoming to all, celebrating different cultures
Support Local
locally-owned businesses vs chains
Creativity / Craftsmanship
artists, artisans, food, brewery, creative offices
Accessible / Affordable
multiple price points for diversity of businesses
Respect the District
care for the greater good, neighboring businesses & residents
Value Partnerships
organizations, property owners, business owners
Respect the History
know & promote it as an asset, value Route 66 history
Our Story
With a mix of art studios, breweries, restaurants, a historic theater and non-mainstream retail, Kendall Whittier is a unique experience. There is something for everyone in this funky corner of Tulsa.
As one of seven Oklahoma Certified Cultural Districts by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the neighborhood houses Tulsa’s oldest independent theater, art studios and classes, music venues, a production studio and print studios in addition to several other locally-owned businesses such as vintage store, independent bookstore, bridal boutique and a science shop.
Foodies flock to Kendall Whittier for a diverse range of restaurant choices. As a hub of Hispanic culture, Kendall Whittier offers some of the best Mexican food in Tulsa with a Mexican grill, a food truck or a bakery in the heart of Whittier Square. Other popular choices include a local coffee roaster, a classic hamburger stand, a Lebanese café or a modern twist on the traditional Jewish deli. It is even home to Oklahoma’s first food hall!
Kendall Whittier is Tulsa’s unofficial brewery district. Within one square block, three breweries are nestled in with a cidery and distillery. Closer to the square, one brewery delights guests in an old automobile garage, and a Phillip 66 Station has been turned into patio bar.
But it wasn’t always this way.
Whittier Square was Tulsa’s first suburban shopping district. Along the original alignment of Route 66, businesses popped up in the late 1920s and the neighborhood thrived for decades. However, the future of Whittier Square was inexorably altered when an 8-lane interstate highway bisected the neighborhood in 1967. The neighborhood went into a freefall that lasted more than four decades.
Enter: Kendall Whittier Main Street
The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization started in 2010. Volunteers and staff rolled their sleeves up and got to work to transform the seedy “red light” district of Tulsa. We are one of 32 Main Street programs in the state of Oklahoma and among the approximately 800 programs accredited by the National Main Street Center. Transformation is made possible through National’s proven Four Point Approach.
With 51 new businesses opening since 2013, occupancy in Whittier Square now stands at 100%. Throughout the greater Kendall Whittier district, another 50 new businesses have opened. In all, Kendall Whittier Main Street (KWMS) has seen a total of 373 jobs created and $173 million dollars reinvested.
KWMS hosts events annually to reflect the diverse character of the neighborhood, and its artistic flair. Events include a laid-back outdoor music concert, a Los Festivales y Mercados cultural series and the ever-popular Kendall Whittier Arts Festival.
Nestled in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Tulsa, KWMS provides leadership and volunteer opportunities for all who want to participate in the district’s revitalization.
In efforts to rehabilitate historic properties, bring in new businesses and support the city’s economic base, Kendall Whittier Main Street never loses sight of the individuals. KWMS is dedicated to maintaining an affordable district instead of pricing people out. This is what makes Kendall Whittier so special – progress without marginalization.
In short, Kendall Whittier Main Street creates vibrancy in Kendall Whittier’s commercial areas!
We welcome you to download our 2023 Impact Report in English or Spanish or the 2022 Mid-Year Report (September release) to learn more about KWMS activities and accomplishments. Or review our organizational vision for Kendall Whittier’s future.
For more information on the Oklahoma Main Street Program, visit the Oklahoma Department of Commerce website.
As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Kendall Whittier Main Street is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality
places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main
Street Center.
Our work in numbers
We are proud of the work we’ve achieved over the last 13 years!