The distinctive Blue Dome building literally and figuratively defines the Blue Dome District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. What has become one of Tulsa’s most popular entertainment neighborhoods has an identity that residents and visitors can connect with in a profound way, all of which is the result of an endeavor to both preserve and celebrate a unique piece of history.
From Gas Station to Community Hub
The Blue Dome District has a strong connection to the history of Tulsa, much of which is tied to the 1925 Blue Dome building itself. Built as the White Star Service Station and modeled after the Hagia Sophia, it was Tulsa’s first filling station with numerous amenities and 24-hour service. The dome itself served as living quarters for the filling station attendant.
The area around the building flourished after Route 66 was designated to go through it in 1926. Businesses that served the nearby railroads popped up and turned the district into a hub of activity for the entire city. Over the decades, the area around the building would be transformed into the city’s premier nightlife district, while the Blue Dome itself was turned into a tavern in the 1950s. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
The distinctiveness of the building has cultivated attention and interest from across the region, which can be seen with annual events that take place in the Blue Dome District. They include celebrations like the Blue Dome Arts Festival, the Eat Street Tulsa food truck festival, a major St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and many more. Additionally, places like the Blue Dome Market have utilized the identity of the Blue Dome in a direct manner, showing the direct and indirect impact that such a notable neighborhood icon can enable.
Legacy and Connection
The Blue Dome District is considered the place to go by many residents and visitors, highlighting how monuments can provide a sense of identity that audiences of all types can embrace and connect with.
