Eastland Mall to receive $30 Million Conversion

According this Tulsa World article yesterday, Eastland Mall will be undergoing an extensive renovation to create a mixed-use center called Eastgate Metroplex. It will consist of business, community, educational and retail spaces. I've already noticed a significant cleanup of the landscaping surrounding this mall and I really look forward to watching the progress over the next 24-36 months as this dead mall is transformed.

My Eastland Mall photosets taken over the past few years are here and here.

Metro Diner
3001 E 11th St (Rt. 66)
Tulsa, OK

With the rapid expansion of the Tulsa University campus [TheOklahomaForum] (just press cancel to the Name/Password prompt), many structures along Rt. 66 have been and are scheduled to be demolished. Metro Diner is nestled next to TU's Skelly Stadium and is expected to close at the end of Sept. 2006 so that it can be torn down. The owners would like to relocate, but with the low price that the Tulsa Development Authority is paying them, they are afraid that they may not be able to afford to do so. This entry [Route 66 News] from last month gives some more details on the situation.

My son and I visited a few weeks ago to have one last chicken-fried steak and take a few pics of the building and surrounding area. Although this was built in the early '80s and is not an "true" authentic '50s diner, I'm sure that more than a few folks will remember this place fondly.