Tulsa visual and performing arts high school

[Townsend]

State House votes for creation of Tulsa visual and performing arts high school

OKLAHOMA CITY -- By a narrow margin, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed legislation Wednesday authorizing the creation of a visual and performing arts high school in Tulsa.
The measure does not include funding for the proposed school, but does allow the transfer of Tulsa Development Authority property to the a board of trustees for the facility and for supporters to begin raising private money for the project.

The measure passed 52-45 with a number of Tulsa-area representatives voting against the authorization. Among those voting against it were Rep. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa; Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa; and Rep. Mike Ritze, R-Broken Arrow.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=298&articleid=20090520_298_0_OKLAHO691827

Why would our local guys vote against this?  I understand OKC voting against but what's the problem for the local reps?

[joiei]

Just a guess but it was not designated for Owasso or Broken Arrow.

[TheArtist]

Excellent, and I hope its downtown or near OSU Tulsa and all the new arts stuff there. Could be one more thing to bring that critical mass of arts related items and energy to downtown, and of course further Tulsas creative/arts image and pedigree. Keep on keepin on. I am amazed that we may yet actually pull something off in this town.

[OurTulsa]

If TDA's involved it will be in the City of Tulsa.  I don't think the TDA has land holdings very far from downtown - I don't think.  They particularly own lots of land around downtown. 

I too would love for to see the new school positioned downtown particularly near the Brady.  Wow, could they position more cultural entities down there?  Absolutely awesome position we are establishing for ourselves with regard to the Arts.

I'm really optimistic that the synergy created by all of these identified cultural investments will draw some serious private investment and tourism (even if it's mostly suburban tourists).

[godboko71]

Not that I am against this, far from it in fact, but would it not be a good idea to support what we have already before starting something new?

http://www.tulsaschools.org/schools/central/

[TheArtist]

Not that I am against this, far from it in fact, but would it not be a good idea to support what we have already before starting something new?

http://www.tulsaschools.org/schools/central/

From what I can tell it has been supported, though many schools in Tulsa are not as supported as lots of us would like. I dont think it will hurt to have another specialty school of any type in tulsa, including one supporting the arts.  (competition is just as good for artists as it is for rival football teams/schools lol) I can also see how we are finally getting on the ball and creating a critical mass and focus in one area, downtown, for the arts.  Each of these things can reinforce and lift up the other making them better than they would be otherwise. 

Having a tremendous amount of arts centered in north Downtown will create opportunities for artists everywhere in the city and region, no matter what school they are at, arts centered or not. Will be interesting to see what happens to Centrals arts programs though. Plus, remember this new school is supposed to be a statewide magnet, pulling students in from all over the state and perhaps more if it becomes really well known.

[SXSW]

I always thought if they built a new larger and nicer downtown YMCA that they should turn that old building into a high school, either Tulsa School of Arts & Sciences or this.  The old boarding rooms could be turned into classrooms and offices and there would already be athletic facilities.  I know some hate that building but I like the mid century modern design, reminds me of a lot of the Bauhaus.  I would hate to see it torn down.

[swake]

I always thought if they built a new larger and nicer downtown YMCA that they should turn that old building into a high school, either Tulsa School of Arts & Sciences or this.  The old boarding rooms could be turned into classrooms and offices and there would already be athletic facilities.  I know some hate that building but I like the mid century modern design, reminds me of a lot of the Bauhaus.  I would hate to see it torn down.

It's not "if" they build a new YMCA, a new one is already under construction inside the Mayo Building. Some of the floors of the former Mayo office building will be lofts and some will be the new Y.

[SXSW]

It's not "if" they build a new YMCA, a new one is already under construction inside the Mayo Building. Some of the floors of the former Mayo office building will be lofts and some will be the new Y.

Really?  What about a pool, gym, locker rooms, etc.?  Maybe it can actually happen then at the old Y, although today's TW article mentions the Evans-Fintube site east of OSU.

[swake]

I don't believe there will be a pool at the new Y, but I could be wrong about that. If there are any members on here they could probably tell you for sure. There will not be boarding rooms.

The old YMCA building is for sale and is officially an endangered building. The new Y is supposed to open late this year.

[Gold]

The old YMCA won't work as a high school unless they had sprinklers and other items to bring it to code.

Honestly, I'd rather see the money go to serve the schools we have now.  Then again, I'm also not a big fan of state money going to fund a rock and roll museum when we need more money for schools, roads, bridges, and the uninsured.

Interesting that they are trying to model it off OSSM.

[SXSW]

I don't believe there will be a pool at the new Y, but I could be wrong about that. If there are any members on here they could probably tell you for sure. There will not be boarding rooms.

The old YMCA building is for sale and is officially an endangered building. The new Y is supposed to open late this year.

For sale eh?  Why not take this idea and merge it with TSAS, currently near 51st & Yale, and move them to the YMCA downtown?  With the integrated athletic facilities it seems perfect for an urban school.  It would need upgrades for sure though, but might be cheaper than building a brand new campus.  A few hundred high school students and teachers downtown at 6th & Denver would be a good thing for sure.  We always talk about the need for a downtown magnet school, here is our chance.

http://www.tsas.org/

[TheArtist]

I think there is an over all, hoped for plan for the Brady Arts District/arena all the way down to  OSU and the Fin Tube site. Here again its the critical mass and synergies of multiple programs from colleges, museums, shops and galleries, high school, artist housing/artist village, studios, design firms, music and performance venues, events and festivals,, anything and everything having to do with arts and creativity in one incredible community. Each thing reinforcing the other creating a fantastic energy and attraction. Versus a smattering of this and that scattered all over the place and getting lost, struggling or even forgotten about. We are starting to see the outlines of what can be a very visible and impactful arts and "creative class" community and destination that will pull in people, money and interest like a magnet. I am sure this is only the start. There will be many more arts related things going into this strip.   

[SXSW]

I think there is an over all, hoped for plan for the Brady Arts District/arena all the way down to  OSU and the Fin Tube site. Here again its the critical mass and synergies of multiple programs from colleges, museums, shops and galleries, high school, artist housing/artist village, studios, design firms, music and performance venues, events and festivals,, anything and everything having to do with arts and creativity in one incredible community. Each thing reinforcing the other creating a fantastic energy and attraction. Versus a smattering of this and that scattered all over the place and getting lost, struggling or even forgotten about. We are starting to see the outlines of what can be a very visible and impactful arts and "creative class" community and destination that will pull in people, money and interest like a magnet. I am sure this is only the start. There will be many more arts related things going into this strip.   

That's excellent, but then what happens to other parts of downtown and what goes in the YMCA building? 

[sgrizzle]

The World showed this at the fintube site.