(Be) Hold the Mayo

[RecycleMichael]

I was reading a post about a downtown hotel planned and others were lamenting the fact that the Mayo Hotel at 5th and Cheyenne wasn't being renovated.

It seems so perfect to be one of the real examples of a revitalized downtown Tulsa. It stands out as a black hole while vacant and would celebrated as an unique landmark if it was in use.

I thought the easiest way to inspire the owners (and any other funding sources, public or otherwise) to consider it's new life would be to share memories or thoughts about what it means to us.

It has real history, from presidents to the king himself, Elvis. It has items for sale every day on E-bay from post cards to key fobs. Today a lightly soiled brochure from the Hotel is bid up to over $40 with four days till the end of the auction.  

I loved the place when I was young. It was such a beautiful building where everything happened.

My senior prom from Will Rogers High school (class of "76) was held on the top floor in the Crystal Ballroom.

Maybe if we all talk about what the Mayo Hotel means to a vital downtown, the words will add inspiration and become motivation to rehabilitation.

Behold the Mayo!