Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Streetsblog USA

Before/After: The 80-Year Leveling of an Oklahoma City Neighborhood

Before and after shots of Oklahoma City's "Core to Shore" area. Image: The Oklahoman and Google Earth, via Dustin Akers.
Shots of Oklahoma City's "Core to Shore" area. Left image 1932. Right image 2014. Image: The Oklahoman and Google Earth, via Dustin Akers
false

What happened in the last eight decades to Oklahoma City's Core to Shore neighborhood? That's what these two photos compiled by Dustin Akers will have you wondering. The one on the left is from a slideshow by the Oklahoman, shot in 1932. The one on the right is from Google Earth in 2014.

The answer, according to Akers, boils down to a few things: An elevated highway, misguided urban renewal policies, flight and disinvestment.

But there's good news. That elevated highway, Interstate 40, was torn down a few years ago. There's a plan to replace it with an at-grade boulevard. Oklahoma City wants to redevelop 750 acres area here. The concept currently calls for mixed-use housing surrounding a 40-acre park.

Here's an illustration:

Source: Oklahoma City
Source: Oklahoma City
false

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Metro and Caltrans Break Ground on 105 Freeway Expansion

105 Freeway expansion is touted as "leaving a lasting legacy for Angelenos for decades to come" but it might not be the legacy that Metro and Caltrans think it is

April 25, 2025

Metro LAX Transit Center Station to Open June 6

The LAX Transit Center will serve the C and K light rail lines, connect to the future LAX people mover, plus includes bus/bike/walk hubs

April 24, 2025

Eyes on the Street: New Protected Bike Lane on San Vicente Blvd

San Vicente's new stretch of parking-protected bike lane extends a half mile, from Keniston Avenue to Redondo Boulevard

April 23, 2025
See all posts