Local

Historic Blue Dome sold, festival to continue

An iconic piece of Tulsa history has changed hands, but don't expect any other big changes surrounding the Blue Dome.

Downtown developer Michael Sager tells KRMG he sold the building, located on the southwest corner of E. 2nd St. and S. Elgin Ave., to Chris and JoAnne Armstrong, the owners of the neighboring Arnie's Bar, for $1.5 million cash.

The deal also includes the corner directly to the north of the Blue Dome building.

First erected in 1924 as a Gulf Oil service station, the Dome became famous for its location along historic Route 66.

Sager says the Blue Dome Arts Festival, held annually in May, will continue -- hopefully, he added, for years to come.

"We're still doing the festival, and I'm still involved," he said. "They're going to be the headquarters."

He said the deal came at the right time, and with the right people -- people whom he says put a great deal of importance on preserving the historic building.

"We're not tearing down the Blue Dome," he said.

In fact, KRMG has learned the Armstrongs plan to capitalize on its historical significance.

Sager says they've already ordered historically accurate windows for the building, and they plan to put in a small Route 66 museum and gift shop.

Meanwhile, he's completed a deal to purchase the old Triangle Blueprint building at 314 S. Cincinnati, which he says is one of only two original buildings still standing on that block downtown.

"Actually, I've bought more building, square footage, than I've sold," he said. "I'm not going anywhere."

He plans a restaurant, retail and residential development in that building.

Listen

news

weather

traffic

mobile apps

Everything you love about krmg.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!