The City of OKC and the Britton District send this information as posted below:
Everyone is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and festival to celebrate the completion of a $6.6 million investment in streetscape improvements, sidewalks and bike lanes for the historic Britton District.
Once its own thriving town, the Britton District is located in northwest Oklahoma City between Waverly Avenue and Broadway Extension.
Ribbon Cutting – March 27
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt will lead a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 27 at 11 a.m. on the east corner of Francis Avenue and Britton Road. Everyone is invited.
District Day Fest and 1-mile Food and Fun Run – March 29
District Day Fest, a festival celebrating the revitalization of the district’s main corridor, is planned for March 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities include a one-mile Food and Fun Run, live music, a vendor market, street entertainment and activities for all ages.
The Food and Fun Run will feature food and drink stations every quarter mile. All ages and fitness levels are welcome.
Go to the events tab at brittondistrictokc.org for more information and to register for the fun run.
Britton District Streetscape Project
The street enhancements along Britton Road, between Western Avenue and Classen Boulevard, were shaped by input from local property owners seeking to create a more walkable, attractive and welcoming environment. With 16,000 cars traveling through the area daily, the upgrades will enhance safety and accessibility while preserving the character of the once-thriving main street.
“The revitalization of the historic Britton District is something I’ve been excited about since taking office,” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said. “The champions for this area came to me seven years ago hoping the City would invest in infrastructure to complement their work in the District. The project was not in our plans at that moment, so I give a lot of credit to our City Manager and Public Works for finding a way. The Britton District’s time is now, and we needed to be a partner right now. This ribbon cutting is a celebration of that collaboration and it represents the full arrival of another unique destination in our City.”
The improvements reflect Oklahoma City’s commitment to fostering vibrant, pedestrian-friendly districts that support local businesses and enhance quality of life.
Improvements include:
- Corner bump-outs to reduce the distance pedestrians have to walk to cross Britton Road.
- Flashing pedestrian signs.
- New lighting.
- Shade trees.
- Benches, trash cans and bike racks.
- Increased parking.
- Improved ADA access.
- New striping.
- Street resurfacing.
- New sidewalks.
“Being a business owner in a fledgling district is a delicate dance,” Founder and Managing Partner of Woodworks Distilling Co. David Wood said. “Seeking exposure for your brand is always at the forefront of your mind. The City’s efforts in supporting us with this long-awaited streetscape project are already creating the kind of gravity we need to grow and succeed. We are so thankful for the efforts toward our district from the citizens of Oklahoma City and hope to continue to see the impact of growth to our little slice of this great city!”
The streetscape was paid for through the Better Streets, Safer City bond election in 2017 and the new sidewalks and bike lanes in the district were funded through MAPS 4.
History of Britton
The town of Britton was founded in 1889 as the first railway station north of Oklahoma City. In 1910, OKC developers Anton Classen and John Shartel connected Britton to OKC through the Interurban railway. For many years, Britton’s main street was a vital hub of social and economic activity for approximately 6,000 residents.
From 1936 to 1953, the iconic Route 66 bypass ran through the Britton District. Travelers would stop at the historic Owl Court building for gas or lodging or take in a movie at the still-standing Ritz Theater building, now Woodworks Distilling.
Before its annexation by Oklahoma City in 1950, Britton’s main street was a key shopping destination for the community. The former town was named after railroad attorney Alexander Britton who worked for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.
About Better Streets, Safer City
In 2017, Oklahoma City voters approved a 13-proposition bond package and two sales tax initiatives called Better Streets, Safer City. The 10-year, $967 million bond package invests in streets, police and fire facilities, parks and other basic needs. A permanent ¼ center sales tax is helping hire 129 more police officers and 57 more firefighters with an annual $26 million boost for public safety and other day-to-day operations. A temporary penny sales tax extension included in the project generated an additional $240 million for street resurfacing, streetscapes, trails, sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure.
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