Project Background:

The Echo Alley project embodies a commitment to community identity, public safety, and creative expression. By integrating artistic lighting and engaging elements, the project seeks to convert an underutilized urban space into a welcoming, interactive environment that fosters a sense of place and promotes walkability throughout Downtown Tulsa.

Project Goals:

• Enhance Safety: Use lighting to improve perceptions of safety and comfort for pedestrians.
• Celebrate Tulsa’s Culture: Reflect the city’s unique identity through artistic storytelling.
• Foster Engagement: Create a space that invites public interaction and exploration.
• Drive Foot Traffic & Tourism: Create a destination or attraction that drives visitation.

About the Artist:

Rachel Hayes, a Tulsa-based artist since 2016, brings a personal connection to the project. Her practice combines traditional craft techniques with modern materials, resulting in work that feels both timeless and forward-looking. The installation’s materials are engineered for outdoor use, with laminated glass panels designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and eco-friendly LED lighting rated for long-term performance.

Hayes’ selection builds on a growing body of public work in Tulsa. In 2023, she completed The Dome at 924 S. Boulder Avenue as part of the Urban Core Art Project’s fourth temporary public art installation. Titled “Reflection Mode”, the large-scale fabric installation introduced bold color and form into the built environment and marked Hayes’ first major public art project in Tulsa. Her work consistently explores how art can transform everyday spaces into moments of reflection, curiosity, and connection.

Alley Location:

Echo Alley will be located just north of East Reconciliation Way between Main Street and Boston Avenue and is in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District. The alley is adjacent to popular locations like The Tavern and Valkyrie, includes the entrance to Bull in the Alley, and connects to the NYU Tulsa campus.

Project Timeline: 

Installation for the Echo Alley Project is estimated to begin Fall 2026.

Project Context:

Echo Alley is part of a Downtown-wide Alleyway Activation program that aims to improve walkability,
increase public art visibility, and enhance safety through creative lighting in underutilized spaces.
This project is supported by PartnerTulsa’s strategic placemaking initiatives, which leverage Public
Realm TIF investments to transform urban spaces. By funding Downtown Tulsa Forward and this
initiative, PartnerTulsa is committed to creating a vibrant, connected network of inviting public
spaces throughout downtown. The project is also supported by Downtown architecture firm Cyntergy and the City of Tulsa Vision Arts Program.