Plaza District Growing in Diversity and Popularity

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It's been over a month since Oklahoma City voters passed the MAPS 3 initiative, and while progress will start in the next few months, one district in the metro is already growing and gaining a lot of attention.

The Plaza District, on NW 16th Street between Classen Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue, has a great deal of diversity including the Lyric Theatre, a hair salon, a dance studio and a one of a kind shopping experience with the local stores.

The Plaza District is an area promoting art and entertainment. For years, businesses, neighbors, local talents and volunteers have been working to revitalize the community. It's hidden in a neighborhood near the Asian District and Oklahoma City University, but the Plaza is still growing.

Shannon Primeau, who opened Everything Goes Dance studio at 1721 NW 16th Street in the Plaza District, said her students are her pride and joy.

"I have so many students who walk here from their homes, who ride their bikes. It's such a natural feeling of dance and energy," Primeau said.

Primeau said the number of students at her studio has tripled since opening in the district.

"Oh my goodness, it's just turned around so much. It was started out a little slow," Primeau said.

It's the heart of a neighborhood that shares the sights and sounds of homegrown talents.

"I just hope that people recognize that without having to reach out to another state that we can find our artists and help develop the artist, just like these young girls, giving all the opportunities," Primeau said.

A few doors down, shoppers can find unique items from baby clothes to bags.

"Everything here is handmade or altered somehow, and a lot of it is local," said Lindsay Zardrow, Plaza District business owner.

Zardrow has had a business in the Plaza District for a year now.

"I feel like this area gives younger people an opportunity that they might not be able to afford elsewhere. So we love it. It's so fun," Zardrow said.

The Plaza District has been transformed from what used to be drugstores and cleaners in the 1930s.

"You see vacant buildings that have started to be occupied and renovating, and people rediscovering the charm of the area. So with that comes the businesses and people coming back down and rediscovering a cool part of Oklahoma City," said Aimee Struber, shopper.

The "cool" part is what makes the Plaza district one of a kind, local mom and pop stores and all the support for the local art.

"We're really excited for people when they come to Oklahoma City that want to see that local flavor that they'll come to the Plaza District to get the small town kind of feel for Oklahoma City," said Kristen Vails, Plaza District associate executive director.

Every second Friday of the month, there's an event called Live in the Plaza where local artists showcase their talents, and plenty of activities for the entire family. Learn more about the Plaza District and events in the area.