Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Highway Removal

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 USA

Wednesday’s Headlines Are on the Cutting Edge

Mr. Duffy goes to Washington to talk about ending spending for "green" and "equity" programs.

April 2, 2025

State DOTs Aren’t Stacking Up On Sustainability and Equity

Vermont is the best state DOT — but advocates say it, and every other state, needs to do better.

April 2, 2025

Virginia Lawmakers Approve Speed-Limiting Devices for Worst Speeders

A Virginia law allowing judges to mandate speed limiters in dangerous drivers’ vehicles could spark similar legislation regulating excessive speeding in other states.

April 1, 2025

‘The Carnage is Intolerable’: Rep. Jamie Raskin on Why Bike Safety is Becoming Bipartisan

"We need to reject any insinuation that it's not a national priority to make local roads safer."

April 1, 2025
See all posts