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TDA approves Kendall Whittier public art installation; fabrication to begin Nov. 1
Summary
Tulsa Development Authority approved a public art installation proposed by Kendall Whittier Main Street to occupy two TDA-owned parcels near First and Lewis. The chosen installation by artist Chris Wallard has a fabrication budget of about $73,000, must be completed by Dec. 31 and grant funds must be spent by Jan. 16, 2026.
Jamie (project manager for Scraps Designs, speaking for Kendall Whittier Main Street) presented a proposed public art installation for two TDA-owned parcels just south of the library near First and Lewis and asked the Tulsa Development Authority to approve the final design and site plan.
The board voted to approve the installation as presented. The selected work, by artist Chris Wallard, is modular and roughly 10 by 11 feet in its current configuration, with an approximately 7-foot-high pedestrian opening. Projected fabrication start is Nov. 1 with installation complete by Dec. 31; the Main Street incentive program funds used for the art must be spent by Jan. 16, 2026.
Jamie said the fabrication budget for the sculpture itself is about $73,000 (excluding project management, survey and legal fees) and that all manufacturing will be completed in Tulsa by local fabricators. The project also includes wrapped traffic-control boxes, pole banners and other district signage supported by local matching funds, Councilor Velas’ community development funds and the Lesher Family Foundation.
Jamie described site considerations discussed with city staff, including underground utilities that complicate foundation placement. She said the sculpture’s modular design would allow individual foundations and flexible placement. Kendall Whittier Main Street has already undertaken a land survey and will coordinate with city development services and other agencies on permitting. If placed centrally, the installation could require a small lot-line adjustment.
Jamie said the group is mindful of existing loitering and visibility issues at the site, and that project funding includes modest investments in trash cans and related site activation measures. She also said the adjoining eye doctor’s office had not expressed enthusiasm for locating components on the southern portion of the site, so the project team plans to be respectful of that neighbor’s concerns.
TDA commissioners praised the design and approved the installation; the motion passed without recorded dissent. Next steps include final engineering drawings, foundation permitting with city development services, fabrication starting in November and installation by year-end, subject to permitting and utility constraints.
