PR: Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation to Celebrate Beautification Project, Mother Road Market's Fifth Anniversary and More
** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE **
Media Contacts:
Carly Fussell: 918. 845.7623 // carly@lobecktaylor.org
Katy Hall: 918.813.1111 // katy@lobecktaylor.org
LOBECK TAYLOR FAMILY FOUNDATION TO CELEBRATE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT, MOTHER ROAD MARKET’S FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AND MORE
Bringing home the title of Best Food Hall, a beautification project highlighting the Tulsa Market District and a mayoral proclamation of Mother Road Market weekend
Tulsa, OK – November 3, 2023 – On November 2, 2018, Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation (LTFF) opened the doors to Mother Road Market (MRM), Oklahoma’s first and only nonprofit food hall focused on providing a space to do good, eat well and shop local. Since then, LTFF has operated MRM as a community space energizing Route 66’s Tulsa Market District to become an inclusive district of local businesses.
In the last five years, MRM has welcomed over 2.4 million guests through its doors, hosted more than 250 pop up food and retail businesses from more than 20 countries and generated over $26 million in sales tax revenue. This success supported Mother Road Market in its nomination and title of 2023 Best Food Hall by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation’s impact doesn’t stop there and MRM’s success has served as a catalyst in developing a hub for local makers, known as Tulsa Market District (TMD). In 2021, LTFF broke ground on a $7 million tax increment financed streetscape improvement project in TMD. This project, in partnership with the City of Tulsa, focuses on beautifying the area, increasing safety and encouraging walkability with 31,000 square feet of added sidewalk space and ADA ramps, the addition of 70 streetlights, 77 trees and elements featuring Route 66 neon to create unifying district branding. Now, with the trees planted, neon lights on and the road open, Tulsans and travelers can see the investment come to life.
“We are incredibly excited to build upon the success of Mother Road Market as we work to create an inclusive destination district,” said Elizabeth Frame Ellison, Chair of the Board for Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation. “As Tulsa, the Capital of Route 66, is preparing for the Centennial in 2026, the collective impact of recent investments ensures that Tulsa Market District is a supportive community district. Its revitalization is ready to harness the enterprising energy of Route 66 and welcome fanatics of the Mother Road, whether they’re Tulsans or international travelers.”
Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation will host a press conference on Friday, November 3rd at 9 am on the Tulsa Market District plaza, located on the southwest corner of 11th & Lewis to showcase the brand new beautification project. In addition, Tulsa Mayor GT Bynum will be proclaiming the first weekend in November, Mother Road Market weekend.
ABOUT LTFF: Founded in 1997 by Bill Lobeck and Kathy Taylor and supported by Chair of the Board, Elizabeth Frame Ellison, the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation (LTFF) is a second generation investment, dedicated to making Tulsa an innovative, collaborative and thriving city by decreasing barriers associated with Tulsans achieving their goals. LTFF also acts as a grantmaker, innovator and convener. LTFF supports the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems in Tulsa through its owned-and operated programs including Kitchen 66, Mother Road Market and Shops at Mother Road Market, as well as through grants to organizations. LTFF is also committed to creating an equitable destination district along Tulsa’s stretch of Route 66 called the Tulsa Market District. For more information about LTFF, visit www.lobecktaylor.org.
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