Historic Blue Dome to Shine Again

The Blue Dome service station in downtown Tulsa.

The iconic Blue Dome building, one of Tulsa's most recognizable landmarks, will light up once again on Thursday, September 17th, at 8:00pm for the first time in decades, marking the completion of a restoration milestone and serving as a kickoff to Tulsa's annual 918 Day celebration.

Located at the SW corner of 2nd and Elgin in downtown Tulsa, the historic Blue Dome was constructed in 1925 along the original Route 66 as Tulsa’s first 24-hour gas station. A century later, the landmark is entering a new chapter as owners Chris and Jo Armstrong celebrate the completion of Phase I of an extensive restoration project. This phase included exterior brick and stone restoration, installation of new windows and doors, replacement of architectural copper elements, fresh paint on the Blue Dome itself, and a complete restoration and rewiring of the 48 lights that encircle the base of the domed roof.

“We are thrilled with the completion of the first phase of restoration at Tulsa’s historic Blue Dome building, and we hope the success of this project will encourage other businesses and property owners to take advantage of the Facade Matching Grant program,” said Greg Stone, chair of the Preservation & Design Committee with the Tulsa Route 66 Commission. “Not only does the program help preserve Tulsa’s history but also it encourages tourism and economic development that helps ensure our future.”

Thursday's event will feature the lighting of these lights for the first time since likely the 1950’s, returning a defining architectural feature to the building and bringing renewed energy to one of Tulsa's most beloved landmarks, as well as to the Blue Dome Entertainment District, which proudly carries its name.

"This lighting is more than the completion of a renovation project," said Jo Armstrong. "It is a celebration of Tulsa's history, the legacy of Route 66, and the community partnerships that help preserve these important places for future generations. We couldn’t be more excited!"

The event also serves as a kickoff to 918 Day festivities and commemorates the approaching 100th anniversary of Route 66. For more than a century, the Blue Dome has stood as a symbol of Tulsa's growth, resilience, and connection to America's most famous highway.

“Before Route 66 became a part of my life, I knew the Blue Dome,” said Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. “It was this quirky and cool spot downtown, and over the years I’ve learned that there’s truly no other building like it on Route 66. I’m so excited that this restoration work has taken place and the Dome gets to shine again as the famous highway enters its second century.”

Community members, preservation advocates, downtown business owners, Route 66 enthusiasts, and more are invited to gather at the Blue Dome at 7:30pm on Thursday, with the historic lighting taking place at 8:00pm. This community event will celebrate the continued revitalization of an iconic Tulsa landmark.

The Armstrongs extend their sincere appreciation to WWR Remodeling and architect Joel Slaughter, whose preservation experience includes the restoration of Tulsa's legendary Mayo Hotel. The Blue Dome project was supported by two preservation-focused grants: the Route 66 Façade Matching Grant Program through the City of Tulsa and the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund through the National Trust for Historic Preservation, both of which aid the preservation of historic Route 66 properties and strengthen Tulsa's connection to one of America's most celebrated highways.