TULSA, Okla. –
The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture has new leadership and a renewed push to spotlight the city’s historic spaces.
Malinda Blank, who previously served as the organization’s archivist, is now the nonprofit’s executive director. In her first six months on the job, she has shifted from preserving Tulsa’s architectural past to promoting it across the community.
From archivist to executive director
Blank said her time overseeing the foundation’s archival collection gave her a broad understanding of Tulsa’s architectural diversity.
“Tulsa’s most known for our Art Deco scene, but we really have a diverse collection of buildings and styles here,” she said. “Everything from mid century modern to the more modern brutalism, everything’s included in our collection.”
She said that behind the scenes knowledge helps guide her new role leading programming, outreach and preservation efforts.
Continuing popular tunnel tours
One of the foundation’s most popular offerings, the downtown Tulsa tunnel tours, will continue under Blank’s leadership.
The Feb. 21 tours are already sold out. Tickets for the Aug. 8 tours are on sale now.
Blank encouraged people to plan ahead.
“Get your tickets now. Don’t wait ’cause they always sell out,” she said.
New social media series highlights ‘architectural treasures’
The foundation is also expanding its digital presence with a new social media campaign called Tulsa’s Architectural Treasures. The videos are posted on Facebook under Tulsa Foundation for Architecture and on Instagram at Tulsa.architecture.
The series features short videos highlighting notable downtown buildings.
The first video focused on the Pythian Building and its unique Art Deco design. The second highlighted preservation efforts at the Mayo Hotel. A new installment featuring the downtown Central Library launched this week.
Blank said one of her favorite upcoming episodes will spotlight the Spotlight Theater on Riverside Drive, home to the long running production “The Drunkard and the Olio.”
Looking ahead
As executive director, Blank said she plans to continue blending preservation with public engagement, encouraging residents to explore and appreciate the city’s architectural history.
Through tours, digital storytelling and community programming, the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture aims to make Tulsa’s buildings more accessible and meaningful to the public.