Originally an industrial and warehouse district, Bricktown has undergone a renaissance over the last few decades and is now a prospering neighborhood in Oklahoma City. It was redeveloped in the 1990s and currently features an array of activities and cultural attractions designed to entice visitors to this section of the city.
Part of Bricktown and neighboring Deep Deuce became the heart of Oklahoma City’s black community in the early 20th century, housing the offices of the Black Dispatch newspaper, while Deep Deuce became a hotbed of jazz culture in the 1920s and 1930s. The Great Depression pushed residents to Eastside Oklahoma City, beginning Bricktown’s decline. Following decades of suburbanization, economic shifts and disinvestment, Bricktown was largely empty by the 1980s when developers began purchasing property in the neighborhood.
Bricktown began to develop a dining and nightlife scene by the early 1990s when Oklahoma City’s transformative MAPS program was first proposed. Included among MAPS projects were the Bricktown Canal and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, both of which boosted economic activity in the neighborhood. The Paycom Center and a renovated convention center, located in nearby Downtown, funneled additional visitor activity to Bricktown, contributing to the community’s growth.
David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City, explains, “Thirty years ago, Oklahoma City began investing in itself through a one-cent temporary sales tax known locally as the MAPS initiative. One of the early priorities of MAPS was to build up our downtown entertainment district, in an old warehouse district we dubbed Bricktown. MAPS built a canal and a baseball stadium in Bricktown, and those public amenities served as a catalyst for major private investment. Bricktown had a handful of restaurants before MAPS, and now it has ten hotels, dozens of restaurants, a movie theater, Bass Pro and numerous attractions. Bricktown is now the premier entertainment district in our region. This neighborhood has been forever changed thanks to vision and a willingness by the public to invest in ourselves.”
In 1993, amid economic challenges from an oil bust, the city’s government introduced the Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) proposal. Supported by both parties and funded through a voter-approved one-cent sales tax, this initiative set the city on a debt-free path to revitalization. Today, MAPS continues to drive OKC’s transformation, demonstrating the economic value of collaboration and shared vision for progress. MAPS helped spur the revitalization of Bricktown – funding the creation of the Bricktown Canal and 12,000-seat Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, home of the MiLB Oklahoma City Comets. Its impact expands well beyond Bricktown. Some additional examples include:
- The Paycom Center (originally built as the Ford Center), which attracted the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team;
- The Oklahoma River and RIVERSPORT Rapids, a certified canoe/kayak Olympic training site and will be staging the 2028 Olympics Canoe Slalom events
- Scissortail Park, Downtown OKC’s 70-acre urban oasis that hosts events, recreation and educational activities open to the public.
- Infrastructure and social service projects under MAPS 4, passed in 2019 and with projects currently underway including the OKC Innovation District, transit and street safety, youth centers and mental health treatment facilities.
Zac Craig, President of Visit Oklahoma City, says, “Bricktown was the first district to spark Oklahoma City’s reinvestment, and today it remains a driving force in our growth as a visitor destination. The Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark continues to be a beloved gathering place for families and fans, while the forthcoming Cloud Embrace sculpture will add a striking new landmark for both visitors and locals to enjoy. With concert venues, late-night spots and dining experiences, Bricktown showcases the energy and excitement that make it a must-see for anyone exploring OKC.”
Recent developments throughout Bricktown
- Boardwalk at Bricktown: This transformative mixed-use project led by developer Scot Matteson is underway. Phase 1 will deliver two 23-story residential towers, Ruby and Emerald, with 716 apartments (576 market-rate, 140 workforce), and a 22-story Dream Hotel by Hyatt with 480 rooms and 85 condos. The development also includes 200,000 square feet of restaurant and entertainment space and a central lagoon with a surrounding boardwalk. A future phase proposes Legends Tower, which at 1,907 feet would become the tallest building in the U.S., pending FAA approval before construction can begin.
- New Public Art Feature: Bricktown will soon add a major public art feature with Cloud Embrace, a 24-foot-tall, 40-foot-wide steel sculpture. Designed by Creative Machines, the piece will feature multicolored panels and LED lighting to create dynamic shadows and effects day and night. Funded through federal and foundation support, the installation is slated for completion in early 2026.
- Renaissance Hotel: This chic lifestyle hotel opened in 2022. It is the district’s first luxury, full-service hotel.
- Truck Yard: Along the canal in lower Bricktown is Truck Yard, an indoor/outdoor bar garden that opened in March 2025.
Mick Cornett, 37th Mayor of Oklahoma City, adds, “I’ve called Bricktown home for many years, and I love it as much as the day I moved in. What makes this neighborhood so special is the way it comes alive every day — whether it’s a concert, a ballgame or one of the many events that fill the streets with locals and visitors. I never run out of things to do. And with the new Cloud Embrace sculpture on the way, we’ll soon have another iconic gathering place that adds even more life to the district.”
A visitor’s guide to activities:
- Take a 40-minute ride on the Bricktown Water Taxi to see the canal, river-edge scenery and murals along the canal.
- Catch an OKC Comets game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
- Visit Brickopolis for miniature golf, laser tag, and arcade games — great for families.
- Shop for gifts and souvenirs at Painted Door Gift Boutique.
- Stay at one of the 17 walkable hotels in the district.
- Explore the American Banjo Museum.
Christy Gillenwater, President & CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, says, “Bricktown has been a catalyst for Oklahoma City, proving how investment within our districts fuels broader growth. The success of its restaurants, bars, hotels and attractions reflects the strength of our market and the momentum of our city. Bricktown’s continued evolution not only creates opportunities for local businesses but also strengthens Oklahoma City’s position as a dynamic city for visitors and locals.”