A long-vacant structure along Tulsa’s iconic Route 66 is set for a major transformation. The historic Hawk Dairy building at 11th Street and Lewis Avenue will soon become a vibrant hotel and event destination, thanks to a $17.5 million redevelopment led by Varia Hospitality Group.
A Vision for the Future
Despite its current state—with boarded-up windows and graffiti-covered walls—the Hawk Dairy building has long held the interest of developers and locals alike. Kim Honea, a partner with Varia Hospitality Group, sees this project as an opportunity to build on the area’s recent growth.
“The developments in this area have been such a huge deal in the last five to 10 years,” Honea said. “Now, just to see what can happen to this building and the next 10 to 15 years for Route 66 in this market district is just super exciting.”
A Multi-Use Destination
The new development will feature a 100-room hotel, complete with a pool, courtyard, rooftop bar, and restaurant. While the hotel rooms will be housed in a new structure, the original Hawk Dairy building will serve other key functions.
“This building itself will not house hotel rooms,” Honea said. “It’ll have the restaurant and food and beverage section. The second floor will have a 36,000-square-foot event center and three small meeting rooms that all connect together.”
Funding and Preservation
The project will benefit from historic tax credits, but the crucial piece of funding came from a $1.5 million Route 66 grant provided by the City of Tulsa through the Vision 2025 program…