From new locations to hybrid operations, life after The Boxyard looks different for nearly every business that once called the shipping container plaza in the Blue Dome District home.
Author Archives: Ismael Lele
Ismael Lele is the business reporter at The Oklahoma Eagle. He is a Report for America corps member. Ismael has been reporting since he was in high school, where he channeled his interest for writing into the school newspaper. While at the University of Oklahoma, he wrote for the OU Daily as a sports and city reporter and, finally, as a news editor. Ismael found his passion for community journalism while attending city council meetings in Norman. He went on to spend a summer in Phoenix, Arizona as a Carnegie Knight News 21 fellow and researched the state of American democracy. Before joining The Oklahoma Eagle, he interned at The Tulsa World. Now, his reporting highlights Tulsa’s Black community and the north Tulsa area.
Posted inBusiness
Tulsa’s ties to AI boom grow with arrival of new manufacturing facility
City and state officials welcomed Crusoe’s new AI manufacturing facility near the airport Monday. The company plans to add more jobs to its 300-person workforce.
Posted inGovernment
Tulsa is halfway to its goal of housing 1,300 homeless by the end of 2026
The city’s Safe Move Tulsa coalition has housed more than 650 people and closed another two encampments. Advocates say this isn’t “mission accomplished.”
Posted inBusiness
Tulsa ports employment bouncing back as Inola, Catoosa anticipate new investments
Tulsa Ports says employment is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels ahead of new investments, including the controversial Inola smelter proposal.
Posted inBusiness
Greenwood’s historic buildings to get $650K upgrade thanks to federal grant
It’s the fourth time the National Park Service has given Greenwood funds to restore commercial buildings on Black Wall Street. Leaders say they need more dollars.
Posted inBusiness
Oasis planned to open a downtown grocery store in June. Tariffs and delays keep pushing it back.
Oasis Fresh Market had its eyes on a June opening date. That goal has moved back to mid-September due to tariffs, building codes and shipping obstacles.
Posted inFood
Step Up to The Grill delivers fierce barbecue competition on Black Wall Street
The competition started with nine participants. At the 2026 edition on Labor Day Weekend, 21 grill masters will compete to take home the title of best barbecue.
Posted inFood
Take 2 Café celebrates 10 years with new location and bigger space in downtown Tulsa
The café, which will soon open inside the Palace Building, employs formerly incarcerated women and offers housing, addiction treatment and therapy.
Posted inBusiness
After a year-long learning curve, Greenwood seeks to improve free Tulsa concert series in 2027
Historic Greenwood was one of 66 organizations nationwide awarded a three-year grant to put on free outdoor concerts. Officials say they’re still making progress.
Posted inGovernment
Anthony Archie wins District 2 race to represent west Tulsa for a second term
The first-term councilor defeated Aaron Bisogno for a second time. Archie’s main priorities are revitalizing the 61st and Peoria area and Riverwood.
Posted inNorth Tulsa
Grocery stores. Third spaces. Code enforcement. Here’s what Tulsans say District 1 needs.
Ahead of the Aug. 25 election, current and former Tulsa City Council District 1 residents laid out what they think the district needs from its next representative.
Posted inBusiness
AI is changing how Tulsa businesses advertise. Local designers aren’t giving up.
Tulsa businesses are increasingly turning to AI to create social media ads and more. Customers are noticing, as are the designers who are losing out on paid work.