Back in the early 1920’s, the area known today in Oklahoma City as Automobile Alley was a car lover’s mecca, with more than 50 car dealerships, spanning roughly 20 square blocks north of downtown OKC, along N. Broadway Ave. It was a place lined with fancy showrooms and bright neon lights advertising the various car dealerships and their products. Iconic brands such as Buick, Packard, Ford, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Pontiac, and many others were sold up and down N. Broadway through the decades.
Eventually, as many residents began to migrate to the suburbs, especially during the 1970s and early 80s, many of those same car dealerships began to follow suit, leaving the area decimated and lacking any economic vitality. Beginning in the 1990s, however, a resurgence started to take shape as real estate developers and entrepreneurs realized what great potential the area still possessed. Before long, many of the old buildings that once served as car dealerships or showrooms that were vacant and dilapidated were now getting transformed and repurposed into various one-of-a kind restaurants, unique retail shops, office spaces, residential properties, cultural attractions and more. As a result of those revitalization efforts, Automobile Alley is now enjoying a resurgence and is a featured destination for locals and out-of-towners alike. It is even listed on the National Register of Historic Neighborhoods.
Although there are no longer any car dealerships remaining in Automobile Alley – the last one moved out in 2018 when the Mercedes-Benz dealership relocated – you can still experience a glimpse of what it may have been like in those early days with bright, vintage neon signs scattered around the neighborhood. The signs light up the night sky with names like Buick and Packard prominently displayed. To many visitors, those neon signs have served as beacons, welcoming them to the area.
There are so many quirky and distinctive attractions, eateries and shops littered throughout Automobile Alley. One would be hard pressed to find a more diverse area in the city that features such a mixed bag of vintage, modern and upscale styles. If quirky is your thing, then you might want to check out Factory Obscura. This immersive art experience for people of all ages awakens the senses and stimulates the soul, mind, and body. But if you desire a more traditional art experience, take a stroll over to Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, where creativity is ignited through the many free exhibitions, live performances and various programming offerings, and all housed in their new 56,000-square-foot building designed by Rand Elliott Architects.
While you are out exploring the many wonderful retail shops in Automobile Alley, which may include places like SHOP GOOD, PLENTY Mercantile and Siempre Viva, and your tummy tells you it is time to feed it, there are lots of nearby dining options available. You might want to visit eateries such as Nashbird, Hideaway Pizza or Packard’s New American Kitchen. For a more upscale experience, try Red PrimeSteak or Broadway 10 Bar & Chop House.
Automobile Alley is especially festive during the Christmas season as many of the merchants up and down Broadway Ave. decorate their storefronts with dazzling lights and window displays as part of the annual Lights on Broadway event. Visitors will enjoy many family friendly activities on the sidewalk that include live music, outdoor holiday movies, balloon art, free horse-drawn carriage rides and, of course, a visit from Santa.
Whatever your tastes are in art, clothing, food or nightlife, historic Automobile Alley is an ideal place for you, your friends, and your family to unwind and enjoy. Learn more about Automobile Alley and its many businesses and attractions by visiting automobilealley.org or visitokc.com.
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