American architecture studio Populous has been named the primary architect of a plan to redevelop a portion of Oklahoma City into an entertainment district, with former NBA player Russell Westbrook serving as creative director.

Populous is set to design a master plan and central stadium for the district, while Echo Investment Capital (Echo) will act as developers alongside Robinson Park and Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE).

Populous is set to design an entertainment district in Oklahoma City. Top photo by Justin Miers

A graphic shows the district covering a swath of land adjacent to the Bricktown District and a future development that will host two Olympic sports in the city during the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. A new stadium to be designed by Populous will the centre point of the entertainment district. Currently referred to as the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium, it is part of the larger MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) development initiative by the city.

“This project is about shaping a destination – a place where community, commerce and culture mix in meaningful ways,” said Populous principal Phil Kolbo.

Professional basketball player Russell Westbrook will be the creative director of the endeavour

Former Oklahoma City Thunder player Russell Westbrook was named as creative director for the project, as the former National Basketball Association (NBA) player has “transcended sports to become a leading voice for creative empowerment” following forays into fashion and design, according to the developers.

“I’m personally bringing everything I’ve seen and experienced around the world – design, culture, energy – to help create something that’s never been done before in OKC,” said Westbrook.

“I’m proud to be part of a vision that’s not just about buildings, but about belonging – a place where people from every neighborhood feel seen, connected, and inspired.”

In the adjacent Bricktown district, developers have been planning to build America’s tallest building inside an entertainment complex, set to begin in the coming years. We recently detailed everything you need to know about what may be America’s tallest skyscraper, called Legends Tower.

Elsewhere, Populous is revamping Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium at Lake Como and working on a stadium in Saudi Arabia for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, where a migrant worker recently died during construction.

The images are courtesy of Russell Westbrook Enterprises 

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