An exterior view of the Building # 1 store block includes Clark-Darland Hardware and Walgreen Drug. In the background are buildings comprising the St. John Medical Center.
Photo courtesy of Beryl Ford Collection, Rotary Club of Tulsa, Tulsa City-County Library and Tulsa Historical Society

A greenspace, known as The Gardens, was -and is- at the center of the shopping complex. Over the years, UTICA SQARE has become renowned for its meticulously-maintained landscaping.

Photo courtesy of Beryl Ford Collection, Rotary Club of Tulsa, Tulsa City-County Library and Tulsa Historical Society

"T-Town's" first post war shopping center was built in its southeastern hinterlands. The first phase of UTICA SQUARE (in black) was completed in May 1952. Subsequent building phases are depicted in shades of gray. In 1952, the cluster mall had covered approximately 319,000 leasable square feet and housed forty-two stores and services. Free parking was provided for 1,200 autos.