Empty street in a small town with buildings, parked cars, and a clear sky.

Restoration

Honoring the Past. Building the Future.

Restoration in downtown Okemah is about preserving history while creating opportunity. Instead of tearing down what once was, Main Street Okemah supports restoring existing structures — keeping the character, stories, and craftsmanship of the past alive while giving buildings a new purpose.

Each restored space represents intentional investment, respect for heritage, and belief in Okemah’s future.

Papa’s BBQ is a powerful example of adaptive reuse through restoration. Once a vacant gas station, the building was restored and repurposed into a thriving local restaurant. Rather than replacing the structure, its transformation preserved its footprint while giving it entirely new life.

Impact:

  • Revitalized a long-vacant property

  • Preserved an existing structure through reuse

  • Created jobs and a destination business

A small brick building with signage that reads 'Papa's Barbecue' and large windows, situated next to a parking lot and a black awning at a gas station, under a clear blue sky.
A cozy restaurant interior with a long wooden table set for dining, surrounded by wooden chairs. Overhead, vintage-style Edison light bulbs hang from the ceiling. Large windows on the right let in natural light, and there are condiment bottles on the

The Mosaic Grind

The Mosaic Grind operates out of a restored downtown building that once sat underutilized. Through renovation and intentional design, the space was transformed into a welcoming coffee shop and community hub while maintaining the charm of the original structure.

Impact:

  • Adaptive reuse of an existing building

  • Created a vibrant gathering space

  • Preserved downtown character while supporting modern use

A construction worker with a beard and hat bricklaying on a partially restored stone wall. Various tools and materials are scattered on the ground.
An outdoor patio with tables and chairs, hanging string lights, potted plants, a large screen showing a football game, and brick and stucco walls.
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Exterior of Mosaic Grind Coffee shop with black and white facade, sign reading 'Coffee, Eats, Events, Stay', white benches outside, and a cloudy sky above.

Legacy Urban Heights Building

The Legacy Urban Heights building is a strong example of how restoration can transform a neglected structure into a functional, revitalized space. Through careful improvements and reinvestment, the building now contributes to downtown activity while maintaining its historic integrity.

Impact:

  • Preserved a historic structure

  • Returned a vacant or underused building to active use

  • Encouraged long-term downtown investment

A brick building with black metal siding on the lower half, three small windows, and a door decorated with a holiday wreath. The building is under a cloudy sky.
A brick building with a mix of wood and metal exterior, three cars parked in front, and a cloudy sky overhead.