Populous Named as Master Architect for Oklahoma City’s New Sports-Anchored Entertainment District

Echo Investment Capital (Echo), Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE) and Robinson Park announced the selection of Populous as the master architect for the forthcoming sports-anchored entertainment district in downtown Oklahoma City. This transformative project, led by Echo with RWE and Robinson Park as key development partners, will create a vibrant, connected destination anchored by the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium.  

Populous was previously appointed as principal architect for the stadium, which will serve as the centerpiece of the new district. Now, Populous will lead the design of this integrated urban district, drawing on an extensive portfolio that includes London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Park.  

NBA superstar and Echo Investment partner Russell Westbrook will serve as the project’s creative director. Westbrook starred for the Oklahoma City Thunder for more than a decade and has transcended sports to become a leading voice for creative empowerment and innovative approaches to community-building.  

“We’re not just building a sports-anchored entertainment district — we’re reimagining how a city comes together,” said Westbrook, investor, entrepreneur and founder of RWE. “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. 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.”  

The district is envisioned as a dynamic hub, seamlessly integrating retail, dining, public spaces and the new MAPS 4 Stadium. Located on the former Producers Co-Op site just north of the Oklahoma River, it is uniquely positioned to unite Oklahoma City’s most vibrant destinations — Bricktown, the OKANA Resort, the Boathouse District, and Scissortail Park — transforming a historically underutilized site into a seamless, walkable neighborhood that stitches the city together through commerce, sports, culture and community.  

Christian Kanady, founding partner and CEO, Echo Investment Capital, says:

Populous brings world-renowned expertise and a deep understanding of how to design spaces that anchor community and catalyze growth. This is more than a development — it’s a centerpiece for civic life, built to inspire pride, connection and opportunity for generations to come.

Mark Beffort, CEO of Robinson Park, says:

Selecting Populous as master architect is a big step toward bringing to life our vision for the district. Their experience in designing world-class venues will help make this district a standout destination for Oklahoma City, and we’re excited to partner with Echo and RWE to bring this vision forward.

Phil Kolbo, principal at Populous and principal in charge for the project, says:

This project is about shaping a destination — a place where community, commerce and culture mix in meaningful ways. Supported by the vibrancy of a purpose-driven stadium, this project reflects the vision and aspirations of Echo Investment Capital, RWE and Oklahoma City’s civic leadership. Populous is proud to help bring it to life.