Summer will sail this evening for Jessica Judd Barr.
As property manager of Utica Square, the fabled shopping center at 21st Street and Utica Avenue, Barr handles leasing, plus event coordinating - including the final Summer's Fifth Night concert 7-9 p.m. Thursday featuring popular jazz saxophonist Grady Nichols.
After that, it's all about autumn.
"Everything is abuzz in Utica Square in the fall," said Barr, who's been with the Square's parent company, Helmerich & Payne, for nearly eight years.
Other events she's in charge of include Spring in the Square, Lights On and Art in the Square, which will showcase more than 100 artists scattered about the shopping center 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 5.
Barr also oversees the Square's advertising, marketing, and managing of maintenance, security crews and landscape, which looks fabulous any time of year - including Barr's favorite season.
"The weather is beautiful, the stores are busy, the restaurant patios are packed," she said. "And it all leads up to the holidays, when everything is magical."
What are you ...
... hoping to see happen in Tulsa within the next year?
I am really excited about the evolving retail industry in Tulsa. It's been fun to see new stores pop up - not only in Utica Square but downtown, Cherry Street, Brookside and out south. Tulsa's finally gaining some of the national retailers we deserve, and a lot of our local stores are really impressive.
... cooking for dinner this weekend?
I have been making a lot of Ree Drummond's recipes lately. My current favorite is Penne Alla Betsy (Betsy is her daughter's name, by the way). It's sautéed shrimp in a garlic tomato sauce over pasta. Delish!
... reading lately?
Just finished "Mudbound" by Hilary Jordan. Getting ready to start "Where'd You Go, Bernadette" by Maria Semple - recommended by a friend.
... listening to on your iPod?
My iPod is completely random: old-school Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake, Blake Shelton, Jackopierce - remember them?
... convinced that no one knows about you?
Before I moved back to Tulsa eight years ago, I was an Emmy Award-winning soap opera producer in New York and L.A.
... anxious to wear this fall?
Boots, boots, boots!
... eating for lunch during the work week?
When I entertain for work, I switch between Wild Fork and Stonehorse Café - my two favorite restaurants in Tulsa. When I need a quick lunch at my desk, it's either Queenie's or Sushi Alley.
... usually doing with your family on weekends?
My husband and I have a 20-month-old baby girl. She is such a joy and so much fun. She definitely keeps us busy.
Jason Ashley Wright 918-581-8484
jason.wright@tulsaworld.com
Original Print Headline: What are you ... ? with Jessica Judd Barr, Utica Square property manager
