Tulsa Lofts
It seem the fad in Tulsa real estate these days is to revive downtown. I have heard a lot of commercial and downtown Realtors say that in order for businesses to move back into downtown, their first has to be a presence of residents. Currently everything downtown is 9-5, Monday-Friday, its pretty much dead and almost scary on the weekends. I can say this because I worked downtown for a couple of years and occasionally I had to work on the weekends and I found myself a lone a lot of the time. It’s really strange because even the restaurants are closed. The main reason their is no life in downtown Tulsa is because there are hardly any residents. I have written before that the new BOK Center and baseball field is a start, but how do they make it more attractive for people to live in a “scary place”.
The answer is lofts my friends, developers from all over Oklahoma and vast parts of the nation have bought up old downtown buildings and started restoring the upper levels to loft apartments. I believe that this is the best way for Tulsa to attract its residents back into downtown. These lofts are designed with the single, business class, or young couple in mind. These lofts have a very modern feel to them with exposed brick walls and modern appliances, these homes will surely bring residents, which in turn will bring more businesses.
One of the first downtown buildings to offer lofts was the Phil Tower. I officed out of this building for awhile and after talking to the manager, I was informed that there was a waiting list and a fairly popular 90’s band lived in the lofts (I won’t mention their name for safety sake, yeah their that big, lol I even saw them on the elevator now and then). If someone is looking to get into a loft and be a part of the downtown movement this is a good time because these lofts aren’t too bad in price. At the time the single loft apartment was starting around 1200 a month, but this includes all utilities, Internet, and parking. In the very near future there will be lofts available all over downtown and in every price range, typically they only go up to two bedroom. I have access to show the available lofts, so if you are interested in downtown living, feel free to contact me at 918.530.7740.
October 5th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
I feel like this is a trend increasing all over the country. In Houston, downtown had become a little sketchy, and was really only utilized by businesses and theaters. Then, several years ago, it underwent a transformation and they started building new lofts and apartments, and it became a really hip part of town again. Right now, where I am in Austin, downtown has become the prime spot to live — it was originally just for business, but now condos, lofts, and apartments are shooting up like weeds all over downtown. Sort of like the opposite of urban sprawl I guess! Downtown living is extremely expensive, though — at least in Austin.
October 11th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Yeah it is a trend that has not hit many cities yet. What I like about it is that it reduces sprawl and allows us to live more efficiently
October 13th, 2008 at 4:24 am
That sounds like a very common problem. Living in the metro or downtown is always more expensive and goes through cycles of popularity. It even happens here in India. Real estate in India is similar to that of the U.S. in that the closer you are to everything the more expensive it gets. Hope things turn around for ya in Tulsa.
October 19th, 2008 at 10:40 am
It is still having lot of demanding now? Don’t think so as the economy is heading to south.
The price may going to down real soon. Maybe by then can think of buying some cheap one.
http://mideastproperty.blogspot.com
October 20th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Grew up in Tulsa and noticed that as well. Moved to Portland 10 years ago and was surprised to see an active lively downtown at night.
Bricktown in OKC is a good model to follow.
October 21st, 2008 at 3:24 am
I have to agree with you there , the focus in Tulsa does seem to be on the downtown, but for how long I wonder?
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:19 pm
They have started to do this in downtown Phoenix as well. I love the concept and it’s really fun to see the finished product on projects like these. How are sales doing on these lofts in Austin?
October 31st, 2008 at 3:40 pm
It always goes in cycles. Rarely is an area the hip place to living forever. There’s always something new.
November 14th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
A few years back downtown Fort Worth went through the same transformation. Now it is amazing all the condos and lofts that are being added in downtown. Downtown Fort Worth is the happening place to be!