The City of Tulsa is making moves to deliver on several affordable housing projects in the new year — and looking for developers to take the lead.
PartnerTulsa, the city’s economic arm, issued a request for proposals Tuesday for the purchase and development of three properties east of downtown owned by the Tulsa Development Authority:
- 721 / 727 S. Troost Ave. (15,500 square feet)
- Combined appraised value is $156,000.
- 1041 E. Archer St. (19,500 square feet – Archer East)
- Combined appraised value of all five parcels is $70,000.
- 1027 E. Archer St. (13,000 square feet – Archer West)
- Combined appraised value of the two parcels is $48,000.
This comes amid Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols’ goal to increase the city’s affordable housing stock by 6,000 units by 2028.
“Tulsa’s housing shortage didn’t happen overnight, and it won’t be solved by a single project – but this is exactly the kind of work that moves the needle,” said Gene Bulmash, the mayor’s senior housing advisor. “By putting underutilized public land back into productive use, we’re creating opportunities for more housing, stronger neighborhoods and real progress toward our housing goals.”
A virtual pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14 to review project goals, site details and submission requirements. Final proposals are due March 5.
Developers can register for the pre-proposal meeting by sending an email to rfp@partnertulsa.org by 5 p.m. Jan. 12.
‘An opportunity to help solve our housing crisis’
More housing and economic development is on the horizon for the historic Crutchfield neighborhood and the Pearl District, both sitting east of downtown.
Last year, the Tulsa City Council approved three tax increment financing districts in Crutchfield, the Pearl District and Southern Villa in south Tulsa. City leaders expect the Crutchfield TIF to create 625 new housing units and spur neighborhood preservation efforts, while the Pearl District TIF is estimated to create 320 new housing units and more parking.
District 1 Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper, who represents north Tulsa, praised the housing investment.
“Housing is essential for economic growth, strengthening communities and addressing the growing demand for affordable living options,” Hall-Harper said. “By investing in new housing projects, we not only promote home ownership but also stimulate long-term growth through improved infrastructure. Furthermore, embracing new housing development is crucial for building resilient and thriving communities.”
Laura Bellis, Tulsa’s District 4 city councilor, called the request for proposals “an opportunity to help solve our housing crisis.”
“The Pearl District, with its proximity to downtown and Route 66, is an optimal area for development — especially housing,” Bellis said. “This is an opportunity to help solve our housing crisis, leverage strategic urban planning, and build a walkable environment people can live, work and recreate within.”
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