Comments on: The Downtown Housing Problem

By: Kris Bryant

Kris Bryant — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:59:53 +0000

Park Harvey, Deep Deuce, and The Garage are the most affordable spaces downtown, but those are for rent. My hope is that downtown OKC evolves into a more ecclectic demographic mix beyond just yuppity, gentrified urbanites. The most pressing need for downtown is critical mass…which will not be achieved under the current umbrella of downtown housing options.

By: Michael H

Michael H — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:00:01 +0000

I think your post illustrates a really valid point, Steve – the vision of a fully actualized downtown core is going to take a very, very long time. I would have considered buying downtown at one point had there been anything on the menu other than the Nichols Hills price points. As it stands now, I’m looking to shave a little time off my commute by placing my house in Norman up on the market and then renting something downtown for a while – after that, I’m not too sure.

Personally, I think the city is getting ahead of itself with the core to shore plans. The city needs more in migration from surrounding areas and other states, and I don’t think there are enough people firing up the U-Hauls to get the loftier development goals off the drawing board. For the next five to seven years, going smaller might pay bigger long term dividends by focusing resources on the areas already on the map like Deep Deuce, Bricktown, and tying it all in to Automobile Alley and mid town with some kind of sensible and reliable mass transit. Once the school of rock gets up and running, and the economy picks up a little more steam – then, and only then take the next bigger steps when the demographics are favorable.

Given more time, perhaps Oklahoma as a whole will also be more culturally ready for a truly urban OKC. There are many, many people who want a welcoming city for everyone, but there are also still those who scare away the younger urban crowd with their efforts to legislate morality and who wish to tell people how they should live. Those who are extending the welcome mat have an uphill battle against those who have a narrower vision – and, yes, those things do make a difference too when people are deciding what place they want to call home.

By: Kodiak

Kodiak — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:10:54 +0000

I agree with Holley. In the mist of Bricktown and Downtown trying to emerge you will continue to see businesses leave the area. The demographic that is going to support this area and the entertainment that it provides can not afford to live there and it’s too risky to enjoy the night life when you live just 10-15 miles away. There is still no commuter system in place to help this situation and the realtors continue to think that their retail spaces are worth way more than any new business is willing to risk. It’s a road to nowhere and therefore the Bricktown and Downtown that every young professional would like to enjoy can’t happen. Businesses will continue to leave based on not affording rent and the community will continue to take the blame for not supporting a business that the main demographic has no incentive to support. The ones with influence need to figure out that we are not NY, not Dallas, and not Chicago…just yet (Casey Cornett has a great vision basedon his blog yesterday but we’re fighting ourselves to make it a reality). It’s achievable but let’s try and build to that instead of running every business out of town over night by jacking up rent everytime a lease expires (refer to Steve’s list of businesses that are no longer there), building expensive housing, and over priced entertainment that the targeted demographic can’t support. Go talk to any business owner in Bricktown (minus a few) and they will tell you that they are fighting to keep their head above water just waiting for the city to follow-through with it’s promise to bring the young professional to the area that will in turn make life easier for everyone.

By: Casey Cornett

Casey Cornett — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:38:43 +0000

When I told my Realtor that right now downtown was no longer an option for me because of the high prices offered I got the response of, “Sure, go outside downtown and you can get more bang for your buck.” I think I was misunderstood…I’m not looking for *more bang for my buck* I’m just looking for the physical chance to get in, and that can’t happen right now.

I do think “The Leslie” is slated to have six $99,000 units on the bottom floor with grand $250,000 condos on both floors above it. I don’t think they’ve issued a correct start time yet. Still don’t know what to think about it but it’s at least a start in the right direction.

By: Holley

Holley — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:17:45 +0000

I would LOVE to live downtown and give up my 32 mile RT suburban commute. However, I’m just not willing to pay
$150,000 for a 700 sq ft. closet.

It would be nice if they would build some housing that
young professionals who make a decent salary could afford.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:42:52 +0000

I understand what Brett was saying, but I think he was comparing apples to oranges. The residential dynamic of urban areas cannot be equated and managed in the mindset of the traditional suburban neighborhood.

By: Steven

Steven — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:39:34 +0000

Agreed. I think Urban Renewal should put the Overholser Green and other vacant or delayed properties up for rebid and should focus more on the mixed-use proposals that have some lower priced housing mixed in. Having a $400,000 luxury condo next door to a $150 flat is not the same as having a $400,000 palace in suburbia, next to a $100,000 fixer upper.