Developer has loft-y aspirations for First Street

By Lisa Stringer    
Wednesday, 21 March 2007 
It’s a first for First Street – the first downtown housing project to use Vision 2025 funds is officially under construction. 

Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor and Blue Dome District developer Michael Sager held a “floor-breaking” event at the site on Wednesday, March 21, as they presented floor plans and concept drawings of their “vision” for affordable downtown housing.  The $3 million project will be funded in part through a $1.3 million interest-free loan provided by Vision 2025. 

“The revitalization of downtown is a priority for many Tulsans, and creating affordable housing for ‘bicycle-in-the-hallway’ urban dwellers is one way to help bring people back downtown,” said Taylor.  “Projects like this also help preserve history while adapting structures for contemporary uses.”

The First Street Lofts, 310 East First Street, will offer 14 single-floor and five multi-level loft units, ranging from 650 to 2,000 square feet.  Residents will enjoy on-site parking and the use of a rooftop deck.  A neighborhood grocery and deli/coffeeshop is planned for the ground floor.  Additional bicycle racks and visitor parking will also be available.

“This is really the crown jewel of our adaptive re-use efforts in the Blue Dome District,” said Sager.  “We’ve always been involved in creating new opportunities in that area.”

Architects for the First Street Lofts are Miles and Associates.  A new stair and elevator structure will be included in the first phase of development.  The project is expected to be tenant-ready in early 2008.

The project is housed in the historic Jacobs Hotel Building, built in 1916.  Though the upper floors have been vacant for nearly half a century, the ground floor has housed several restaurants and clubs in recent years. 

Edit Note:
Tulsa Today publisher David Arnett already lives downtown – and loves it.  But he says, “We have not yet reached the critical mass to be the dynamic neighborhood we will one day become.  It will be great to have more neighbors.”  See Arnett’s, "Downtown Living - a walking report” for more.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 21 March 2007 )