From the PLANiTULSA "Our Vision" chapter on Housing
http://www.planitulsa.org/vision/planchapters/housingHousing
Based on the forecast used for the PLANiTULSA process, the demand for single-family homes will continue as the strongest housing type, with about 31,000 new units needed. Demand for multi-family units, such as apartments and condos, will be about 13,000 units. About 4,000 units of townhomes will be needed.
A newcomer to Tulsa in the future will have a wide range of housing choices, from beautiful early 20th century homes, to classic suburban neighborhoods. Most of Tulsa’s housing stock will consist up of single-family homes in neighborhoods, but will include a broader range of apartments and condominiums in downtown, along corridors, and in new neighborhoods and centers. Young families will be able to find townhomes and traditional detached homes in new neighborhoods, all within walking distance of schools and parks. Empty nesters, looking to downsize to smaller, more manageable homes, will also have many options.
How We Get There
Tulsa should take several key steps to create this variety of housing options:
Promote Balanced Housing Types and Affordability
The city should encourage constructing a variety of housing types and costs for both renters and owners. These housing types will include some similar to those already developed in Tulsa, such as single-family homes or apartments, but also some that will be relatively new for Tulsa, such as mixed-use residential or urban townhomes. The growing number of smaller households, such as empty nesters and young single people, means there will be more demand for one-bedroom homes, studios, and downtown apartments. Energy efficiency will be at a premium, and most new buildings will be designed to require much less intensive heating and cooling equipment than today.
Preserve Tulsa’s Existing Housing
The largest stock of Tulsa’s housing was built over the 20th century, long before the PLANiTULSA process began. Established neighborhoods, beloved by Tulsans, have provided a strong foundation for a thriving city. Some areas have suffered from decline or neglect, though, and the City will work to revitalize those neighborhoods. Currently, the City has a large supply of existing homes affordable at the low and very low income levels. Areas such as North Tulsa will benefit from reconstruction, rehabilitation, and weatherization programs. The City needs a special team to streamline the design and permitting process, and identify matching funds from weatherization and energy efficiency programs to assist in paying for upgrades through low-interest loans or grants.
Facilitate Urban Living Downtown
Tulsa’s downtown provides the best opportunity to provide new urban homes to those Tulsans, including transplants, who will seek city-style living. The PLANiTULSA workshops found that nearly one in five Tulsans, including young people, empty-nesters, and retirees, want to live in a pedestrian-friendly downtown close to work, shops and nightlife. Tulsa’s large supply of under used historic office buildings is uniquely suited for reuse as flats and condominiums. Downtown’s many surface parking lots can be converted to mixed-use residential and office buildings, with expanded underground parking facilities shared by commuters and residents. Downtown Tulsa, while not everyone’s preference, will be a more lively and animated place at all hours of the day, thanks to the many people who will live here.
Prioritize Transit-Oriented Development on Key Corridors
For those who want to have easy access to transit but don’t necessarily want to live downtown, Tulsa should embrace transit-oriented development (TOD) along key bus, light rail, and streetcar corridors. TODs include a balance of housing and other uses around key transit areas. These developments are more compact than typical single-family neighborhoods and provide homes in mixed-use buildings, multi-family buildings and townhomes. They are designed to blend in with neighborhoods that surround them, and provide them with shopping, services and other amenities within walking distance.
Promote Housing for Tulsa’s Students
One of Tulsa’s major priorities will be to partner with higher education institutions to attract and retain students. Our premier colleges and universities can work with the city to find ways to develop quality, affordable student housing. These will be primarily rental apartments, flats and dormitory houses located on or near campuses. Campus villages with restaurants, cafes, and entertainment will provide fun places to meet friends or go out for a night on the town. School, home, and nearby shopping, services, restaurants, and other campus amenities will be accessible by transit, bike or foot. Direct access to downtown’s employers will be available via transit, so students can easily get to on-the-job training or internship programs.
