Public-Private partnership plans multi-million dollar development in north Tulsa

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The City of Tulsa is investing in north Tulsa, with plans to support urban developers in a vast, 22-acre mixed development area at 36th St. North and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The city recently passed a $16 million Tax Increment Finance District in order to support economic and financial development in the north Tulsa area. The money is part of a $75 million total investment in the project. 

Building up the long-neglected part of the city is part of a plan from real estate developer Alfresco Group LLC, who plans to install at least one hotel along with two mixed-use buildings in the area.

According to Antoine Harris, of the Alfresco Group, “Once we see we are equal and realize we are equal, we can do what has been done through the city. It is done by us, but for the city of Tulsa.”

City of Tulsa to support project

The Tulsa City Council approved the financial support for the development, with encouragement from Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum. “Throughout my time as Mayor, the City has worked to incentivize investment into North Tulsa and this project from Alfresco Group has the potential to be transformational for a part of our city that was overlooked for far too long,” he said in a statement.

“I am thankful we have a local developer, in Antoine Harris and his team, with the vision and commitment to make this project happen. We at the City of Tulsa are excited to be their partner and look forward to seeing this development move forward.”

The project expects to break ground in September, and is being overseen by the Tulsa Authority for Economic Development. The tax money will be reinvested in the project as it comes to fruition. 

North Tulsa is seeing a reemergence as investors seek ways to support the north Tulsa community. Oasis Fresh Market recently opened, thanks to the grit and determination of Tulsa City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper (District 1) along with other community supporters, reducing North Tulsa’s food desert status that lasted for over a decade.