Vision Money Nets Downtown Lofts

The BOK Center may be the biggest Vision 2025 project in downtown Tulsa.  But, there are several smaller, residential projects that were kick-started with Vision money also.  The News On 6's Steve Berg reports one of them is well underway.

There are lots of lofts coming to downtown Tulsa.  The News On 6 took a look at the one that will be opening first, in just a few months.

Michael Sager bought his building 30 years ago with the idea of turning it into lofts.  It turns out, he was just a little ahead of his time.

"They've done it all over the United States and all over the world, and we're finally coming onboard here," said Michael Sager.

So it's only fitting that this will be the first of the downtown residential projects helped with Vision money to come to fruition.  The few that have happened already like the PhilTower are proving very popular.  Sager predicts the appetite for downtown living will only grow with the new arena and the change in driving habits.

"If we have a city worker or worker in the Williams Tower, they can walk to work.  That's pretty substantial today in the $4 gas," said Michael Sager.

Stunning skyline views don't hurt either.  And, Sager took the brick from enlarged openings and re-used it to make interior walls.

"We're doing over 2,000 linear feet of 8-foot high antique brick walls inside the unit," said Michael Sager.

Sager pointed out numerous locations within walking distance like the OSU-Tulsa campus, restaurants, and the new Tulsa City Hall.

"So we've teased the mayor.  We can see if she's in the office," said Michael Sager.  "We are not in an isolated pocket off somewhere, just doing a building.  We are truly in the hub of a district."

The rain has slowed them down, but once the roof is fully enclosed, things will move quickly.

"Late this fall we're going to have some units online," said Michael Sager.

Elsewhere, the renovation of the Mayo Hotel has also started.  And, this week, it's been announced there could be new construction of loft apartments.  As many as 40 units are planned on Elgin Street, between Archer and Brady.