Steel Going Up at Downtown Complex
By BOB LEWIS
Contributing Editor
Cowen Construction now has steel coming out of the ground on the largest private development in Rose District history – a mixed-use complex that will have retail and offices on the first floor and at least 90 residential units on floors two through four. Construction is expected to take a year or more to complete.
City officials say the $18 million project could well be a magnet attracting new businesses that will stretch the award-winning downtown redevelopment program by as much as a half-mile to the north.
In announcing plans for the undertaking, a Cowen spokesman said timing for it is about perfect because most properties in downtown are currently leased and the demand for more retail space and this type of housing is steadily growing.
To launch the venture the city paid $600,000 for the former Assembly of God building in the 300 block of North Main Street and demolished it to make room for development opportunities. It is using Vision 2025 surplus funds to provide $1.5 million in streetscape improvements and $150,000 for utility relocation.
The Rose District is already one of eastern Oklahoma’s biggest success stories. In addition to bringing the core downtown area back to life, it was cited as a major contributor in the two national “Most Livable City” awards the community won last year.
