Comments on: Downtown Tulsa Urban Lofts

By: Tory Lightfoot

Tory Lightfoot — Sun, 31 May 2009 17:47:15 +0000

The problem I have with the new construction is that these modern structures do not fit in with the existing neighborhood building style. There has been no attempt to maintain visual unity in these newly-re-built neighborhoods, and consequently, the modern buildings stand out like a sore thumb. Part of what makes a neighborhood great and desirable is having block after block of cohesive, uniform style. I’m not opposed to modern living space, but in most cases, the modern, clean, straight line features should be limited to the interior of the structure, for the sake of neighborhood cohesiveness.

By: Downtown Houston Apartments

Downtown Houston Apartments — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:35:35 +0000

As holidays approach, families focus on getting together to spend quality time. For this reason renting an apartment is best choice as it gives you enough space to your family. An apartment fits very well in your pocket because it is cheaper than hotel rooms.

By: Kat

Kat — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:03:32 +0000

Frankly, the lovely 1920’s bungalows that is so lovingly referred to as being ripped down, were beyond disrepair. These had from the very worst, wood rot that would have required a full exterior remodel, to houses that were literally falling down. Tulsa soil sturcuture, water issues, and termites cause these beautiful bungalows and four squares a lot of damage if they aren’t cared for properly. The cheryy street area so close to the highway was not poshy thirty years ago, and the effects of that were these beign cheap enough for these builders to aquire bull doze and rebuild.

The buildings that were slapped up in their place look very nice and modern, but it is a definite shock to the senses from the midtown 20’s to 40’s classic that everyone expects Tulsa to be. Cheap Building materials are awful to use, but these homes sell for a hefty price tag. That price tag will keep them up, repaired, growing at full speed, and they meet a large need in Tulsa for the trendy urban go getters.

These homes aren’t for our neveaux rich. There are plenty of McMansions with faux stone veneer exteriors and 6,000 square feet of glorious cheaply built construction so that there is more bang for the buck. They range from Victoria-esque, Baroque-esque, and Modern-esque. I add the esque because the original styles dictate a large amount of natural elements, hand craftsmenship, and quality.

Foam Stucco isn’t new and it isn’t as cheap as it sounds, this product is a strong insulater and promotes less energy use, and less reinforced building materials as it is lighter and easier to apply.

As for them lasting it is merely an issue of we will see. This is what really surprises me, the ability of both sides of this issue to be so short sited. One day these will fall to disrepair it could be another 50 years or 20 years, but both sides will be right. Just one is waiting to be right. There are still plenty of beautiful classic homes in midtown, and there are even some awesome ranch style homes.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 04:40:01 +0000

The modern style is just not really all that well represented when it comes to Tulsa. A lack of opportunity in our city is the main reason for that. Young professionals just do not want to live here, and the result is an environment that is pseudo modern, but is actually cheap and nuveaux riche.

By: JH

JH — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:45:30 +0000

Before you go and insult someone you don’t know, read the post and know that this discussion is about METRO DEVELOPMENT GROUP specifically, and realize that we not “lumping all of these developments into one group”.
As far as being misguided, again, you should know something about the people you are talking about. I was involved in some of these projects and know for a FACT the kinds of practices and methods that were involved in these were not what they should have been and have been done almost as cheaply as possible.
Enjoy your residence, I hope Metro didn’t build it.

By: Tulsa Cherry Street Loft Scene | ModernTulsa | Tulsa Architecture

Tulsa Cherry Street Loft Scene | ModernTulsa | Tulsa Architecture — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:28:33 +0000

[...] Downtown Tulsa Urban Lofts [...]

By: RC

RC — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:00:00 +0000

You’re lumping all of these developments into one group – and that is very poor in judgement. I can attest to the quality of at least ONE of the developments. I know for a fact it is built of lumber so sturdy it nearly takes a jackhammer to even apply screws into the studs to hang curtain rods. When a local electronics company came to hang a flat screen they commented on how sound the walls were.

The exteriors made of stucco have been extremely conservative in climate control.

Design preference – that is absolutley subjective. Quality of materials – speaking first hand you all are either (a) looking at cheaper homes than what I am aware of OR (b) misguided.

By: JH

JH — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:03:13 +0000

I am afraid that I can not disagree with the building techniques. I think there is too much “value engineering” in their building process.
That being said, I will say that the properties that they purchase and tear down, NONE of them are worth looking at to being with. They only purchase older homes that have gone into such a state of disrepair by the owners and tenants that don’t care for them, that they are better off torn down. That I am sure of because those are the only one’s that they will pay for.
I will also agree with JBR, cheap building materials can be found anywhere in this town on new construction. I am afraid that if you are not in the construction industry, then it’s harder to realize that.
I think Metro is making an effort, but how well that effort is being executed, that’s subjectable to opinion.

By: Justin Towe

Justin Towe — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 02:46:12 +0000

This is a crying shame to the Tulsa historic cherry street area. I am 28 years old and once enjoyed walking and looking at the historic american craftsmanship of these homes. Now all I see is cookie cutter “modern lofts” . I laugh when I pass by a newly constructed home by Metro Development with an inverted roof. I can’t wait to see what an Oklahoma winter with a heavy snowfall will do to such a roof! I see a cheap chain hanging from the center of the front porch to insure proper drainage, which was once a home from the 1920’s era. Hmmm…. I wonder if they had to use chains in the the 20’s to drain water from the roof? My hunch is no. I said once before that I loved the area, and now its a cryin shame. If you are wanting to improve the area for future generations, then why not purchase the properties across the Broken Arrow Expressway north from the Cherry Street Area? The property would be much less expensive and much more in need of upgrading the area and the architecture. The reason the Cherry Street Retail area exists now is because of the historical district and those who have purchased historical properties in this area. I recently lived in the Cherry Street area between 15th Street and the Broken Arrow Expressway, and moved because of the objectionable “modern” construction was proliferating. I have recently purchased an historic home in the Owen Park area. I certianly hope that the Metro Development organization does not set their sites on the Owen Park area. My recently purchased home will be one home that will not be for sale to those looking for a “quick buck” without thought to the history or need of the community.

By: JRB

JRB — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:17:39 +0000

Cheap materials being used in houses today?!? You’ve got to be kidding!

Take a drive around Jinx or Genepool sometime and you’ll find the same thing. Just a lot more styrofoam textured to look like stucco. But that’s okay because they look “classy.”

Maybe all these modern lofts need are some plastic lightning rods on the roof or fake dormers? Or hang a doily on a mailbox?