Downtown Tulsa moving forward with more apartments

TULSA - Tulsa city councilors unanimously approved to support a $750,000 tax credit application for new downtown apartments.

The project is said to be a more affordable price range for people looking to work and live within the Inner Dispersal Loop.

"I've been here since about May 30th," said Jason Halter, which is when he said he started his job at a printing and sign company in downtown.

Right now he drives in from the Jenks/Glenpool area.

He'd like to move closer to work, but Halter says the area can get pricey.

"Much higher than than I want, than what I can afford," said Halter.

George Louthan has called the Tribune Lofts home for a little more than two years.  He's about to start a new job a couple of blocks away, bringing the live, work and play mentality full circle.

"It's great. That's one of the reason's I'm here," he said.

But Louthan recognizes the need for lower rental prices.

Developers of the new Brady Flats are hoping to fill that gap.

The 40 units going in at Archer and Boston will range from about about $500 to $1,100 a month.

Louthan will be able to see the work across the street from his apartment window.

"It's going to be nice to see something that young professionals can move into and that's not going to break the bank. It's going to be the kind of people who really want to live down here."

City Economic Development Director Clay Byrd told 2NEWS a 2009 study found a major demand for housing in and around the downtown area.

It called more than 1,600 new rental properties and more than 2,100 for sale.

The growth needs to be seen over a 10-year period.

Byrd said residents can expect big changes sooner than that, "I think in five years you won't recognize downtown."