Stalled midtown apartment complex gets second chance

TULSA - In a few weeks, work will begin on a luxury apartment complex in midtown Tulsa, four years after the developer put the plans on hold.

At the time, some neighbors opposed the project. Now, many residents have had a change of heart.

In a little more than a month, an empty lot in Brookside will be transformed.

Weeds and grass have taken over the five-acre plot of land near 41st Street and South Peoria Avenue. It used to be home to dozens of Tulsans.

"All of those slum apartments are down, and now it's a vacant field," said neighbor Don Horn.

Soon, it could be someone's home again.

"It's about time. It's better than an empty field," said Horn.

Developer John Gilbert with Bomasada Group out of Houston had plans ready to go for a few years.

"The first building will front 39th Street and go all the way down to Rockford," he said.

Gilbert says the economy slowed him down.

"We put the project on hold, and now, we feel is the time to get started," he said.

The Enclave at Brookside will include 240 high-end apartments with a pool, gym, club house and a parking garage.

"You know we're going to have nine foot ceilings, we're going to have islands in the kitchens, granite counter tops, high-end appliances," said Gilbert.

Gilbert says the apartments will wrap around the parking garage.

"So you will not be able to see the parking garage looking south," he said.

A few years ago, some neighbors were concerned the four-story complex would be overbearing.

"I can understand where some people say we might miss a sunset or two, I just don't think it's going to be quite the eyesore or distraction that some people think it will be," said neighbor Rhett Brooks.

But now most residents think it'll be a good addition to the neighborhood.
 
"I think it will probably be a good thing, they're going to bring in a nice clientele. I think the empty lot is kind of an eyesore," said Betty Stevenson.

Some say the new apartment complex could even raise property values.

"You hope for the best. But everything we've heard from them before is that the property will be pretty upscale," said Brooks.

Some neighbors worry more traffic could become an issue. Developers say the complex could be ready to go in about a year and a half.