Archive for the ‘Tulsa Neighborhoods’ Category

With malice toward none, with charity for all. Abe Lincoln resides in midtown Tulsa.

I thought it appropriate to share this on election day. This wood-carved statue of Abe Lincoln is in our neighbor’s front yard in the Buena Vista subdivision of midtown Tulsa.

“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”

The excerpt of the Second Inaugural Address chosen for the stump is written above and included in the photo below.

Abraham Lincoln

Second Inaugural Address

Saturday, March 4, 1865

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate – Lori Cain

North Maple Ridge in Midtown Tulsa

Yesterday my husband and I were walking precincts in North Maple Ridge in Midtown Tulsa for a candidate for our upcoming state house election. It’s slightly east of our home in Buena Visa, so it was nice to knock on doors and say hello to some neighbors.

North Maple Ridge is Tulsa’s first to be listed in the Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory and was placed on the National Register in 1983. Boundaries the Inner Dispersal Loop (IDL) to the north; Hazel Boulevard to the south; Peoria Avenue to the east and the Midland Valley Railroad right-of-way to the west.

North Maple Ridge in Midtown Tulsa

Architecture found in Maple Ridge includes Century Revivals, Prairie School, and Bungalow/craftsman, but primarily comprised of large two-story brick and clapboarded mansions. Pictured above is the entrance to North Maple Ridge from 15th Street, commonly referred to as Cherry Street, and pictured below is the entrance to Maple Park.

It’s great to walk in midtown Tulsa, because we actually have sidewalks in front of our homes and huge, mature trees to offer shade in the July heat.

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate – Lori Cain

Walkability Score – what is it and why it’s important to Midtown Tulsa real estate

People are looking for alternatives to driving, whether it be for environmental, financial or health reasons – or a combination of each. People truly do want to walk to the grocery, a restaurant, the park or a library.

As defined by Wikipedia, “Walkability is a measure of how friendly an area is to walking. Walkability has many health, environmental, and economic benefits.” 

Walkable neighborhoods strengthen our community in that residents tend to meet and associate with their neighbors. Not only does that make living in your neighborhood more pleasant, it includes an obvious deterrent to crime.

Walking is good for our health. Studies show that the average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs less than one living in a sprawling neighborhood.

Walkability Score – what is it and why it’s important to Midtown Tulsa real estate

What makes a neighborhood walkable? [Source: WalkScore.com]

• A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a center, whether it’s a main street or a public space.
• People: Enough people for businesses to flourish and for public transit to run frequently.
• Mixed income, mixed use: Affordable housing located near businesses.
• Parks and public space: Plenty of public places to gather and play.
• Pedestrian design: Buildings are close to the street, parking lots are relegated to the back.
• Schools and workplaces: Close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
• Complete streets: Streets designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit.

Midtown Tulsa is a very walkable area. We are blessed with mature trees and sidewalks, parks every few blocks, hiking, running and cycling trails along the River Parks, and more. Plus, we can walk to restaurants and groceries, farmer’s markets and drug stores. Midtown Tulsa is the best corner of Tulsa!

So how walkable is your neighborhood? Go to this “walk score” web site, enter your address and find out! Tulsa is becoming a more ‘walkable’ city and we invite those considering a move to Tulsa to walk around with us!!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036. 

Crosbie Heights Block Party/Potluck/Fundraiser, June 13, 2010 – upcoming urban living west of downtown Tulsa

There is an awesome neighborhood slightly west of downtown Tulsa called Crosbie Heights – filled with neighborhood and community spirit. This is the second block party my husband and I have attended there, and it’s hard to describe the atmosphere and relationship among the neighbors.

What had become a somewhat dilapidated neighborhood is in a full rejuvenation mode with homeowners rehabilitating homes one by one. The neighborhood association is very active and has a web site and regular meetings.

In May 2008, Scott Smith opened a neighborhood grocery and coffee shop called the Blue Jackalope where folks can walk to purchase eggs and milk or enjoy a cup of coffee.

In 2009, the neighbors began a community garden.

In Crosbie Heights, there is a magical feel of people coming together to discover the spirit of community and creativity. It’s people and pet friendly.

At the block party today, we took a pasta salad and enjoyed side dishes from the other neighbors. Five bucks bought you smoked ribs, chicken, sausage and bologna cooked by a neighborhood expert.

Crosbie Heights Block Party/Potluck/Fundraiser, June 13, 2010 – upcoming urban living west of downtown Tulsa

Throughout the day, neighbors visited and snacked. Someone made a make-shift water fountain out of a hose and trash can under which the hot children could cool off.

People arrived by car, bicycle and by foot. In between the scheduled bands, individual musicians walked around playing their acoustical guitars.

My favorite spot is the community garden and I took a photo of the mission statement prominently displayed on cardboard on the picket fence surrounding the garden.

It says, “To educate through demonstration sustainable practices. Agriculture in service of humanity and the earth. And to grow food for the community!”

There were activities for the kids and it all works on the honor system. Crosbie Heights is an exemplary example of grassroots neighborhood organizing at its finest – although they may take exception to being described as organized.

Crosbie Heights is home to the Blue Jackalope, a neighborhood grocery and coffee shop, Newblock Sculpture Park, Joe Station Bark Park and the Cave House. They also welcome local community gardeners to sell their fresh produce!

If you haven’t visited Crosbie Heights, try to attend their next block party or drop by the Blue Jackalope and meet some neighbors!

Lori is a residential Realtor serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

Swan Lake Market Report Snapshot June 7, 2010, Midtown Tulsa Real Estate

Currently there are six properties listed in the Swan Lake neighborhood in midtown Tulsa and two properties pending. Of the seven properties closed between April 1, 2010 and May 31, 2010, all were built prior to 1930, with the exception of one built in 1984.

Average price of the homes currently listed is $294,066 with the highest listing priced at $438,000. Average price of the homes sold is $168,900, with the highest priced closing at $300,000. One townhouse sold in the subdivision for $115,500.

Swan Lake Market Report Snapshot June 7, 2010, Midtown Tulsa Real Estate

The Swan Lake subdivision dates back to 1910 with residential construction through 1930 and some commercial construction through 1935. Its boundaries to the north are 15th Street, south 21st Street, west Peoria Avenue and east Utica Avenue.

Of course the subdivision is well-known for its beautiful city-owned park, Swan Lake, where adults and children alike enjoy visiting the beautiful swans.

Swan Lake has an active neighborhood association and is one of the five midtown Tulsa neighborhoods to have historic preservation zoning.

Within walking distance of Swan Lake neighborhood is midtown Tulsa is St. John’s Medical Hospital, Woodward Park and Utica Square Shopping Centre. It’s an awesome place to live in midtown Tulsa!

Lori is a residential Realtor serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

Creek Nation Council Oak Park, 1750 South Cheyenne Avenue, Tulsa Oklahoma, midtown Tulsa

An integral part of Tulsa’s history in midtown Tulsa is the Council Oaks Tree at 18th and Cheyenne in the Buena Vista subdivision.

The Creek Council tree, a mature post oak, marks the traditional “ceremonial ground” chosen in 1836 by the Creek Indians. In 1834, they had begun their involuntary migration from the southeast under the control of the U.S. government. In this spot, the Creek Indians kindled a ceremonial fire using live coals they had carried from their homeland over a “trail of tears. ” Of the 630 that began the trip, 161 died.

This great Burr Oak tree became the site for Tulsa’s first town hall, first conference room, first church and first court of law. This revered tree still lives and remains a symbol of our early settlers’ strong spirit.

Recently, the Tulsa Parks Department erected this metal flame to honor the cerimonial fire on this ceremonial ground. Below is the story inscribed in brass plaques surrounding the flame:

By 1834, our forefathers were forced to walk to the Indian Territory (Oklahoma) on what is known today as the Trail of Tears from our ancestral tribal lands in the southeastern United States. However, our Mvskoke leaders ensured that our traditional legacy was continued and protected here.

The sacred fires are built with logs pointing to the east, west, north and south; the four cardinal directions. This is the basis of many traditional Mvskoke concepts. The earliest Mvskoke teachings instruct that our sacred fires are to burn eternally. If extinguished, the Mvskoke will perish.

During the rituals, dances and prayers, the smoke rises from the sacred fires and it fades into the skies. The smoke carries the messages of the Mvskoke people to the Creator. These ceremonies are not primarily for personal benefit, but rather the benefit of the entire community or nation.

Fire is a revered element of many sacred rituals of the Mvskoke (Muscogee Creek People). The sacred fire represents the divine masculine of the “Epofvnkv” (the Creator) to which all things are connected.

Assimilation into the dominant societ, U.S. Government policies, and the loss of elders knowing the old ways contributed to the extinction of many tribal towns. Of the 44 original tribal towns removed, only a few Mvskoke and Euchee tribal grounds actively continue with ancient ceremonies. These remaining ceremonial grounds keep our sacred fires “alive” to this day.

Each year at Council Oak we celebrate the historic meeting held here after the United States Goverment removal, to re-establish our tribal government.

We remember the struggles and celebrate the successes of our Nation. We honor those tribal towns and all Mvskoke men and women who perpetuate the traditional ways and keep the ceremonial fires burning.

The traditions of the ceremonial grounds by Mvskoke men and women will insure that the next generations will know our ancient customs and lifestyles. Our language, traditions and culture have survived many destructive events. However, the Mvskoke have many reasons to celebrate.

The sacred fires were integral to the religious, political and social systems long before the first European contact. The ashes of our ceremonial fires from each of the tribal towns were carried over the long march to be rekindled here.

Creek Nation Council Oak Park, 1750 South Cheyenne Avenue, Tulsa Oklahoma, midtown Tulsa

Today, commemorative tribal ceremonies are held each year. This park is protected by Historic Preservation zoning and is listed in the National Register of Historic Place.

This park is less than two blocks from Demetrius’ and my home, and I am always very humbled when I drive by this beautiful monument to the heritage of the Creek Nation.

Lori is a residential Realtor serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

Historic White City in midtown Tulsa

The White City Historic District is located four miles east of Tulsa’s Central Business District and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 14, 2001.

The area is known for two main architectural styles: Tudor Revival and Minimal Traditional style. Tudor revival homes are generally constructed of brick, have a steep pitched roof with a façade dominated by one or more cross gables. Garages are typically detached from the home and possess a similar style.

The Minimal Traditional style was built following the Tudor revival homes and were simplified by a low or intermediate pitched roof and minimal decorative detailing. Other styles present in the White City Historic District include Modern Movement, Ranch, Colonial Revival, Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival and Bungalow/Craftsman.

Historic White City in midtown Tulsa

White City in midtown Tulsa was originally a dairy farm built by Pennsylvania native, Glenn Braden and it was so named because of the color of the buildings and silos built there. After Braden’s death, his children closed the dairy, platted the land and began selling lots. Targeted at Tulsa’s middle class, the White City addition offered modern suburban acreage.

A focus of the neighborhood is Braden Park, which has been there since the origin of the division.

Covering almost ten acres, Braden Park’s main feature is a large pond with a cement walk, fountain in the center, three fountains and ducks. Fishing is permitted. There is a large water playground and swings – much for the kids to do. Included are tennis courts, a shelter, picnic tables and restrooms.

Market snapshot of White City in midtown Tulsa real estate – March 25, 2010

There are currently eight homes for sale in White City, two under contract, and eight properties have sold in the last six months. The average size home is 1400 square feet and average sales price per square foot is $80+ depending on level of upgrades.

If you are searching for a home for sale in White City in midtown Tulsa or have a home to sell in White City, please call me!

Lori is a residential Realtor serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

Homes for Sale in Florence Park – midtown Tulsa real estate update

There are currently thirteen homes for sale in Florence Park, ranging in price from $119,900 to $295,000 with an average price of $197,000 and average size of 1,671 square feet. Seven homes are under contract and two have closed since the first of the year.

Actually the average size home in Florence Park is 1400-1600 square feet, but in recent years, home owners have expanded their home size by building up or back. Typical lot size is 50-feet wide and 130-feet deep.

Updated homes in the mid-size range are selling for an average of $130/square foot, depending on the level of updates, whether or not the utility is inside the home or in the basement and whether there is a 1-car or 2-car garage.

Florence Park is one of the nicer, yet still affordable historic midtown subdivisions in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Within Florence Park are some of the most beautiful bungalows – architectural wonders, sidewalks, parks and manicured lawns.

Florence Park has always been a special and revered neighborhood within our midtown Tulsa community. The architecture of homes built in the 1920s through mid 1930s is varied and unique – ranging from English style bungalows to adobes to traditional brick. No two homes look the same and you’ll find welcoming side-walks and beautiful old trees.

Within Florence Park are two actual parks. Pratt Park is on the 1600 block of Florence Avenue, and that’s where the Florence Park Neighborhood Association typically has its seasonal get-togethers. There are grills, picnic tables, drinking fountains and play equipment for the kiddos.

Homes for Sale in Florence Park – midtown Tulsa real estate update

The second park, actually named “Florence Park” borders 21st Street between Gary Avenue and Florence Place. It has a water fountain for the kids to enjoy during the hot summer, jungle gym equipment, picnic tables and a tennis court.

Florence Park has an active Neighborhood Association with voluntary dues among residents. Officers and committees meet regularly and general meetings are held on a quarterly basis. Topics discussed include neighborhood safety, park maintenance, tree restoration and historical preservation. A quarterly newsletter is provided.

Florence Park boundaries are from the Broken Arrow expressway (west) to Harvard (east); Cherry Street (or 15th Street, north) to 21st Street (south). Just five blocks south of the University of Tulsa, Florence Park is minutes away from Utica Square Shopping Centre and the hub of popular restaurants on Cherry Street.

Florence Park is truly a tight-knit community within our midtown Tulsa community. We visit as we garden and manicure our lawns and as we walk our dogs along our sidewalks. We watch each other’s homes and know when something or someone is out of place in the neighborhood. It’s a great place to live!

If you are searching for a home for sale in Florence Park or have a home to sell in Florence Park, please call me!

Lori is a residential Realtor serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

PlaniTulsa and Preserve Midtown: working to keep charm and integrity in midtown Tulsa real estate and neighborhoods

Wednesday March 10, 2010 is the Last Chance for Your Voice to be Heard in Support of PlaniTulsa!

Please take a few moments to go to www.PlaniTulsa.org and read the comments blog. Individuals are asking that language protecting our established neighborhoods be removed from the final document. From the very beginning, citizens clearly indicated they want stable neighborhoods.

Go to YouTube and watch the PreserveMidtown video to see why it is important that we stabilize our neighborhoods.

If you support PlaniTulsa as written and want the new comprehensive plan to include language that protects your neighborhood, please go to www.PlaniTulsa.org and leave your opinion or attend the last citizen’s meeting on Wednesday, March 10th at 1:30 p.m. and speak directly to the Planning Commission.

PlaniTulsa and Preserve Midtown: working to keep charm and integrity in midtown Tulsa real estate and neighborhoods

Information courtesty of Preserve Midtown: PreserveMidtown is a grassroots, non-partisan, volunteer community based organization founded in May, 2007.

• We are a resource for resident property owners concerned about neighborhood issues.
• We believe in balanced and compatible residential land use planning.
• We care about growth management including protecting the environment.
• We are concerned about traffic, utility infrastructures and escalationg costs of housing for all Tulsans.
• We support neighborhood-friendly development.

PreserveMidtown Mission: To provide information and advocacy for resident property owners concerning issues affecting their property, neighborhoods and the city of Tulsa.

Preserve Midtown Tulsa Real Estate – build homes that fit the neighborhood!

Lori is a residential Realtor serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

This Florence Park bungalow for sale has possibly the highest pitch roof in the neighborhood. Cozy covered porch invites you right in! Offered at $167,900.

The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into this beautiful bungalow is the stunning vaulted ceiling in the great room. You can fit one tall Christmas tree in this room! The beautiful stone on the art deco fireplace will capture your attention along with the recently finished hardwoods original to the house and the detailed crown molding throughout.

To the right of the great room is a second living area or office with four windows providing much natural light.

The formal dining room is separated from the Great Room and kitchen area by arched doorways and is accented with beautiful crown molding.

The kitchen includes an adjacent breakfast nook with bay windows. The kitchen/nook area has ceramic tile flooring and counter tops are an attractive black granite.

Kitchen cabinets are maple and stainless steel range/oven, vent hood and sink are new. The inside utility is conveniently located off the kitchen area.

The center bedroom is large enough for a queen-size bed, and back bedroom has TWO closets and private entry to back patio. Hardwoods throughout, new light fixtures and ceiling fans throughout.

Yard is fully fenced. Full size two-car detached garage has additional storage in back, and there is also a storage shed in corner of lot. Trees were all recently trimmed by local arborist, Greg Cole. New roof 2010.

• Completely updated 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 2 car detached garage, storage shed
• Fenced back yard
• Refinished Hardwoods throughout (done by Gil DeLozier)
• Fresh paint throughout (Jane Halliwell, Prime Painting & Restoration)
• Trees trimmed (by Tulsa arborist, Greg Cole)
• Crown molding, arched doorways
• Vinyl, energy-efficient, tilt windows throughout
• Tile in kitchen and breakfast nook area with bay windows; original tile in bath
• Inside utility
• 2 living areas – one with vaulted ceiling
• Art Deco Fireplace w/gas logs
• Kitchen – maple cabinets, granite counters, new SS appliances
• All new light fixtures and ceiling fans throughout
• New door knobs and door handles throughout (except for original glass ones)
• New hot water heater (2009)
• New insulated exterior metal doors
• New programmable thermostat
• New roof on home and detached garage
• Patio for entertaining; covered front porch
• Brick, English style bungalow

Visit here to see more photos and a virtual tour of this Florence Park bungalow for sale.

Now that you’ve seen this great home, let me tell you a bit about the area and neighborhood!

Florence Park is one of the nicer, yet still affordable historic midtown subdivisions in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Within Florence Park are some of the most beautiful bungalows – architectural wonders, sidewalks, parks and manicured lawns.

Florence Park has always been a special and revered neighborhood within our midtown Tulsa community. The architecture of homes built in the 1920s through mid 1930s is varied and unique – ranging from English style bungalows to adobes to traditional brick. No two homes look the same and you’ll find welcoming side-walks and beautiful old trees.

Within Florence Park are two actual parks. Pratt Park is on the 1600 block of Florence Avenue, and that’s where the Florence Park Neighborhood Association typically has its seasonal get-togethers. There are grills, picnic tables, drinking fountains and play equipment for the kiddos.

The second park, actually named “Florence Park” borders 21st Street between Gary Avenue and Florence Place. It has a water fountain for the kids to enjoy during the hot summer, jungle gym equipment, picnic tables and a tennis court.

Florence Park has an active Neighborhood Association with voluntary dues among residents. Officers and committees meet regularly and general meetings are held on a quarterly basis. Topics discussed include neighborhood safety, park maintenance, tree restoration and historical preservation. A quarterly newsletter is provided.

Florence Park boundaries are from the Broken Arrow expressway (west) to Harvard (east); Cherry Street (or 15th Street, north) to 21st Street (south). Just five blocks south of the University of Tulsa, Florence Park is minutes away from Utica Square Shopping Centre and the hub of popular restaurants on Cherry Street.

Florence Park is truly a tight-knit community within our midtown Tulsa community. We visit as we garden and manicure our lawns and as we walk our dogs. We watch each other’s homes and know when something or someone is out of place in the neighborhood.

It’s a great place to live!

Lori is a residential Realtor serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.