Developer planning to refurbish historical North Tulsa hospital

A new multimillion dollar development is on its way to North Tulsa.

A developer from Tulsa, Michael Smith, has submitted a project to redo the old Morton Hospital located off of Greenwood and Pine.

"That site has a long significant history," said Dwain Midget, the director of community development and transportation.

Midget even has some personal history with the site as well. He was born at the hospital in 1954 when hospitals were still segregated.

"Because we've lost so many significant structures in the African American community, preserving this particular cite is a priority," said Midget.

Midget said Smith is considering a multi-use facility that will have apartments, office space and shops. The total cost could be anywhere from $18 to $21 million. The city has $350,000 to clean up the site to make it eligible for a historic tax credit.

"The hard work is just beginning," said Midget.

If all the plans are approved, Midget said the new development could be finished by summer of 2017.