First buildings go up for new 'River West' community in west Tulsa

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Apartments solely for low-income families are being reworked in west Tulsa.

Entire buildings are being leveled at Riverview Park as new units are being built across the street from River West Festival Park.

“Construction is phased out,” said Jeff Hall with the Tulsa Housing Authority. “We’ll actually have the first five buildings available for leasing starting in late January, early February. They’ll continue finishing construction on four to five buildings every few months.”

The Riverview Park and Brightwaters Apartments were created as a solution for low-income families when they were initially constructed.

Hall said now they’re reworking that model. The $200 million project is coming together one building at a time.

“It’s increasing density, but also reshuffling the income mix so really anyone, regardless of how much money you have in your pocket, can live in the neighborhood and enjoy it,” Hall said.

The area will now become "River West" with more amenities built nearby.

Hall said families who were relocated for construction have some spots reserved to move back in.

For the additional units, he said this will give people more housing options in west Tulsa.

“Not just cross the river from downtown because they want to go to an event,” Hall said. “They cross the river because they want to live there and enjoy the neighborhood, and the new park that’s coming.”

Hall said they’re still on track to bring new housing in 2021.

THA said people will start moving into the first five buildings, with more spots available as construction progresses.