Tulsa Housing Authority secures $36 million for new downtown apartments

The Tulsa Housing Authority (THA) is moving forward with a major downtown housing development aimed at expanding access to affordable living options in the city’s core.

Backed by $36 million in funding, The Hilltop will feature 106 new apartment units and be located just north of downtown Tulsa, on the site of the former Sunset Plaza Apartments. The project is expected to break ground in September.

A Plan to Expand Affordable Housing

The Hilltop is part of THA’s long-term efforts to address housing affordability in Tulsa. Of the 106 multifamily units planned, 20 will be reserved for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Those units will be supported through funds from the City of Tulsa’s COVID-19 relief tax.

The remaining costs will be covered by a mix of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, philanthropic donations and THA’s own investment.

A Strategic Location

The development site, located just north of downtown, previously housed the Sunset Plaza Apartments — a complex demolished due to disrepair. THA leaders say the new project will help provide more affordable options for people working in the city center.

“People who work downtown and keep our city’s epicenter running deserve an affordable home near where they work,” said Aaron Darden, president and CEO of THA. “The Hilltop will bring much-needed affordable housing to the downtown area and continue our work of creating a better Tulsa.”

A History of Investment

Since 2017, THA has built 641 new housing units, preserved 1,259 units through renovations and invested more than $477 million in housing development citywide.

What’s Next

Construction on The Hilltop is set to begin in September. City officials and housing advocates hope the project will not only increase affordable housing stock but also revitalize a key corridor north of downtown.