By John Dobberstein, Editor
The Tulsa-based nonprofit Gatesway Foundation has announced plans to build 180 units of affordable housing in Broken Arrow in an integrated housing and mixed-use development.
The $48.5 million Villages at Rose Hill will span 41 acres and provide affordable housing for both the public and the intellectual and developmental disability community (I/DD). Construction is set to begin in January and may take 3 years to complete.
The project will be built on the foundation’s main campus in Broken Arrow on College Street, just east of Lynn Lane Road.
Greg Arend, CEO of the Gatesway Foundation, said in a statement the project will allow individuals Gatesway serves to build independence and fully participate in community life, “while also addressing the critical need for affordable housing in Broken Arrow.
“We’re committed to building meaningful community connections and fostering inclusive integration between neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals.”
The project will triple Gatesway’s capacity for I/DD housing while expanding affordable housing options for the broader community, the foundation says.
Depending on demand, Gatesway expects 20-50% of units will be reserved for I/DD housing, featuring accessible designs that accommodate a range of disabilities and access needs to promote independence and community inclusion. The remaining units will serve as workforce housing for middle-income workers such as teachers, healthcare staff and first responders who may be unable to afford market-rate housing.
The project was approved by the Broken Arrow City Council in January, and last month it was awarded $10 million in state and approximately $22 million in 4% federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits through the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency to fund the project.
In addition to the apartments, Gatesway says it plans to continue to develop the rest of its property through more housing and commercial developments.
Approximately 25 acres of the campus are being designated for mixed-use development, “designed to foster a vibrant community where Gatesway clients can actively engage with neighbors and local businesses.”
The foundation points to a recent housing study in Tulsa forecasting the need for 13,000 additional housing units in the next decade. With 46% of homeless individuals reporting a disabling condition as a barrier to housing, Gatesway says the need for disability housing and supportive services is high.
“Gatesway is honored to be part of filling these gaps,” added Arend.
Lauren says
Are The Villages At Rose Hill Apartments available now? Do you accept OHFA vouchers?