Welcome to today’s roundup of the latest news in the Real Estate category. In Oklahoma, zoning laws are contributing to an affordable housing shortage, making it difficult for low-income families to achieve the American dream of homeownership. However, some cities are re-evaluating their zoning policies to encourage the construction of affordable homes. Meanwhile, in Flagler County, a Palm Coast property in the Hammock area sold for $1.45 million, topping the list of the county’s most expensive homes. At Oklahoma State University, anticipation builds for the grand opening of the state-of-the-art New Frontiers Agricultural Hall, which will serve as a modern hub for agricultural education and research. In Tulsa, the new Discovery Lab building near Gathering Place is nearing completion, offering expanded exhibit space and educational resources for children. Lastly, Oklahoma City officials have approved a proposal for Legends Tower, a skyscraper that will become the tallest building in North America if constructed. To learn more about these stories, click on the respective links.
Oklahoma zoning laws a factor in affordable housing shortage
The American dream of owning a home with a fenced-in backyard for 2.5 children and a dog to play in is out of reach for many of Oklahoma’s lowest-income families. Oklahoma needs more than 77,000 affordable units to meet the demand of low- and extremely low-income residents. Zoning policies, particularly restrictive ordinances in three of the largest cities, contribute to the problem. Residential land is disproportionately skewed toward single-family zoning, hindering the state’s ability to close the affordable housing gap. However, some cities are re-examining zoning policies to encourage the construction of affordable homes. To learn more, click here.
Flagler County’s top 5 real estate sales: Hammock home sells for $1.45 million
A Palm Coast property located in the Hammock topped the list of most expensive Flagler County homes for the week of July 15, according to the Flagler County Clerk website. The four-bedroom, 4,283-square-foot house on Ocean Oaks Lane sold for $1,450,000. Here are the top five home sales by price during the week of July 15.
Looking back on Agricultural Hall on the cusp of New Frontiers’ grand opening | Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors are eagerly awaiting the opening of the $115 million New Frontiers Agricultural Hall. This cutting-edge facility, set to open this fall, will serve as the modern home for the Ferguson College of Agriculture, OSU Ag Research, and OSU Extension. With state-of-the-art research laboratories, innovative teaching classrooms, collaborative spaces, and expanded student resources, the New Frontiers Agricultural Hall is designed to advance OSU Agriculture’s research, teaching, and Extension missions. The facility’s abundance of collaborative spaces, including lounge seating areas, will foster learning, innovation, and community engagement. The new building also features an expanded Student Success Center, additional classrooms, lecture halls, club and study rooms, and flexible research laboratory space. The construction of the New Frontiers Agricultural Hall was made possible through private support, raising over $50 million from 641 private donors. As the grand opening approaches, excitement builds for the new era of agricultural education at Oklahoma State University.
The New Discovery Lab Building Opens At The End Of Year
Tulsa’s Discovery Lab, a hands-on science learning museum for kids, is nearing completion of its new $50-million building located next to Gathering Place. The brand new facility will offer 20,000 square feet of exhibit space, allowing for expanded earth science exhibits, hydro areas, water areas, high facilitation areas, and a virtual reality area. With the increased space, the Discovery Lab will be able to inspire and educate thousands more children than before. The new building will also house a workshop, science lab, and classrooms serving as the STEM Center for Tulsa Public Schools. The museum’s current location features a traveling exhibit on Earth Science, which will continue to reach students across the state until January 2022. The opening of the new Discovery Lab building at the end of the year will enhance the quality of life for families and contribute to the growth of Tulsa as a destination.
Proposal for America’s tallest building gets approval from Oklahoma City officials
Oklahoma City officials have approved a proposal for the construction of Legends Tower, a skyscraper that will surpass the height of New York City’s One World Trade Center, making it the tallest building in North America. The 1,907-foot structure will be part of The Boardwalk at Bricktown, a mixed-use project featuring residential units, a hotel, a sports arena, and retail space. While some locals have expressed concerns about the building’s height and potential visual impact, the architecture firm behind the design has reassured that the skyscraper will be structurally sound, even in tornado-prone Oklahoma. If all goes according to plan, Legends Tower will become the sixth-tallest building in the world.