Lori Cain - Midtown Tulsa Real Estate www.tulsahomeforsale.net 918-852-5036

Historic Riverview Neighborhood in Tulsa - My husband and I live in the home in which he was born and has lived the past 54 years -- at 19th and Cheyenne in the Riverview Neighborhood – our actual subdivision is Buena Vista.

Our Riverview neighborhood consists of four historic districts: Carton Place, Buena Vista, Stone Breaker Heights and Riverview. We recently were accepted in the National Register of Historic Places, and now display a lovely plaque on our front porch, reading, “THIS PROPERTY LIES WITHIN THE HISTORIC BUENA VISTA PARK DISTRICT OF RIVERVIEW and HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR – PLATTED 1908. Our home was built in 1915 and is one of the few with Spanish-style architecture.

Tulsa has fourteen historic districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places which showcase the variety and appeal of Tulsa’s residential architecture and historical neighborhood development. Our National Register Districts are some of the most sought-after places to live in Tulsa.

Historic Riverview Neighborhood in Tulsa is a Historic Tulsa Neighborhood featuring diverse architecture, the Council Oak Tree, Route 66, Tulsa Riverparks, McBirney Mansion, Dresser Mansion, Spotlight Theater, Ambassador Hotel and Sophian Plaza. The Riverview neighborhood derived its name from the Riverview Elementary Public School that was located at 512 W 12th. The school was demolished in 1975.

• Architecture - The Riverview neighborhood boasts some excellent examples of Craftsman Style bungalows (in abundance), Art Deco, Greek Revival, Colonial Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Neo Classical, Prairie, Eclectic Prairie, Mediterranean, Spanish Eclectic and Queen Anne styles.
• Living Choices - Riverview also has myriad apartment and condominium choices for those looking for Uptown living, a river view, quite neighborhood or spectacular downtown views: Liberty Towers, The Olympian, University Club Tower, and historic the Sophian Plaza to name just a few.
• Entertainment - Riverview includes the SOBO district located at 18th and Boston famous for its vibrant night life. Clubs include Rehab Lounge, 1740, Sax and Mercury.
• Local Restaurants - Dalessandro's and Boston's and local coffee house Doubleshots. Also visit the Chalkboard restaurant in the Ambassador Hotel in Uptown at 14th and Main. Local Parks Veterans' Park at 21st and Boulder has soccer fields, baseball diamonds, play equipment and splash pad. Many events are held in the large park each year.
• Council Oak/Stickball Park located at 18th and Cheyenne is the home of the historic council oak of the Lochapoka indigenous peoples filled with plantings native to Tulsa. Riverparks along the banks of the Arkansas River has miles of running, walking and biking trails.

Historic Riverview Neighborhood in Tulsa – highlights within our neighborhood include:

• Stickball Park: Tulsa officials dedicated a new piece of artwork Friday in the Creek Stickball Park, located at 1800 S. Cheyenne Ave., directly across from the Creek Council Oak Park. The sculpture, a gift to the city from the Oklahoma Centennial Commemoration Commission, was created by Talala-based sculptor Sandra Van Zandt and features three American Indian youths playing stickball, a traditional game with ceremonial significance in American Indian culture. The commission's $250,000 donation not only included the sculpture but also wrought iron fencing, new sidewalks, landscaping, irrigation and benches. Source: Tulsa World.
• Creek Council Oak Park: The Creek Council Tree, a mature burr oak, marks the traditional "busk ground" chosen in 1836 by the Lochapoka clan of Creek Indians. In late 1834, they had begun their involuntary migration from Alabama under the control of the U.S. Government. It was a slow and painful trek; of the original group of 630, 161 died in route. Their 1836 arrival was marked with a solemn and traditional ceremony. A "busk" site was chosen on a low hill overlooking the Arkansas River. Here, according to their traditions, they deposited ashes brought over the trail from their last fires in Alabama. The Tulsa-Lochapoka, a political division of the Creek Nation, established their "town." As late as 1896, the Lochapoka gathered here for ceremonies, feasts, and games. The site was probably not used by the Indians after the turn of the century. Gradually it became a solid residential area for the growing city of Tulsa. The Creek Council Tree itself, however, survived. The oak, standing in its small, well-landscaped city park, serves as a meaningful memorial to the proud Indian tribe that brought law and order to a new homeland nearly 156 years ago. The Creek Council Tree was placed under Historic Preservation Zoning in January of 1992. The Creek Council Tree was listed in the National Register on September 29, 1976.
• McBirney Mansion: The McBirney Mansion is both central and serene—a private retreat located in the heart of Uptown Tulsa, on a crest overlooking the Arkansas River. Guests are treated to a rare blend of luxury and ease. It is a majestic, gothic style Tudor mansion situated on three acres of lush grounds and stone pathways that lead to spring-fed ponds. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Mansion was built in 1927 and introduces our guests to the pleasure of living, if only for a night, in a landmark Tulsa estate.
• Dresser Mansion: The Dresser Mansion was built in 1919 for Carl and Pauline Dresser. Albert Joseph Bodker, architect of New York's first Waldorf Astoria, was commissioned to design the Dresser home in the Italian Renaissance style. At the same time Carl and Pauline hired the interior-design firm, Charles of London, to decorate their new home. This was a first for Tulsa. During construction, the couple traveled Europe amassing an important collection of antique furniture, art, tapestries, silver and rugs for their new home. Today, the Dresser mansion is virtually unchanged from the early days. Much of the woodwork, including beamed and coffered ceilings, is made from trees felled with special permission from the private forest of King George V. finished by Italian artisans to resemble unfilled travertine marble. Floors throughout are made from Tennessee oak, while the sun room, breakfast room and library are paved with colorful, handmade Italian tiles. Large, cast stone fireplace mantels, along with hand wrought iron railings, and leaded glass windows found in Austria contribute to an opulent, yet intimate interior. http://www .dressermansion.com/index2.html
• Route 66: No other city anywhere in the world has the Route 66 assets we have. We have the Father of Route 66. We have more than 20 miles and 80 years of Route 66 history. And we have The Bridge over the Arkansas that linked the development of the East with the horizons of the West. The art deco span that connected a continent. No other city has the chance to do what we can do: protect the old road we cherish so much by giving younger generations their own experiences on Tulsa’s Route 66.
  
• River Parks: Spread along miles of the Arkansas River, as it flows through Tulsa, River Parks provides some of the metropolitan area's finest outdoor recreation. More than 26 miles of asphalt-surfaced recreation trails weave past picnic areas, playgrounds, fountains and sculptures. The park's landscape ranges from manicured lawns to the rugged terrain of the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area. Recreation in River Parks includes fishing, rowing, kayaking, disc golf, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding.
  
• Spotlight Theater: Here, “The Drunkard and The Olio,” the longest running play in America, is presented every Saturday night throughout the year. Other August 2009 performances include the Wizard of Oz and Oliver Twist.
  

To see homes for sale in Riverview, Maple Ridge, Terwilleger Heights and other areas of midtown Tulsa, visit Chinowth & Cohen Realtors’ web site. To learn more about Tulsa community events and neighborhoods, visit my personal site, www.LoriCain.com. Please call me if you are shopping for a home in midtown Tulsa -- I LIVE here! 918-852-5036!

Lortondale homes for sale in Tulsa - My first real estate experience in the Lortondale subdivision was representing a gentleman who was selling his parents’ home, an original “showcase” home built when the Lortondale subdivision began in the 1950s. Although I have never been a huge fan of paneling, this home had the most amazing preserved mahogany paneling, cabinets and doors throughout the home. The Seller did all that he needed to do to prepare the home for sale, and we had a contract within four days of listings – in fact, we had multiple offers and much interest in the home.

From that listing, I picked up two additional buyers – one of which wound up purchasing a home in another neighborhood, but the other buyer (Tom) was adamant about living in Lortondale.

Boundaries of the proper Lortondale subdivision are 26th Street and 31st Street, Yale and Hudson Avenues in Tulsa.

Lortondale homes for sale in Tulsa - and the architectural styles

When shopping with Tom, I quickly realized that he knew the entire history of Lortondale and could recognize the work of every architect in that area. When we closed on his home, he actually read the 8-inch thick abstract at the closing table (thank you FirsTitle & Abstract for your patience that day) to find proof that the home he was about to take possession of was indeed designed by the architect of his choice. Thankfully, it was.

What sets Lortondale architecture’s tone are the nearly-flat roofs, beautiful floor to glass ceilings at the rear of the home, mahogany paneled walls and modern design of the early 1950s.

Built around a community center and community pool, the Lortondale subdivision remains active today with a strong neighborhood association, community events and web site. And Lortondale is home to Darlington Park.

The best word to describe homes in this area is “contemporary.”

The Lortondale neighborhood association is very active and keeps busy with events. Recently they hosted a Hi-Fi Home Tour and neighborhood cook-out. Upcoming events include a meeting to discuss the benefits of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also, they are planning a neighborhood clean-up day and neighborhood block party. They are also preparing for their 3rd Annual Lortondale Holiday Home Tour.

Lortondale homes for sale in Tulsa and Market Update - The average size home in Lortondale is 1500 square feet and average sales price is slightly over $112,000, with several homes selling above $125,000 this year. Having represented both Buyers and Sellers in this area, I've noticed a real improvement in property conditions as younger people move into the neighborhood and the neighborhood association remains active.

To see homes for sale in Lortondale and other areas of midtown Tulsa, visit Chinowth & Cohen Realtors’ web site. To learn more about Tulsa community events and neighborhoods, visit my personal site.

Please call me if you are shopping for a home in midtown Tulsa -- I LIVE here! 918-852-5036!

Maple Ridge – Upscale, Historic Homes for Sale in Tulsa, Oklahoma - The first Tulsa neighborhood to be listed in the Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory was Maple Ridge, which is south of downtown Tulsa. Per Wikipedia, Maple Ridge is bound by the Inner Dispersal Loop (Hwy 51) on the north, Hazel Boulevard on the south, Peoria Avenue on the east and the Midland Valley Railroad right of way on the west. The northern portion of the district, between 15th Street and 21st Street, has been zoned with Historic Preservation Overlay Zoning by the City of Tulsa and is called North Maple Ridge. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 6, 1983.

Once farmland on the outskirts of Tulsa’s downtown area, Maple Ridge was to begin a voyage of her own. Maple Ridge includes many residential subdivisions – beginning with the Southside Addition, platted in 1907. The Morningside subdivision was platted in the Maple Ridge neighborhood in 1912 and known for its clapboard-style homes. As the area developed south by prosperous oil barons of the time, more stately brick and stone mansions were built, described as “spacious in dimensions and a perfect picture of restful elegance.”

Large lots and homes were governed by the state’s first subdivision regulations, and the architectural styles vary from two-story brick mansions, bungalows and even Spanish stucco. Throughout Maple Ridge, beautiful rose gardens abound, and the streets are still lined with graceful trees and lush plants.

Maple Ridge – Upscale, Historic Homes for Sale in Tulsa, Oklahoma

The history of Maple Ridge upscale, historic homes is rich and the majority of homes in the neighborhood have been maintained or restored to their original beauty. Once known as “Black Gold Row,” due to the original developer’s ties to oil and banking around the time of Oklahoma’s statehood, Maple Ridge homes today are sought after by Tulsa’ upper middle class income families. Historical integrity is maintained with leaded glass, French doors, high ceilings, plaster walls, crown molding, large covered porches, hardwood floors and quality craftsmanship throughout. Many homes have separate “quarters” or “guest houses.”

Maple Ridge residents’ children can travel down the sidewalk to Lee Elementary and are close to Cascia Hall Preparatory school.

Maple Ridge – Upscale, Historic Homes for Sale and Market Update - Almost two dozen homes are currently for sale in the Maple Ridge area, with the lowest-priced home being $350,000 and highest-priced home listed for $2 million. Nineteen homes have sold this year with the average price home selling for $422,173 for $130/square foot and the highest price home selling for $1,665,000.

Tulsa is rich in beautiful and historic subdivisions. To see homes for sale in Maple Ridge and other areas of midtown Tulsa, visit Chinowth & Cohen Realtors’ web site. To learn more about Tulsa community events and neighborhoods, visit my personal site. Please call me if you are shopping for a home in midtown Tulsa -- I LIVE here! 918-852-5036!

Florence Park in midtown Tulsa – Homes for Sale and Market Update, July 2009 - Florence Park was platted in the 1920s and is a culmination of several subdivisions. The northern boundary of Florence Park is 15th Street (sometimes known as Cherry Street); the southern boundary is 21st Street; eastern boundary is Harvard and western boundary is the BA Expressway.

Made up of mostly craftsman bungalows, the architectural styles are varied and unique. I heard once that builders moved to Florence Park after the completion of Maple Ridge, but the homes in Florence Park are much smaller with small lot sizes. The average lot is 50-feet by 130-feet, so the homes are closer together on very deep lots.

Most Florence Park homes were built in the 1920s and 1930s and of course include the architectual and historical detail of midtown homes that we so love: hardwood floors, arched doorways, windows galore, covered porches and detached garages.

The Florence Park Neighborhood Association is active with attendance of members above one-hundred at their quarterly meetings. The Association promotes block parties, tree-planting, and safety and security awareness in the neighborhood.

A quarterly newsletter goes out, of which I am the Editor – see our recent issue here. At the top of residents’ priority list is general up-keep, improvement and maintenance of the two parks within the neighborhood: Platt Park and Florence Park. On this page, you'll find a list of current Board of Directors, Block Captains, Committee Chairs and upcoming events for the Florence Park Neighborhood Association.

Pratt Park is on Florence Avenue between 16th and 17th streets and is a great place to gather and charcoal with neighbors. Florence Park is on the southern boundary of the subdivision and includes playground equipment, water spray fountain and tennis courts. New trees are being planted and painting is being done in both parks at this time.

I fell in love with Florence Park in midtown Tulsa when I first moved here after college graduation and swore I would live there someday. I bought a home there in 1998 and still own it today.

Florence Park in midtown Tulsa – Homes for Sale

Florence Park in midtown Tulsa - Homes for Sale and Market Update as of July 27, 2009: There are currently sixteen homes for sale in Florence Park with the average size of 1,536 square feet and average list price of $111/square foot. Twenty homes have sold thus far in the second quarter of 2009, with the average size of 1,656 square feet and average sold price/square foot of $111. The house at 1934 S. Evanston did sell for $370,000 which was $134/square foot. This is the fourth home in Florence Park to sell for above $300,000 – and all four sold in less than two weeks.

Florence Park is truly a tight-knit community within our midtown Tulsa community. We visit as we garden and manicure our lawns and as we walk our dogs. We watch each other’s homes and know when something or someone is out of place in the neighborhood.

Terwilleger Heights - Tulsa's most revered neighborhood in midtown Tulsa is located immediately south and west of Utica Square Shopping Center bordered by 21st Street, 31st Street, Utica Avenue and Peoria Avenue. This area has early 1930s homes both grand and small, full grown trees, winding streets and is adjacent to the Philbrook Museum of Art, the Tulsa Historial Society, Woodward Park and the Tulsa Garden Center.

One of the more historic and revered neighborhoods in midtown Tulsa, Terwilleger Heights was developed in the 1920s with families’ oil money. The neighborhood includes vintage homes that were part of Colonel Terwilleger's vision for a new neighborhood located around 21st and Utica, once considered the "outskirts" of Tulsa. With Woodward Park and St. John's hospital also nearby, Terwilleger Heights quickly became one of Midtown Tulsa's cherished neighborhoods.

Homes in Terwilleger Heights range from English Tudor bungalows to stately colonial mansions -- with an occasional adobe-style home mixed in. Prized for a wonderful location as well as a diverse mixture of home styles dating to the late 20s, many homes are updated to meet today's homeowner's needs. These homes retain their original beauty with hardwood floors, arched doorways, crown molding, plaster walls, basements, mature trees, covered porches and detached garages. Comfort, convenience, and charm combined with a spectacular location could be yours to enjoy for years to come!

Woodward Park is the western boundary of Terwilleger Heights and is alone is the most-visited park in Tulsa – where every couple has their wedding engagement photo taken, every graduate has his/her senior portrait shot.

The eastern boundary of Terwilleger Heights is the Utica Square shopping center. Built in 1949 to represent a comfortable village shopping area, Utica Square provides shops to purchase groceries, wine, fill your prescriptions, eat lunch, get a manicure and mail your packages. Utica Square may be known for its great stores and restaurants but it is the Utica Square events that are quickly gaining popularity. Over the years, Utica Square has established many events including Lights On!, Summer's 5th Night, and Art in the Square. These free events allow the Utica Square Merchants Association and owners, Helmerich & Payne, Inc. to give something back to their customers and the community.

To see homes for sale in Terwilleger Heights and other areas of midtown Tulsa, visit Chinowth & Cohen Realtors’ web site (http://www.cctulsa.com/). To learn more about Tulsa community events and neighborhoods, visit my personal site. Please call me if you are shopping for a home in midtown Tulsa -- I LIVE here! 918-852-5036!