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Downtown Tulsa has room for everyone.
On a ridiculously hot Friday night, when I stepped into the amazing home of Bob and Carol Skib, the hosts of the patron party for the 2009 Downtown Living Tour (presented by the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture), I would have never guessed it once housed a test lab for a gasoline additive company. The crowd was filled with the expected mix of middle-aged to upper-middle-aged men and women. But there were a few younger guests here and there. Well, at least one or two.
In a short speech to the guests, host Bob Skib (looking sort of Stephen Stills-ish), explained some of the materials used for the home and expressed his desire for a time when downtown Tulsa really “kicks ass.” The event was filled with everything an event like this should be, from the food (provided solely by downtown eateries) to the friendly welcome committee. The only thing I found surprising was the admission from Mr. Skib, who, from the looks of the home, seems to be doing all right financially, that he struggled for an unusual length of time to secure a mortgage for the property. Most banks weren't interested in investing in a “downtown residence.” Kudos to the Skibs for persisting. It would have been easy to say, “Screw this” and move on to an easier location in midtown. But they eventually broke through with none other than Bank of Oklahoma. I hope their struggles and eventual success will make it just a little bit easier for the next person.
Taking the full tour the next day, I was filled with two feelings. One, I am excited to see such progress. Two, I hope that someone addresses the growing space that is beginning to form in the downtown quality-of-life divide. I don’t want to end up having the two options for downtown living to be either the YMCA or a loft that only someone making a six-figure salary can afford. We know where the lawyers and doctors will live. Let's find a place for the teachers, artists and everyone else. There is room for all.
