Urban League's NE Oklahoma City Homes Point to Revitalization

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- In the last year, the Urban League has injected nearly $12 million into the northeast side of Oklahoma City. The money has gone to building multifamily housing, which the organization believes is the key to revitalizing Kelley Avenue on the northeast side of Oklahoma City.

The Urban League's latest project is the Capitol Square Villas. Families are scheduled to move in this week to the development located at NE 26th Street and Kelley Avenue.

Eddie Taylor is the first to unpack and call the new neighborhood townhomes his home.

"I never did like the east side, but this changed my mind," Taylor said.

The development provides new amenities at an affordable price that Taylor said he's never had before.

"Everything, you got a brand new stove, refrigerator, ice maker," Taylor said. "I've never had nothing new in my life, not even a new car but I'm working on it."

And with low rent, the homes are part of that effort for Taylor and others like him.

"We're hoping by having a safe and affordable place to live. Families can save money and be able to buy their own home in the future," said Valerie Thompson, president of the Oklahoma City Urban League.

In the meantime, new families moving to the northeast side means a boost for business.

"This $5.2 million property will help generate $1 million of economic growth just for the northeast side," Thompson said.

The townhome complex is the first of its kind to be put in the northeast side in the last 40 years. Rent starts at $450. The units are already filled with a long waiting list. The Urban League received 200 applicants for the 36 unit development.

The Urban League completed the Mount Olive Senior Cottages just a few months ago. Officials said future developments are possible.

Learn more about the Urban Leagues' Capitol Square Villas