Controversy Over Management, Ownership Of Historic Buildings In Tulsa's Greenwood District

There is new controversy surrounding two of the last historic buildings in Tulsa’s Greenwood District.

The founder of the Tulsa Real Estate Fund, Jay Morrison, says they are seeking to purchase the properties at 101 and 102 North Greenwood.

The Atlanta-based real estate professional claims the properties are being mismanaged by their current owners, including the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce.

Morrison says he wants the historic buildings to be in “hands that really have a true concern and care for the properties.”

The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce released a statement saying, in part, “We have a strategic plan and will continue the Mission of Historic Greenwood Area.  The Board encourages investment groups to be an active participant in building the economic base in the Greater North Tulsa area.”

The statement was released after the Tulsa Real Estate Fund made an offer on the property.

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“We did make an official $1 million cash offer to acquire the properties,” said Morrison.  “We’re not begging, we’re not asking favors.  We’re looking to do good business, fair business.”

The Greenwood Chamber’s statement also declared that “[t]he Board of Directors has stated that the real property is not listed for sale nor is it entertaining negotiating any purchase offers.”

The statement did, however, list several other properties that are available for purchase, as well as stating that “we applaud the enthusiasm and outreach of community investors.  The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce would like to extend an offer for community investment parties to become corporate members of the organization.”

Morrison maintains, however, that the buildings on Greenwood are not being managed appropriately.

“This legacy deserves better.  This community deserves better…These properties are not being put to their best uses,” declared Morrison.  “The City of Tulsa can have a better partner than the Greenwood Chamber and I think there could be better owners of these properties.”

Here is the full statement released by the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce.