
A restored historic site in northeast Oklahoma City now offers seniors affordable living accommodations. The Harmony – Marcus Garvey Apartments has begun leasing, and many new residents are already moving in. Located at 1537 NE 24th St., this project addresses several pressing needs: housing options for seniors, revitalizing the city’s northeast side, and preserving a significant historic building.
The renovated units make wonderful use of the original Marcus Garvey School, built in 1927. The school interior was gutted and rebuilt, but the exterior remains true to its form from the 1920s while honoring its original name.
Oklahoma City faces a shortage of affordable housing for seniors, leaving many older residents without viable options for safe, affordable homes. This project, led by developers Norman Seaberg of One Red Oak LLC and Annita Bridges of The Brickstone Group LLC in partnership with the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority (OCURA), is a model for how public-private collaboration can tackle such challenges. The $13 million renovation of the historic Marcus Garvey School will transform the building into 20 affordable apartments, with three additional buildings nearby adding 20 more units. Funding incentives, including Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Affordable Housing GOLT Bonds, HOME funds, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, ensure these homes remain accessible to those earning or living of 50–80% of the area median income.
Affordable housing is uniquely pertinent to the aging community, as this population often lives on fixed incomes. About 13% of OKC residents are 65 years and older, but that figure is expected to grow significantly as the Baby Boomer generation ages. Further exacerbating the issue is the need for certain accessibility measures. Features like no-step entries or handrailing, etc. can make a space livable for independent seniors.
Beyond housing, the Harmony Apartments symbolize the renewal of northeast Oklahoma City, a historically significant but underinvested area. The project repurposes the historic school building while preserving its brick exterior, paying homage to its legacy in the community. Features like the school auditorium remade into to include a fitness space, and a new two-story facility for educational programs and small businesses position this development’s role as a future neighborhood hub.
The Harmony Apartments reflect Oklahoma City’s commitment to addressing housing shortages, honoring history, and fostering economic growth. This development is not just about buildings—it’s about ensuring all residents, especially our seniors, have a comfortable place to call home in the heart of an essential part of our city.
Kenton Tsoodle is the president of the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.
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