OKC’s 2025 developments promise major growth across key districts

Story by Lauren King, Velocity OKC

As the new year begins, Oklahoma City is set for exciting growth. While several districts have recently completed major developments, many others are on the brink of new projects to further enhance the city’s vibrancy and drive expansion.

The Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership (DOKC), a key nonprofit supporting the city’s growth, has played a crucial role in many of these developments. Behind the scenes, DOKC manages the Downtown Business Improvement District, which works to ensure the city’s districts meet the growing demands of the economy, helping attract visitors, residents and retailers while aligning with a unified vision for the entire downtown area.

Maps 4-Funded Palmoar

The $42 million Palomar building, funded through MAPS 4, will be constructed on land donated by Midtown Renaissance Group—led by Bob Howard, Mickey Clagg and Chris Fleming—across from the current location at NW 11th and Hudson Avenue.

Palomar, a nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse and human trafficking, will expand its services with the new facility. It will feature 24-hour victim assistance, therapy, medical services, child services and a food pantry.

Construction is set to begin this year, with the Economic Development Trust and City Council approving $1.9 million to help cover costs. The existing 28,000-square-foot office building will eventually be demolished for further development.

Midtown Renaissance is also seeking $1.9 million in tax increment financing for a 309-space parking garage to serve Palomar and the Midtown area, offering 130 free spaces for Palomar clients and additional public spaces. Construction of the garage is expected to be completed before the new Palomar building opens.

Alley’s End

Alley’s End, located at NW 4th and E.K. Gaylord, will be the largest affordable housing development in downtown Oklahoma City history. Developed by Tradesmen Architectural Studios and built by Willowbrook Construction, it consists of a pair of five- and six-story buildings to house tenants with incomes capped at 60% of the area’s median income, approximately $37,000.

Boardwalk at Bricktown

Boardwalk at Bricktown, developed by Scot Matteson, is advancing with Phase 1, which includes two 23-story towers, Ruby and Emerald, above a parking and retail podium. This phase will feature 576 market-rate apartments, 140 workforce apartments and a 22-story Hyatt Dream Hotel with 480 rooms and 85 residential condominiums.

A second phase will introduce Legends Tower, set to be the tallest building in the country at 1,907 feet. Matteson is partnering on the project with Brad and Randy Hogan, developers of Lower Bricktown.

However, the Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing the tower’s height due to flight operation concerns based on its height, delaying construction until approval. If the tower proceeds, construction is expected to begin the first quarter of this year.

The Harlow

Developer Gardner Tanenbaum’s $70 million redevelopment of the historic Tradesmen National Bank and Medical Arts buildings into The Harlow will create a mixed-use complex with 265 residential units and over 4,300 square feet of retail and restaurant space.

Located at 101 N. Broadway Ave. and 100 Park Ave., the two buildings will be connected by The Underground and linked to the First National Center. Named after 1920s movie star Jean Harlow and inspired by The Great Gatsby, the development will keep the buildings’ original architectural features, adding modern amenities.

The complex will include one- and two-bedroom apartments, with an on-site movie theater, bowling alley, dog park, rooftop balcony and dedicated workspaces. The ground floor will contain retail shops and restaurants, with more amenities on the lower levels. Construction is already underway, with the first building expected to be completed by March 2025 and the second by June 2025.

Robinson Renaissance

Gardner Tanenbaum is transforming Robinson Renaissance–12-story, 174,140-square-foot twin vintage office towers–into upscale residential space. The towers will undergo significant redevelopment since their initial build in 1927. Apartment living will be on floors three through 11, while the basement food court, first floor and second floor will remain unchanged.

The buildings were acquired for $10.25 million from the Commissioners of the Land Office, who had purchased the buildings for $8.95 million in 2014. The building has remained mostly vacant since but will now contribute to the area’s expanding housing market.

Oklahoma City saw significant progress in 2024 with major projects like the $287 million upgrade of the First National Center, the $70 million renovation of Cotter Ranch Tower into BancFirst’s headquarters and the rebranding of SandRidge headquarters to Strata Tower. The Citizen development, including The Verge OKC and Citizen House, added new amenities to City Center, alongside Phillips Murrah’s expansion in Midtown.

Oklahoma City’s 2025 developments promise continued growth and exciting projects, including the MAPS 4-funded Multipurpose Stadium, the Oklahoma City Arena and Alley North­–all beginning in 2025 after years of planning. With these projects on the horizon, Oklahoma City will grow further as a thriving city.