Vision - Residential and Economic Development

April 12, 2013

residential & economic growth

Many of the 250,000 American Indians living in Oklahoma are descended from the 67 tribes who inhabited the Indian Territory.

Oklahoma is tribal headquarters for 39 tribes.

The OU College of Law publishes the only law journal in the United States devoted exclusively to Native American legal issues.

Oklahoma has more man-made lakes than any other state, with over one million surface acres of water.

Republic Bank & Trust

photos provided

Brookhaven Mansions

CART

University Town Center

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READY SET GROW! That’s what Management One Real Estate Group has done with

course. Lisa is married to Sam Talley and is a mother of three,

its real estate sales and management opportunities—and there’s

Zan is married to Bryan Waldenville and a mother of two. Both

more on the horizon.

Norman natives have been friends since they were 11 years old and have worked together as a team for numerous years—each

The company started with a borrowed office, desk, one

bringing individual gifts to the equation. Having been raised

computer, and a chair. Now managing over 300,000 sq. ft. of

around the real estate business, it was a natural passion for

commercial property and 200,000 sq. ft. of multi- and single-

both—one they want to share with their families, employees and

family housing, we never could have imagined our company

the community. Their potential seems limitless. Every year,

would have such a broad scope tremendous success this quickly.

their production, staff and portfolio have more than doubled.

By building a solid foundation, they are sure to flourish for

Lisa Talley is the company’s owner/managing broker and Zan generations to come.

Waldenville is an owner/realtor who just completed her Broker’s

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When Lisa and Zan started this journey, their goal was to rise

with a new name that reflects their growth, purpose, and a

to the top in the Real Estate Industry. They credit a lot of

bright future.

their success to being blessed with incredible mentors and business partners who have invested time, energy and knowledge

Introducing Learia Group

into their business and personal development. Not many young professionals have such a well-established network of

Learia Group’s mission is simply this: to enrich the lives of our

resources. They believe their mentors have greatly benefited the

employees, customers, and community. We will empower them

company and clients.

to live to their fullest potential individually. As a company we will exceed all expectations. With this foundation we will Honor God

Another exciting change Lisa and Zan are taking on is a new and create the Learia Legacy. brand name for their company. Many companies rebrand to ignite interest or refresh their brand, but they are rebranding

So get ready, set and come grow with Learia Group!

w w w. L e a r i a G r o u p . c o m

April 12, 2013

4 Seventeen landmarks are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, which includes the Cleveland County Courthouse, the DeBarr Historic District, the Oscar Jacobson House, the Santa Fe Depot, and the Moore-Lindsay House. University of Oklahoma’s Bizzell Library is a National Historic Landmark, one of only twenty in the state.

More than 280 Sooner studentathletes were named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll each semester last year.

More than 60 OU student-athletes recorded a perfect 4.0 GPA last year The prop from the movie, “Twister,” Dorothy, is housed at the National Weather Center.

Low rates, better times fuel real estate growth A builder friend who graduated from the University of Oklahoma has worked in Norman

by Andy Rieger since the mid 1970s. He rode the city’s boom times and bust years.

Failed banks. Bankrupt builders.

Investments gone South. At a Chamber of Commerce luncheon in March, he was taken back by my question. He had to think about it for a few moments.

What’s the highest interest rate you ever paid on a construction or home loan?

“Twenty percent,” he said, almost choking on each syllable.

“And we were glad to get that.”

Today’s home mortgage interest rates, in the 2 and 3 percent range, are like nothing seen in my lifetime. At one time during college, I took a course at Moore-Norman Vo-Tech (Yes, it was called that back then) and briefly held a Realtors license. I listed and sold a few homes but my heart wasn’t it.

It’s a tough business, not one that should be entered into part-time.

At the time, my broker had given me a pocketbook that listed principal and interest payments for loans. It started at 2 percent and ended at 12 percent. It was nearly outdated when he gave it to me but I was

Lenders here tend to be more able to use it to quote prices conservative, too. to prospective borrowers. I Home sales appear to be wish I had kept it as those rates picking up. Local Realtors have returned and seem to be closed 555 sticking around At one time, home sales in for a while. the first two The lower there were months of the rates and year. New home dropping prices six new construction in some areas appears to be have fueled a construction on the rebound, revival of home too. Any home purchases. My or remodel sale helps children and many of their projects in the employment but new home friends all took advantage of stretch from construction tends to have the bargain rates and invested in Sprouts west to a bigger ripple their various effect throughout the interstate. the community. communities last year. It became a In construction, Compared to one learns game to see who could lock-in at quickly that much of the Friday is payday. the lowest rate.

One child in state, Norman is Commercial east Tennessee development is may have been booming a boom town. also the winner. in Norman.

They bought The University a foreclosure from a local North Park development on bank, did lots of repair work 24th Avenue NW seems to add themselves, and have already new retail stores, restaurants and built a nice equity. A child in services each month. Two banks California bought at what may quickly snapped up some prime have been the bottom of the locations in the area. market there.

Main Street, the city’s It’s hard to compare spine, continues to prosper.

Norman’s market with other At one time, there were six areas of the country. We rode new construction or remodel the boom and bust cycles but projects in the stretch from didn’t experience the great run- Sprouts west to the interstate. up in values seen in other areas Compared to much of the state, so we didn’t have the big drops. Norman is a boom town.

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The Big Move CART transfer station shifts east on May 28 Positive changes are coming your way via CART, the public transit system of Norman and the University of Oklahoma. “Change” sometimes gets a bad rap, but the drivers and directors at Cleveland Area Rapid Transit believe the switch will mean a more streamlined, timely and hasslefree bus system for passengers.

On May 28, CART’s transfer station will move from OU’s South Oval to a spot along Brooks Street east of Jenkins. The new site for transferring from city routes will be called the Brooks Street Transfer Station. The transfer station is moving because the Van Vleet Oval will close to motor vehicles and a Scholar’s Walk will be constructed to honor the best of the best of OU’s academic scholars.

Campus routes like the Lloyd Noble Center Shuttle, the Research Shuttle, Campus Loop and Apartment Loop will have a new, faster transfer area along Asp Avenue west of OU’s stadium. This area will be called Campus Depot. The Campus Depot will be just south of the area where OU shuttle riders now board and exit the buses.

Construction is under way at both sites.

Passengers should prepare to make the move after the spring semester on May 28, the Tuesday following Memorial Day, said Doug Myers, director of OU Parking and Transportation Services.

“We are excited about the new facilities and hope the passengers are, too. We will have new bus shelters at both sites, along with new electronic prediction signage telling you when your bus will arrive,” Myers said.

“Although the Campus Depot is a bit further south, shuttle buses will be able to make the trip faster because there will be no left turn onto Lindsey Street from Asp,” said Cody Ponder, assistant director, OU Transportation Services.

“And as far as city routes go, the Main Street and East Lindsey routes now struggle to maintain on-time schedules. Competing with other traffic making the turn into and out of the oval frequently puts them behind schedule. We anticipate avoiding the South Oval will save seven to 10 minutes on each of these routes,” Ponder said.

Students, faculty or staff who ride the Apartment Loop or Campus Loop routes will have the option of disembarking at either the Brooks Street Transfer Station or the Campus Depot.

Campus passengers can transfer to any city route at the Brooks Street Transfer Station.

Myers said the changes will mean a more safe, more secure experience for bus riders on campus because buses won’t compete with as much vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Route schedule pamphlets, flyers and booklets are being prepared to get the word out about the changes. Times will change on many of the bus routes and signs will be updated beginning May 28.

CART’s websites at rideCART.com and CARTgps. com will be good sources for updates on the construction, as well as CART’s Twitter account @CARTNorman, and on Facebook.

For more information, phone 325-2278 or e-mail ridecart@ou.edu. by Vicky Holland Construction is nearly complete on the Brooks Street Transfer Station located east of Jenkins Street. CART buses will begin operating out of the new transfer station on May 28.

Students, faculty and staff at the University of Oklahoma will continue to park permit-free at the Lloyd Noble Center and ride the LNC Shuttle along Asp Avenue west of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The new area for boarding and de-boarding from campus routes will be referred to as the Campus Depot. Photo Provided

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Housing growth in Norman Norman’s housing markets have continued to grow since 2009.

New home construction in Norman. photo by Julie Bragg.

The master bathroom of last year’s Festival of Homes featured home. photo by Kyle Phillips The kitchen of last year’s Festival of Home’s featured home. photo by Kyle Phillips The home at 3109 24th Ave SE was featured in the 2012 Festival of Homes. photo by Kyle Phillips

Norman has enjoyed sustained growth in its residential housing market from 2009 through 2012 and is expected to continue that trend this year.

From a recent high of 564 single family residential permits issued in 2008 the market dipped in 2009 with a total of 339 permits issued. The City of Norman has issued an increased number of permits in the past two years resulting in a total of 414 in 2012.

The City of Norman's February 2013 construction report shows 31 permits in February with a year-to-date total of 74 issued in the first two months of 2013. In comparison to the same time frame for

2012 when the city issued 26 permits for the month of February and a two month total of 56, the Norman is expected to continue similar growth in 2013.

Brenda Wolf, permit services supervisor for the City of Norman, made note of an increase in storm shelter permits in recent months. City of Norman construction reports show a steady increase every year starting in 2009 with 51 storm shelter permits issued to a total of 532 permits in 2012. 130 permits were issued in the first two months of 2013 showing and increase over the 88 permit total in 2012 for the same time frame.

Realtor President Dan Quinn said the city has seen 555 home sale closings in the first two months of 2013. Homes are generally selling close to list price and averaging just below $169,000.

"It seems to be picking up. It feels better than last year," Quinn said.

Community manager Jon Horn of Westpoint Homes discussed his Las Colinas development on 48th Avenue NE between Tecumseh and Rock Creek roads.

"We have 114 lots, four builders and three homes close (to completion). This is one of the few areas left in west Norman for new homes, it's getting down to pick-and-

choose," Horn said.

Nearby, the Builders Association of South Central Oklahoma 2013 Festival of Homes will feature Custom Builders of Oklahoma in the Fountain View addition at 4427 Fountain View Dr., June 8-16.

Rhonda Trower with Custom Builders of Oklahoma spoke about the opportunity to showcase their homes.

"We have 87 lots and four builders.

The homes are 3000 square feet and up, we've sold a few and expect to have residents in June, the same time as the Festival of homes," Trower said. by Jay Chilton

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High Density Housing Conversations begin for high density housing options.

As Norman’s population continues to grow, so do the city’s questions about housing that population.

Norman’s population increased by nearly 6,000 from July 2008 to July 2011, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Brent Swift, owner of Brent Swift Design Build, said there is a lot of talk about high density areas but, instead of approving every development and every idea to quickly solve the issue, Norman is being mindful about it.

“We’re thinking about the long-term effects of a particular development or project and I think that’s good,” Swift said. “Mindfully developing the core, central part of Norman is critical right now.”

Swift said that he’s observed that many people have the desire to have a home near the University of Oklahoma because of the benefits of being close to the theater, the museum and the beautiful campus area.

“A lot of people want to be close to that buzz,” he said.

His company renovates, or rehabilitates, older properties — especially those with historical or architectural value. Swift said during the span of his career he’s only had to tear down two or three houses and rebuild them.

As far as in-fill housing goes, Swift said 99 percent of the time those companies are buying a little house and building a monster on it.

“That’s not our business model,” he said.

His business also stimulates the local economy. Swift said when people hire him to renovate the homes, he uses subcontractors and the money goes back into the local economy.

Options including renovating or rehabilitating homes versus in-fill housing in order to increase the density of a core area is a new conversation for Norman, said Susan Atkinson, historic preservation planner for the City of Norman.

Questions such as “how can we do that?” and “what are the options?” are being asked, she said.

While some are seeking to do that by acquiring land, scraping it off and building tall buildings with lots of rooms — which is one approach to adding density — that method has some issues, she said.

“We want to provide a product that’s valuable in the market, that doesn’t turn it’s back on the neighborhood and that is overly large and sort of unfriendly,” Atkinson said. “A neighborhood as a whole, as an organized whole, is a precious thing that needs to be protected.”

She said they are looking at what they can do strategically to add to a neighborhood for investors and provide a marketable product people want to live in, but also something that wraps its arm around and extends its arms to neighbors.

“There are people that comment so wistfully about our tree-lined streets, how houses address streets and address each other,” Atkinson said.

“It’s different from suburban environments where everything is focused inward, inside the house or inside the garage with the door closed.”

“We maybe understand that we need to protect some of those things,” she said regarding the landscaping and environment that Norman is known for. by Jessica Bruha

Chickasaw Nation & Norman Partners in Progress Headquartered in Ada, Okla., the Chickasaw Nation has a jurisdictional territory of more than 7,600 square miles throughout south-central Oklahoma, encompassing all or parts of 13 counties. While Norman is located just north of the jurisdictional boundary of the tribe, many of the nearly 50,000 Chickasaw citizens call Norman and surrounding communities home.

Norman is also headquarters of Chickasaw Nation Industries, a growing business owned by the Chickasaw Nation which does business around the world.

A holding company with more than a dozen Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) operating as subsidiaries engaged in diverse lines of business from aviation to information technology, CNI can attribute much of its success to the skilled and dedicated workers who live and work in the Norman area.

Riverwind Casino, another successful business located just south of Norman, is a top tourist destination. Riverwind features more than 2,700 electronic games, 28 table games, a poker room open 24/7, off-track betting and a high limits room on its 219,000-square-foot gaming floor. Other entertainment options

include some of the top names in music and comedy performing in concert.

Riverwind has gained a reputation for high quality service, thanks in large part to the hundreds of employees who live in Norman and surrounding areas.

One of the most recent Chickasaw Nation ventures in development is a family clinic, pharmacy and gift shop. The new Sovereign Medical Clinic, Sovereign Pharmacy and Fine Gifts Store and will be located in one building next to Riverwind Casino located south of Norman on I-35.

Chris Anoatubby, Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce Chief Medical Solutions Officer, said increased employee numbers in the region led to an increased opportunity to offer health care services for those living in the Cleveland County area.

"This new facility takes our ability to serve one step further as we will be able to offer convenient health care for anyone living in the Norman, Purcell and Blanchard areas," said Mr. Anoatubby.

The new facility will be approximately 13,700-square feet and house 12 exam rooms, an in-house laboratory, retail pharmacy with two-lane drive thru and gift shop. The complex is expected to provide employment for a staff of 30. Services will be available to the public.

CNI can attribute much of its success to the skilled and dedicated workers who live and work in the Norman area.

Sovereign Medical Clnic, Sovereign Pharmacy and Fine Gifts Store will be located next to Riverwind Casino. Photos provided

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Education has long been a high priority of the Chickasaw Nation. Therefore, the tribe partners with the University of Oklahoma to help reach its educational goals. The Chickasaw Nation Family Resource Center on the campus of OU offers a variety of opportunities for citizens and students. Among the services available are: • Creating a better understanding of and support for Chickasaw Cultural Identity through training, research and the environment of the center and satellites • Offering training for OU students to help them better understand Native American issues • Scholarships and training opportunities offered to Chickasaw citizens through the University of Oklahoma • Training for Chickasaw staff to continually improve the services and support they provide • Recruiting staff and resources to better serve and support Native American children, families and elders • Conducting research to find better ways to support youth and family wellness Traveling north along I-35 to Oklahoma City is Remington Park Racetrack. As part of Oklahoma City’s Adventure District, the facility hosts some of the nation’s best racing, a casino, a gift shop and fine dining.

Through these and many other opportunities, the Chickasaw Nation is proud to be part of the Norman community. For more information, visit www.chickasaw.net.

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University North Park growing big business The area continues to add new businesses to Norman’s economy.

What started as a dream right before the bottom fell out of the national economy has turned into a prime shopping destination in Norman.

The University North Park attracts a regional shopping base in addition to serving Norman.

Easy access off of Interstate 35, this guest friendly shopping and convention district was built through funding generated by a Tax Increment Finance district.

“We were trying to encourage the development of an upscale retail center with a regional draw which would help increase the tax base in Norman and provide quality stores which we didn’t have and which weren’t in Norman,” said Dr. Harold Haralson who was mayor of Norman at the time.

Haralson said the city council looked at several other areas in Texas to see how it was done.

Established in October 2006, the North Park TIF originally took off very well, but when the economic downturn hit and big box and junior box stores nationwide stopped building, the project slowed.

The slowdown was short lived. Now, as Norman edges out of the recession, things are picking up with a slew of new stores, banks, hotels and restaurants opening weekly in the University North Park on 24th Avenue Northwest.

Mathis Brothers Lady Americana, Earthfruits Yogurt, Valliance Bank, Homegoods, DSW Shoe Warehouse, and Starbucks have all opened in the past year, and that list is not all inclusive.

Ground was broken for Crest Foods March 14 and plans for a Holiday Inn Express are underway.

At the recent Crest Foods groundbreaking, Bruce Harroz said his family had wanted to build a Norman store for more than 35 years. This will be their eighth store when it opens in the fall.

When Mathis Brothers Sleep Studio opened last summer it became the showroom carrying the largest collection of mattresses in the state.

“Everything about this is designed to be a different mattress-buying experience from what you can get anywhere else,” company spokesman Kerry Tramel said.

The Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center draws statewide conventions and local events, pumping revenue into the Norman economy.

“Embassy Suites is a success for us and has generated more hotels and more conferences which is generating tax for us,” Haralson said.

Sales tax generated by the University North Park TIF has topped $29 million since its inception in October 2006 for a period ending March 2013, according to the city finance department “I look forward in the future to see what’s coming. It sounds like there are some pretty nice things in the works,” Haralson said. “I’m encouraged with what’s happening. As most cities go, we live and die by sales tax. If you want to have money to spend on police and fire, it takes more tax money to do it. It (the TIF) also helps generate room sales tax which supports the arts, parks, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.”

The total ad valorem taxes collected for the 2011 tax year in the TIF district was $1.5 million.

Half of that pays for improvements within the TIF district but the other half is divided according to millage rates to fund the library, schools and county government. A portion of TIF property ad valorem taxes also helps pay for Legacy Park that is currently being developed, city finance reports.

The crowning jewel of the University North Park will be Legacy Park with an amphitheater which can seat up to 1,000 people. The amphitheater will be used for community events, including night events at which time special lighting in the pond and fountain will allow for some spectacular effects.

A wishbone entry drive to the park and enhanced treatment of Legacy Park Drive will welcome park visitors. Legacy Trail will connect to the park. A one acre pond with programmable fountains, a promenade walk around the pond, an arbor on the west side, restrooms, walkways on the west and extensive landscaping and pedestrian lighting will make the park a destination day and night.

Restaurants will front the commercial side of the Legacy Park pond, allowing outside dining with a beautiful view.

“It’s my feeling that’s going to help set up Legacy Park as the regional destination we’ve always wanted,” said former council member Dan Quinn. “That’s going to be the jewel in the crown.” by Joy Hampton

Bruce Harroz, left and his father Nick Harroz at Crest groundbreaking on March 14. photo by Jay Chilton

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BRING US T-Wolves edge out Panthers

NCAA

UConn defeats Louisville for title Sports

Sports

With You Since the Land Run of 1889 Norman, Oklahoma

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

normantranscript.com

50 cents

Council approves hospital bond refinance The health system is a public trust and approval for debt issuance is required by the NorThe Norman City Council gave man City Council. With interest the thumbs up Tuesday night to a rates at an all-time low, the opporrevenue bond refinance proposed tunity to save through refinance by the Norman Regional Health arose for $27.385 million worth of System Board that will result in a 2002 bonds.

In January, Siemens Public Inc. savings of $3.68 million.

By Joy Hampton Senior Staff Writer

Spring storms A large spring snowstorm delivered heavy snow, high winds and rain and caused travel problems from Wyoming to Chicago on Tuesday.

my p a p e r, my t o w n

A l w a y s

Autism support

C o n n e c t e d

The Thorn Bush Autism support group, open discussion and Bible study will begin meetings at 7 p.m. today.

The group will meet the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at Catering Creations, 3750 W. Main St. Suite 3C, and is hosted by Grace Lutheran Church.

For more information, call Pastor Christian Eisenbeis at 642-6769.

— Transcript Staff

affectation (n) af·fec·ta·tion [af-ek-tey-shuhn] 1. an affecting or pretending to like, have, etc.; show or pretense; 2. artificial behavior meant to impress others; mannerism for effect E

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offered to purchase $25 million of debt will be refinanced as revenue tax-exempt debt from the hospital bonds “secured only by the proauthority. ceeds generated from the operaThe new bonds are projected at tions of the NRHS. No city of Noran average interest rate of 3.73 per- man revenues, property or credit cent, with 10-year terms replacing was pledged to secure” either the 2002 bond’s average rates of series of bonds, according to city 5.45 percent.

U -ii BOND Page A7 Like the 2002 bonds, the new

Circling the wagons

Vehicle break-ins plague area gym

By Jessica Bruha Transcript Staff Writer

After several “smash and grab” car break-ins this month, gym-goers may want to take extra precautions when going to work out.

The Health Club’s parking lot in west Norman was recently hit and, in many cases, female’s cars were targeted.

“Each one of these that’s happened, their (the females’) purses are always in the front seat,” said Kellie Riggs, the Health Club’s office manager.

In the most recent car break-in that occurred Monday, a lunchbag that looked like a purse was left in the front seat, Riggs said.

Earlier this month, a college student paid the price.

While attending an early morning Zumba class at the gym, the master’s degree did t ’ i d

e-edition

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