URBAN PROTOTYPES Restoration and Infill: Founder's Place Founder’s Place is one of Muskogee’s Historic Districts. It is in the process of applying to be included on the National Register of Historic Places. The 28-block neighborhood is located west of downtown bounded by Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard on the north, 12th Street on the east, Okmulgee Avenue on the south, and 17th Street on the west. It is a short and pleasant walk to downtown. Development of the area began in the late 1800’s with many large and historically significant homes. There are also many charming smaller homes and quite a few duplexes, small apartment buildings, and auxiliary dwelling units. One block is devoted to Beckman Park, an attractive green space with large trees, but few other amenities. The neighborhood has a very active Homeowner’s Association registered as a non-profit corporation. Homeowners pay dues and the organization has a forward-looking strategic plan. Like much of the city, Founder’s Place has seen a fair amount of deterioration. While some homes have been meticulously restored, others need renovation. There are also dozens of empty lots available for infill development. This area needs a coordinated approach to assist existing owners to fix and improve their homes, while also attracting new development for new families. A few of the larger homes may be appropriate for multi-family conversion into two or three flats, but most of the infill would likely be single-family houses. As a historic district, proper guidelines need to ensure that restorations and infill preserve the character of the neighborhood. Repairs and upgrades that can be made without a certificate of appropriateness from the city should be clearly defined, as well as items that can be approved by planning staff. Guidelines for new construction should also be developed for the new infill homes. The standards should be specific with clear evaluation criteria that respond to local character, materials, and scale. The Founder’s Place Homeowner’s Association is already in the process of developing these standards.
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