Development News for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Diversion Hub Project Receives Final Acceptance; New Facility to Expand Client Services

The final acceptance of the Diversion Hub project was approved. The hub, located at the southwest corner of Lynwood Boulevard and Klein Avenue, has completed construction and the organization has moved in. The project's final construction cost was $16,980,658. While there was a 6.55% increase over the original contract due to change orders, 3.7% of that was attributed to end-user requests and additions. The facility features a warm and inviting entrance with landscaping, a shuttle shelter, benches, and a main lobby designed to be spacious and welcoming. It includes a training room that can be divided, client meeting spaces with workstations, and a central spine with a two-story mural. Staff areas include an open office, private offices, and conference rooms. The Diversion Hub staff and partners moved in on April 30th and May 1st, opening their doors on May 4th. The official ribbon cutting is scheduled for June 24th. The new, larger facility will allow the Diversion Hub to serve a greater number of clients and enhance its ability to recruit and retain staff.

Numerous Change Orders, Contracts, and Project Approvals for MAPS Initiatives

The board considered several change orders and contract approvals related to various MAPS projects. Change Order #5 for the Luis Mchuan Animal Welfare Center with Crossland Construction increased costs by $39,176.60 due to issues with wall heights and the need for a medical gas vapor removal system. Change Order #3 for South Lake Park Improvements with Shiloh Enterprises increased costs by $34,912.63 for relocating underground electrical lines and irrigation, and relocating an OG&E line. Change Order #2 for CB Cameron Park improvements with Downey Contracting LLC increased costs by $240,844.60 primarily for replacing a 6-inch water line that was disturbed by grading, and also included changes to light fixtures, floor drains, and door hardware. A resolution was approved to award the construction contract for the Clara Looper Civil Rights Center to Crossling Construction Company for $10,221,450, coming in under budget. Change Order #2 for sidewalks and related amenities phase 2A with Garver increased costs by $5,219.68 to relocate a large water vault access hatch. An engineering services contract was approved with Kimley Horn and Associates for MAPS for Advanced Transit for a fee of $2,989,583, which includes 30% design, advancing a federal funding package, and conducting a formal environmental review for the 17-mile project corridor. Final plans and specifications for the multi-purpose stadium were approved, encompassing items J through Y. A contract manager at risk for metal panels for the stadium was approved. Change Order #23 for the Fairgrounds Coliseum with Flint Co. increased costs by $197,673 for roofing replacement. Final acceptance of the Diversion Hub project was approved, with the final construction cost at $16,980,658. An amendment to the professional services agreement with Gooden Group for program public relations media consultant was approved for an increase of $275,800. A construction management at risk services contract with Lingo Construction for the MAPS 3 Union Station renovation for preconstruction services was approved for $96,380. The board also approved final plans for the multi-purpose stadium (items J-Y) and approved a contract manager at risk for metal panels for the stadium.

OKC Housing Authority Reports on MAPS-Funded Homeless Projects, Progress on 10 Developments

The Oklahoma City Housing Authority presented a quarterly update on MAPS-funded homeless projects, highlighting progress on 10 projects totaling 835 units. Three projects are slated for construction this summer. The Dorset Place Veteran Community is nearly 100% occupied with 36 out of 37 units filled by formerly homeless veterans. Vita Nova, a permanent supportive housing project at 1800 East Reno, has completed demolition and will begin interior/exterior construction within 30 days. Oak Grove Apartments, a public housing conversion, will redevelop 306 units, with a net gain of 18 units. The project is finalizing financing with HUD and has applied for low-income housing tax credits. WeHost Alliance, a permanent supportive housing project for chronically homeless individuals, has closed financing and will begin construction within 30 days. Shiloh Flats, a workforce housing project with 55 subsidized units, is closing financing on June 15th and will start construction this summer. The city, in partnership with the Housing Authority, is awaiting a decision on a $26 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant for Will Rogers Courts. West Lawn Gardens, a family affordable housing project, is in planning stages, with potential for up to 40 units on a brownfield site. Pivot is expanding its tiny home model for homeless youth, adding nine units, and is seeking additional subsidies. The report also detailed leveraging of MAPS funds, with $120 million secured from the first allocation and $109 million from the second, not including potential future funds for Crestston Park. The 90-day outlook included upcoming milestones for Crestston Park demolition, Oak Grove's LITC award, Vita Nova and WeHost Alliance construction, West Haven Flats construction, and the Will Rogers Courts CNI award announcement.