residential & economic growthApril 12, 2013

Brookhaven Mansions CART University Town Center

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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

That’s what Management One Real Estate Group has done with

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

more on the horizon.

The company started with a borrowed office, desk, one

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

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

family housing, we never could have imagined our company

would have such a broad scope tremendous success this quickly.

Lisa Talley is the company’s owner/managing broker and Zan

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

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

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

Norman natives have been friends since they were 11 years old

and have worked together as a team for numerous years—each

bringing individual gifts to the equation. Having been raised

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

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

the community. Their potential seems limitless. Every year,

their production, staff and portfolio have more than doubled.

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

generations to come.

READY� SET� GROW! 

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

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

their success to being blessed with incredible mentors and

business partners who have invested time, energy and knowledge

into their business and personal development. Not many

young professionals have such a well-established network of

resources. They believe their mentors have greatly benefited the

company and clients.

Another exciting change Lisa and Zan are taking on is a new

brand name for their company. Many companies rebrand to

ignite interest or refresh their brand, but they are rebranding

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

bright future.

Introducing Learia Group

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

employees, customers, and community. We will empower them

to live to their fullest potential individually. As a company we will

exceed all expectations. With this foundation we will Honor God

and create the Learia Legacy.

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

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Low rates, better times fuel real estate growthSeventeen 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 student-

athletes werenamed to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll each semester last year.More than 60 OU student-athletes recorded a perfect4.0 GPA last year

The prop from the movie, “Twister,”

Dorothy, is housed at the National Weather Center.

A builder friend who graduatedfrom theUniversity ofOklahoma has workedin Norman since the

mid 1970s. He rode the city’sboom times and bust years.Failed banks. Bankrupt builders.Investments gone South. Ata Chamber of Commerce luncheon in March, he wastaken back by my question. He had to think about it for a few moments. What’s the highest interestrate you ever paid on aconstruction or home loan? “Twenty percent,” he said,almost choking on each syllable.“And we were glad to get that.”

Today’s home mortgageinterest 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 backthen) and briefl y held a Realtorslicense. 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 hadgiven me a pocketbook thatlisted principal and interest payments for loans. It startedat 2 percent and ended at 12percent. It was nearly outdated when he gave it to me but I was

able to use it to quote pricesto prospective borrowers. Iwish I had kept it as those rates have returned and seem to besticking around for a while.

The lowerrates anddropping pricesin some areas have fueled arevival of homepurchases. Mychildren andmany of their friends all took advantage of the bargain ratesand invested intheir various communities last year. It became agame to see whocould lock-in atthe lowest rate.

One child ineast Tennessee may have beenthe winner.They boughta foreclosure from a localbank, did lots of repair workthemselves, and have alreadybuilt a nice equity. A child inCalifornia bought at what mayhave been the bottom of themarket there.

It’s hard to compareNorman’s market with otherareas of the country. We rodethe boom and bust cycles but didn’t experience the great run-up in values seen in other areas so we didn’t have the big drops.

Lenders here tend to be moreconservative, too.

Home sales appear to bepicking up. Local Realtors

closed 555 home sales in the fi rst twomonths of the year. New homeconstruction appears to be on the rebound, too. Any home sale helps employment but new homeconstruction tends to havea bigger ripple effect throughoutthe community.In construction, one learns quickly thatFriday is payday.Commercial development isalso booming in Norman. The University

North Park development on24th Avenue NW seems to addnew retail stores, restaurants andservices each month. Two banksquickly snapped up some prime locations in the area. Main Street, the city’sspine, continues to prosper.At one time, there were sixnew construction or remodel projects in the stretch fromSprouts west to the interstate.Compared to much of the state,Norman is a boom town.

by Andy Rieger

At one time, there were

six new construction or remodel

projects in thestretch from

Sprouts west to the interstate. Compared to much of the

state, Norman is a boom town.

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The Big Move 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 hassle-free 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 traffi c 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 traffi c. Route schedule pamphlets, fl yers 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

CART transfer station shifts east 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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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.

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

From a recent high of 564 single familyresidential permits issued in 2008 the marketdipped in 2009 with a total of 339 permits issued. The City of Norman has issued an increased number of permits in the past twoyears resulting in a total of 414 in 2012.

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

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

Brenda Wolf, permit services supervisorfor the City of Norman, made note of anincrease in storm shelter permits in recent months. City of Norman construction reports show a steady increase every yearstarting in 2009 with 51 storm shelter permits issued to a total of 532 permits in 2012. 130 permits were issued in the firsttwo months of 2013 showing and increaseover the 88 permit total in 2012 for the sametime frame.

Realtor President Dan Quinn said the cityhas seen 555 home sale closings in the fi rsttwo months of 2013. Homes are generallyselling close to list price and averaging justbelow $169,000. "It seems to be picking up. It feelsbetter than last year," Quinn said. Community manager Jon Horn ofWestpoint Homes discussed his Las Colinasdevelopment on 48th Avenue NE betweenTecumseh and Rock Creek roads.

"We have 114 lots, four builders andthree 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 ofOklahoma 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 residentsin June, the same time as the Festival of

homes," Trower said. by Jay Chilton

Housing growth in NormanNorman’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 Homesfeatured home. photo by Kyle Phillips

The kitchen of last year’s Festival of Home’s featuredhome. photo by Kyle Phillips

The home at 3109 24th Ave SE was featured in the 2012 Festival of Homes. photo by Kyle Phillips

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As Norman’s population continues to grow,so do the city’s questions about housing thatpopulation. Norman’s population increased by nearly6,000 from July 2008 to July 2011, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Brent Swift, owner of BrentSwift Design Build, said there is a lot of talk about high density areas but, instead of approving everydevelopment and every idea to quickly solve theissue, Norman is being mindful about it. “We’re thinking about the long-term effectsof a particular development or project and I thinkthat’s good,” Swift said. “Mindfully developing thecore, central part of Norman is critical right now.”

Swift said that he’s observed that manypeople have the desire to have a home near theUniversity of Oklahoma because of the benefitsof being close to the theater, the museum and thebeautiful campus area. “A lot of people want to be close to that buzz,”he said. His company renovates, or rehabilitates, olderproperties — especially those with historical orarchitectural value. Swift said during the span ofhis career he’s only had to tear down two or three houses and rebuild them.

As far as in-fill housing goes, Swift said 99percent 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 localeconomy. Swift said when people hire him torenovate the homes, he uses subcontractors andthe money goes back into the local economy.

Options including renovating orrehabilitating homes versus in-fill housing in orderto increase the density of a core area is a new conversation for Norman, said Susan Atkinson,historic preservation planner for the City ofNorman. 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 byacquiring land, scraping it off and building tallbuildings with lots of rooms — which is oneapproach to adding density — that method has some issues, she said. “We want to provide a product that’s valuablein the market, that doesn’t turn it’s back on theneighborhood and that is overly large and sort ofunfriendly,” Atkinson said. “A neighborhood as a whole, as an organized whole, is a precious thingthat needs to be protected.” She said they are looking at what they can dostrategically to add to a neighborhood for investorsand provide a marketable product people wantto live in, but also something that wraps its armaround and extends its arms to neighbors.

“There are people that comment so wistfullyabout our tree-lined streets, how houses address streets and address each other,” Atkinson said. “It’s different from suburban environments whereeverything is focused inward, inside the house orinside the garage with the door closed.” “We maybe understand that we need toprotect some of those things,” she said regardingthe landscaping and environment that Norman is known for. by Jessica Bruha

High Density HousingConversations begin for high density housing options.

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Headquartered in Ada, Okla., theChickasaw Nation has a jurisdictional territoryof more than 7,600 square miles throughoutsouth-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 Chickasawcitizens call Norman and surrounding communitieshome. Norman is alsoheadquarters of ChickasawNation Industries, a growingbusiness owned by theChickasaw Nation which does business around the world.

A holding company withmore than a dozen LimitedLiability Companies (LLCs) operating as subsidiaries engaged in diverse lines ofbusiness from aviation toinformation technology,CNI can attribute much ofits success to the skilled and dedicated workers who live and work in theNorman area. Riverwind Casino, another successfulbusiness located just south of Norman, is a toptourist destination. Riverwind features morethan 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 forhigh 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 FineGifts Store and will be located in one building next to Riverwind Casino located south of Norman on I-35. Chris Anoatubby, ChickasawNation Division of CommerceChief Medical Solutions Offi cer,said increased employee numbersin the region led to an increased opportunity to offer health careservices for those living in the Cleveland County area.

"This new facility takes ourability to serve one step further as

we will be able to offer convenient health carefor anyone living in the Norman, Purcell andBlanchard areas," said Mr. Anoatubby.

The new facility will be approximately13,700-square feet and house 12 exam rooms,an in-house laboratory, retail pharmacy withtwo-lane drive thru and gift shop. The complexis expected to provide employment for a staff of30. Services will be available to the public.

Education has long been a high priority of the Chickasaw Nation. Therefore, the tribe partnerswith the University of Oklahoma to help reachits educational goals. The Chickasaw Nation Family Resource Center on the campus of OUoffers a variety of opportunities for citizens andstudents. Among the services available are:

• Creating a better understanding of andsupport for Chickasaw Cultural Identitythrough training, research and theenvironment of the center and satellites• Offering training for OU students to helpthem better understand Native Americanissues• Scholarships and training opportunitiesoffered to Chickasaw citizens through theUniversity of Oklahoma• Training for Chickasaw staff tocontinually improve the services andsupport they provide• Recruiting staff and resources to betterserve and support Native Americanchildren, families and elders• Conducting research to find better ways tosupport youth and family wellnessTraveling north along I-35 to Oklahoma

City is Remington Park Racetrack. As part ofOklahoma City’s Adventure District, the facility hosts some of the nation’s best racing, a casino,a gift shop and fi ne dining.

Through these and many otheropportunities, the Chickasaw Nation is proud to be part of the Norman community. For moreinformation, visit www.chickasaw.net.

Chickasaw Nation & NormanPartners in Progress

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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What started as a dream right before thebottom fell out of the national economy has turnedinto a prime shopping destination in Norman.The University North Park attracts a regionalshopping base in addition to serving Norman. Easy access off of Interstate 35, this guest friendlyshopping and convention district was built throughfunding generated by a Tax Increment Finance district. “We were trying to encourage the developmentof an upscale retail center with a regional drawwhich would help increase the tax base in Normanand provide quality stores which we didn’t haveand which weren’t in Norman,” said Dr. HaroldHaralson who was mayor of Norman at the time.Haralson said the city council looked at severalother areas in Texas to see how it was done.Established in October 2006, the North ParkTIF originally took off very well, but when theeconomic downturn hit and big box and junior box stores nationwide stopped building, the projectslowed.

The slowdown was short lived. Now, asNorman edges out of the recession, things arepicking up with a slew of new stores, banks, hotelsand restaurants opening weekly in the UniversityNorth Park on 24th Avenue Northwest.

Mathis Brothers Lady Americana, EarthfruitsYogurt, Valliance Bank, Homegoods, DSW ShoeWarehouse, and Starbucks have all opened in thepast year, and that list is not all inclusive.

Ground was broken for Crest Foods March 14and plans for a Holiday Inn Express are underway.At the recent Crest Foods groundbreaking, BruceHarroz said his family had wanted to build aNorman store for more than 35 years. This will betheir eighth store when it opens in the fall. When Mathis Brothers Sleep Studio openedlast summer it became the showroom carrying thelargest collection of mattresses in the state.

“Everything about this is designed to be adifferent mattress-buying experience from whatyou can get anywhere else,” company spokesmanKerry Tramel said.

The Embassy Suites Hotel and ConventionCenter draws statewide conventions and localevents, pumping revenue into the Normaneconomy.

“Embassy Suites is a success for us and hasgenerated more hotels and more conferences which is generating tax for us,” Haralson said.Sales tax generated by the University North ParkTIF has topped $29 million since its inception in October 2006 for a period ending March 2013,according to the city fi nance department

“I look forward in the future to see what’scoming. It sounds like there are some pretty nice things in the works,” Haralson said. “I’mencouraged with what’s happening. As most citiesgo, we live and die by sales tax. If you want to havemoney to spend on police and fi re, it takes moretax money to do it. It (the TIF) also helps generate room sales tax which supports the arts, parks, andthe Convention and Visitors Bureau.”

The total ad valorem taxes collected for the2011 tax year in the TIF district was $1.5 million. Half of that pays for improvements within theTIF district but the other half is divided according to millage rates to fund the library, schools andcounty government. A portion of TIF property advalorem taxes also helps pay for Legacy Park thatis currently being developed, city finance reports.

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

A wishbone entry drive to the park andenhanced treatment of Legacy Park Drive willwelcome park visitors. Legacy Trail will connectto the park. A one acre pond with programmablefountains, 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 ofthe Legacy Park pond, allowing outside diningwith a beautiful view.

“It’s my feeling that’s going to help set upLegacy Park as the regional destination we’vealways wanted,” said former council memberDan Quinn. “That’s going to be the jewel in thecrown.” by Joy Hampton

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

Bruce Harroz, left and his father Nick Harroz at Crest groundbreaking on

March 14. photo by Jay Chilton

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NNNNBRING US

Spring stormsA large spring snowstorm

delivered heavy snow, highwinds and rain and caused trav-el problems from Wyoming toChicago on Tuesday.

Autism supportThe Thorn Bush Autism sup-

port group, open discussion andBible study will begin meetingsat 7 p.m. today.

The group will meet the sec-ond and fourth Wednesday ofthe month at Catering Creations,3750 W. Main St. Suite 3C, andis hosted by Grace LutheranChurch.

For more information, callPastor Christian Eisenbeis at642-6769.

— Transcript Staff

With You Since the Land Run of 1889

50 centsWednesday, April 10, 2013 Norman, Oklahoma normantranscript.com

NCAAT-Wolvesedge outPanthers

Sports

UConndefeats

Louisvillefor title

Sports

Circling the wagons

By Jessica BruhaTranscript Staff Writer

After several “smash andgrab” car break-ins thismonth, gym-goers may wantto take extra precautionswhen going to work out.

The Health Club’s park-ing lot in west Norman wasrecently hit and, in manycases, female’s cars were tar-geted.

“Each one of these that’shappened, their (thefemales’) purses are alwaysin the front seat,” said KellieRiggs, the Health Club’soffice manager.

In the most recent carbreak-in that occurred Mon-day, a lunchbag that lookedlike a purse was left in thefront seat, Riggs said.

Earlier this month, a col-lege student paid the price.While attending an earlymorning Zumba class at thegym, the master’s degree

did t ’ i d

affectation(n) af·fec·ta·tion

[af-ek-tey-shuhn]1. an affecting or pretending

to like, have, etc.; show orpretense; 2. artificial behaviormeant to impress others;mannerism for effect

E l H di l d

By Joy HamptonSenior Staff Writer

The Norman City Council gavethe thumbs up Tuesday night to arevenue bond refinance proposedby the Norman Regional HealthSystem Board that will result in asavings of $3.68 million.

The health system is a publictrust and approval for debtissuance is required by the Nor-man City Council. With interestrates at an all-time low, the oppor-tunity to save through refinancearose for $27.385 million worth of2002 bonds.

In January, Siemens Public Inc.

offered to purchase $25 million oftax-exempt debt from the hospitalauthority.

The new bonds are projected atan average interest rate of 3.73 per-cent, with 10-year terms replacingthe 2002 bond’s average rates of5.45 percent.

Like the 2002 bonds, the new

debt will be refinanced as revenuebonds “secured only by the pro-ceeds generated from the opera-tions of the NRHS. No city of Nor-man revenues, property or creditwas pledged to secure” eitherseries of bonds, according to city

Vehiclebreak-insplaguearea gym

Council approves hospital bond refinance

BOND Page A7

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