Strategies

Muskogee needs strategies for housing redevelopment and specific prototype projects to test the strategies and encourage growth. The strategies consist of tactics, policies, and programs that enable the prototype projects to succeed. The prototypes fall into six categories: Restoration and Infill of Existing Neighborhoods, Suburban Single-Family Construction, Urban Single-Family Construction, Suburban Multi-Family Construction, Urban Multi-Family Construction, and Exurban Development.1 While, each area focuses on a specific type of development, nothing in these recommendations should preclude mixing types of housing units or other uses if appropriate for a specific development project.

Not all areas of the city can be addressed initially or equally. The large physical size of Muskogee and its extensive housing needs require a geographical focus for each prototype. Discussions with potential developers indicate that there should be a nexus between the housing development and other positive attributes in the neighborhood that will make the new housing desirable to potential renters or purchasers. A focus on housing in downtown and the original town site fits this requirement. The city is in danger of losing its historic character and many more irreplaceable structures if it does not focus on the core area. The city has also recently completed a downtown plan and invested significantly in the revitalization of the downtown area. Sites have been identified in the downtown area for the three urban prototypes that take advantage of the development nexus in each location. Even though they are on different sides of downtown, the sites should function together to encourage interest and reinvestment in downtown generally.

The three suburban prototypes also identify with their own development nexuses. Specific boundaries for these prototype areas have not be identified in this study. The city should conduct a public process to clearly demarcate the boundaries for each prototype area that will be eligible for development incentives. These areas do not need to be the same size or shape but should not exceed 10% to 15% of the city’s total area.

1. Exurban Development is an extreme form of suburban development in rural areas with little infrastructure. It often takes the form of widely scattered, large-lot housing development.

Map showing urban housing prototypes and target sites.