OKLAHOMA
– America’s 46th State –
Oklahoma is known for its rich Native American history and cultural heritage. The state’s economy is driven by industries such as energy, agriculture, and aerospace, making it a significant player in the U.S. energy sector. Oklahoma also offers affordable living costs and a growing job market, attracting both residents and investors.
Energy Hub
Oklahoma is a leading producer of oil, natural gas, and wind energy.
Low Cost of Living
The state boasts one of the lowest costs of living in the U.S., making it an attractive destination for both businesses and residents.
Growing Aerospace Industry
Oklahoma is home to a rapidly expanding aerospace industry, supported by major employers like Tinker Air Force Base and American Airlines’ maintenance operations.
Strong Agricultural Sector
Agriculture is a key part of Oklahoma’s economy, with the state being a top producer of wheat, cattle, and other commodities, supporting rural economies and food production industries.
Midwest City
History
One Square Mile
The Original Mile was constructed between the early 1940’s and 1960’s, consisting largely of small single family homes (700 to 1200 square feet), on large lots, with a few duplexes and apartment buildings. The mile is surrounded by and contains schools, churches, shopping and restaurants along with a variety of services.
Subdivisions
The Original Mile was constructed in five phases, unique interconnected subdivisions that are currently being designated as “revitalization areas”. Midwest City is working diligently with the private sector to improve housing conditions in the five revitalization areas that make up the Original Mile.
America’s Model City
The concept for the Original Mile was to build a complete community, including shopping, schools, churches, and other necessary amenities. The area’s well-planned physical layout make it easy to live a quality lifestyle. Shopping is close to residential neighborhoods, children can walk to school, and the streets are designed with a high consideration for safety. In 1951, Midwest City’s Original Mile was designated “America’s Model City.” The Original Mile is Midwest City’s most crucial social, cultural, and economic asset. It consists of about 1,880 housing structures.
Tinker Air Force Base
Tinker Air Force Base borders The Original Mile to the south and currently employs over 26,000 military and civilian personnel. The Original Mile used to house most of Tinkers workers. Many potential Midwest City residents are currently lost to outlying communities considered to be more gentrified. Available housing inventory in The Original Mile is old, often consisting of low income housing in buildings which have suffered from poor maintenance. The elongated commutes of personnel working at Tinker reduces both quality of life and economic prosperity in the region.
Zoning
The Original Mile, established during World War II, was originally designed to support the newly built Tinker Air Force Base. This military connection greatly influenced the zoning and development of the original mile, the city’s oldest area.
Initially, the zoning in this region was predominantly residential, aimed at providing housing for military personnel and their families. The homes were typically small, single-family units, built rapidly to meet the urgent demands of the booming population associated with the base.
Commercial zoning was also a critical aspect of the original mile, primarily in Town Center Plaza and on Air Depot Blvd. These areas were designated for businesses that catered to the needs of the base personnel and their families.
The Original Mile still retains much of its historical layout. Efforts have been made to preserve the character of this area while accommodating modern developments. This includes updating zoning regulations to allow for more diverse types of housing and mixed-use developments, aiming to revitalize the area while respecting its historical roots.
Our Plan
1. Address Deteriorating Housing Conditions
Acquire distressed properties and complete the necessary renovations to provide safe, clean and affordable housing to Midwest City residents.
2. Support Community Revitalization
Through continuous community reinvestment and growth, while considering public opinion and long term local government objectives.
3. Adopt Residential Revitalization And Infill Design Package
Provide local government with private effort necessary to facilitate upgrades to available housing inventory in order to bring The Original Mile into the future.
Our Oklahoma Partners
