Developer Tisdale presents multi-use project enhancing Reservoir Hill community in Tulsa

A proposed development project in Tulsa is stirring significant community debate, as local residents voice concerns over its potential impact on the neighborhood. The project, led by developer William Tisdale, aims to transform a 40-acre site into a mixed-use area featuring a medical clinic, health and wellness center, and a unique no-contact grocery store. Tisdale emphasized the project's focus on sustainability and community connectivity, aiming to create a walkable environment that serves both new residents and the existing community of Reservoir Hill.

During the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission meeting on June 4, 2025, Tisdale outlined plans for the development, which is already zoned for multifamily residential use. He highlighted the inclusion of a medical clinic supported by a major hospital, addressing a critical need for healthcare services in the area. Additionally, Tisdale mentioned plans for townhomes and multi-family housing designed to complement the existing neighborhood aesthetics.

However, the proposal has faced pushback from residents like Stanford Pape and Casey Clower, who raised concerns about increased traffic, noise, and the loss of green space. Pape criticized the decision to develop the site instead of revitalizing existing commercial areas, arguing that the project could lead to higher crime rates and further urban sprawl. Clower echoed these sentiments, urging the commission to deny the zoning change, citing fears of negative impacts on property values and community safety.

The commission's discussions reflect a broader tension between development goals and community preservation, as stakeholders weigh the potential benefits of new amenities against the concerns of long-standing residents. As the planning process continues, the outcome of this project could significantly shape the future of the Reservoir Hill area and its surrounding neighborhoods.