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Commission backs master-planned redevelopment for Harwelden Mansion; residents divided
Summary
The TMAPC voted 10-0 to recommend MPD-8 and a related comprehensive plan amendment (CPA-127) that would allow expanded lodging, event space and an on-site restaurant at the Harwelden Mansion site, after a public comment period that included both opposition citing traffic and preservation concerns and support for adaptive reuse.
The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission on March 4 recommended approval of MPD-8, a master-planned development for the Harwelden Mansion property that would formalize existing event and lodging uses and permit limited expansion including additional lodging, event space and a restaurant.
Staff presented the proposal as tailored to preserve the historic mansion while granting specific site standards—floor area ratios, building heights and landscaping requirements—to guide any future expansion. Mark Capron of Wallace Design Collective, the applicant, sought the MPD rather than a standard commercial rezoning to establish those custom rules and to limit uses that could otherwise be allowed under a broader commercial district.
Public comment was mixed. Several nearby residents opposed the rezoning, citing traffic increases and potential impacts to neighborhood character and the visibility of historic houses. Martin Hart (12 Woodward Blvd.) said the zoning change would “disrupt his neighborhood” and could lower property values. Barbara Gardner cautioned that renderings were conceptual and could change once zoning was in place.
Other neighbors and stakeholders voiced support. Beverly Rains (2300 Riverside Drive) and Mary Collins (2300 Riverside Drive) said the project had neighborhood support and that the applicant had the resources to maintain the site’s historic character. Real-estate professional Peter Walter said the proposal would be a good use of the property.
The commission voted 10-0 to recommend approval of MPD-8, and separately approved CPA-127 to change the property’s future land use designation from Neighborhood to Multiple Use to reflect the proposed commercial and lodging activities. The staff report and commission discussion emphasized preservation of architectural assets, a minimum of 40% landscaped area within the MPD, and exemptions for buildings listed in the National Register with respect to minimum parking requirements.
The matter now moves to the City Council for final consideration as the TMAPC is a recommending body.
