Tulsa OK Design-Build Construction | Upscale Development Group

Building in Tulsa

Upscale Development Group is proud to call Tulsa home. We understand the unique soil conditions (clay/shale), weather patterns, and municipal regulations that impact construction in Green Country.

Permitting & Zoning

We work daily with the City of Tulsa Permit Center located at City Hall (175 E 2nd St). Our team handles:

Commercial Building Permits
Zoning Clearance & Variance Requests
Fire Marshal Reviews (Fire Suppression/Alarm)
Water/Sewer Taps & Impact Fees

Note: Typical commercial plan review times in Tulsa are currently running 4-6 weeks.

Our Local Service Area

While our HQ is in Tulsa (71st & Memorial area), we actively build in:

Tulsa (Downtown/Midtown/South)

Broken Arrow

Bixby

Jenks

Owasso

Sand Springs

Sapulpa

Claremore

Why Build in Tulsa

Pro-Business Environment

Oklahoma ranks among the top states for business with low corporate taxes, right-to-work status, and streamlined regulations. Tulsa offers additional incentives including TIF districts, Quality Jobs programs, and the Tulsa Remote initiative bringing skilled workers to the region.

Strategic Location

Positioned at the crossroads of I-44 and I-244 with access to the Port of Catoosa (America's most inland port), Tulsa offers exceptional logistics. Within a day's drive to Dallas, Kansas City, and Denver markets, with Tulsa International Airport serving major carriers.

Growing Healthcare Hub

Home to major hospital systems including St. Francis, Hillcrest, and St. John, Tulsa's healthcare sector continues expanding. The OSU Medical School and OU-Tulsa create a pipeline of medical professionals, driving demand for medical office construction.

Affordable Construction Costs

Commercial construction costs in Tulsa run 15-25% below coastal markets. Combined with lower labor costs, available skilled trades, and competitive material pricing, your construction dollar stretches further in Green Country.

Rapid Population Growth

The Tulsa MSA has added over 50,000 residents in the past decade. South Tulsa suburbs like Bixby and Jenks rank among Oklahoma's fastest-growing communities, creating sustained demand for retail, medical, and professional services.

Quality of Life

The Gathering Place, Tulsa's $465M riverside park, symbolizes the city's renaissance. Combined with a revitalized downtown, thriving arts district, top-rated schools in surrounding suburbs, and low cost of living, Tulsa attracts talent and investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What commercial development opportunities exist in Downtown Tulsa?

Downtown Tulsa is experiencing a renaissance with the Gathering Place effect, BOK Center district, and Arts District revitalization. Prime opportunities include mixed-use developments, medical office conversions in historic buildings, and retail spaces along the IDL. The city offers TIF districts and incentive programs for downtown investment.

Why is Midtown Tulsa ideal for medical office construction?

Midtown Tulsa's Medical District along Utica Avenue features proximity to major hospitals including St. John Medical Center and Hillcrest Medical Center. The area offers excellent patient accessibility, established healthcare infrastructure, high-income demographics, and zoning favorable to medical office development. Many physicians prefer midtown locations for specialist practices.

What drives commercial growth in South Tulsa?

South Tulsa commercial growth is fueled by rapid residential development in Jenks, Bixby, and the 101st-121st Street corridors. Key drivers include the Tulsa Hills Shopping Center success, Creek Turnpike accessibility, top-rated Jenks and Bixby schools attracting families, and strong demographics with household incomes 30% above metro average. Retail, medical, and professional office demand remains strong.

How long does the City of Tulsa commercial permit process take?

City of Tulsa commercial building permits typically require 4-6 weeks for plan review. The process involves submitting to the Permit Center at City Hall, concurrent reviews by Building, Fire Marshal, and Planning departments, and addressing any corrections. Working with an experienced local contractor who has established relationships with permit reviewers can help expedite the process and avoid common delays.

Tulsa Design-Build