Gatesway Foundation Breaks Ground on $58.8 Million Housing Development in Broken Arrow
A transformative housing project is coming to Broken Arrow as the Gatesway Foundation officially broke ground on Villages at Rose Hill, a $58.8 million affordable housing community designed to serve both individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and members of the local workforce.
The development represents one of the largest affordable housing projects currently underway in the Tulsa metro and reflects a growing effort to address the region’s housing shortage while creating a more inclusive community. Construction began Wednesday on Gatesway’s 41-acre campus near East College Street, with the first residents expected to move in during early 2028.
A Community Designed for Everyone
Villages at Rose Hill will feature 180 apartment homes offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. Rather than separating residents based on ability, the community is intentionally designed to integrate people with intellectual and developmental disabilities alongside teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and other workforce residents.
Approximately 20% to 30% of the apartments will be reserved for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including adults with autism and Down syndrome. The remaining homes will provide affordable workforce housing for residents who may struggle to afford today’s market-rate rental prices.
Promoting Independence
For more than 60 years, the Gatesway Foundation has helped Oklahomans with intellectual and developmental disabilities live more independently through housing, employment, and community support programs.
Foundation leaders say Villages at Rose Hill continues that mission by creating an environment where residents with different abilities live side-by-side, building friendships while encouraging greater independence.
“This development brings that vision to life by supporting greater independence for the individuals we serve while also helping address the need for affordable housing in Broken Arrow,” Gatesway leaders said during Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony.
Modern Amenities Included
The apartment community will include amenities often found in newer market-rate developments, including:
- One-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments
- Swimming pool
- Walking trails
- Pickleball and recreational courts
- Clubhouse and community gathering spaces
- Dog park
- Children’s playground
- Beautiful landscaped common areas
Developers say every apartment will feature modern finishes designed to provide residents with high-quality housing while remaining affordable.
Powered by Solar Energy
One feature setting Villages at Rose Hill apart from many affordable housing developments is its commitment to renewable energy.
The entire community will operate using solar power, helping stabilize utility costs for residents while reducing long-term operating expenses. Developers say incorporating solar energy into the project allows residents to better predict monthly housing costs without the fluctuations that often accompany traditional utility bills.
Funding the Project
The development is being financed through a combination of public and private funding sources, including:
- $10 million in Oklahoma state funding
- Approximately $27 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
- $2 million in federal Investment Tax Credits supporting the project’s solar energy system
- Additional private financing and development partnerships
The project is being developed through a partnership between the Gatesway Foundation and Beacon Property/SOCAYR.
Helping Meet Broken Arrow’s Growing Housing Needs
Broken Arrow continues to experience rapid growth, creating increased demand for affordable housing options. Community leaders say workforce housing has become increasingly difficult to find as rental prices continue to rise throughout the Tulsa metropolitan area.
Villages at Rose Hill is expected to provide much-needed housing for essential workers while also expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live independently within the broader community.
Housing advocates note that integrated developments like this help reduce isolation while creating stronger neighborhoods where residents of different backgrounds and abilities live, work, and interact together.
Looking Ahead
Construction is expected to take approximately two years, with the first apartment buildings opening in early 2028 and the full community anticipated to be completed by mid-2028.
For Broken Arrow, the project represents more than new apartments—it is an investment in affordable housing, community inclusion, and the city’s continued growth. If successful, Gatesway leaders hope Villages at Rose Hill will serve as a model for future inclusive housing developments throughout Oklahoma.
