Many finding change in lifestyle is exciting

By Heather Warlick

Published: September 4, 2008

Billy Garrett sold his home in the suburbs in 2005 because he wanted a more urban lifestyle. The former Edmond resident decided to buy a home at the Brownstones at Maywood Park. His family has business interests in the development of the area, and he knew a brownstone would be a good investment.

“I believe that Oklahoma City is going to be growing in leaps and bounds. It’s going to take a little more time, but I wanted to get in on the ground floor before prices skyrocketed,” he said.

Two months ago, he moved in to his new brownstone. Just blocks from Bricktown and downtown Oklahoma City, he has stunning views from his fourth-floor covered patio.

“I went to law school in New York City, and you can’t find anything like this there,” he said.

His brownstone is about 3,700 square feet, and he chose traditional colors and textures to finish the interior with earth-tone carpet, wood blinds, banisters and other accents. Granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms give the home a warm feel that

contrasts sharply to the modern, minimalist styles found in most of the model homes in the new urban developments in Oklahoma City.

Since moving in to his brownstone, Garrett said he has enjoyed being so close to the restaurants in Bricktown, and he is excited about walking to NBA basketball games.

Though his new home is near the railroad tracks, he said he can barely hear the train go by because his home is well-insulated against sound. That insulation also helps keep his heating and cooling bills low.

“It only cost about $150 to cool the place last month, and I keep it cold,” he said.

Garrett’s favorite room in the brownstone is the fourth-floor great room, which overlooks Bricktown and downtown Oklahoma City. He said he loves the feel of living downtown and doesn’t mind not having a yard.

“That’s great for me. The only drawback is I don’t want to get a big dog in here. You know, I’d like a dog,” he said.

Though the neighborhood is quiet now, construction workers are busy building what Garrett thinks eventually will be a bustling community.

“I want younger people to move down here, and I think it will happen,” he said. “In Oklahoma City, people want to see something built first before they move down here and see how it’s going to go. They don’t want to jump in and be the first one. I’m a risk-taker, I guess. I saw this as a great investment opportunity, to be the first one down here.”

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