OKC awarded $975,000 to transform Classen Boulevard into modern transit corridor

Oklahoma City has received a $975,000 federal grant to plan transit-oriented development along Classen Boulevard, from NW 10th to NW 48th streets. The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, will fund a plan to encourage transit-friendly development, affordable housing and improved pedestrian and bike access along the RAPID NW bus line. 

Classen Boulevard has a long history as a major corridor in Oklahoma City. In the 1920s, local developers built streetcars along Classen to connect neighborhoods like Paseo, one of the city’s first shopping districts outside of downtown. The plan aims to honor this history by reviving Classen as a modern transit-oriented corridor, designed to serve the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and public transit riders. 

The city will hire a consultant to gather input from residents, businesses and community groups to shape a people-first vision for Classen. The plan will focus on balancing Classen’s historical significance with current demands for affordable housing and accessible transit. 

“Classen Boulevard is one of Oklahoma City’s most important corridors,” said Ward 2 Councilperson James Cooper. “People of all income levels live along Classen’s neighborhoods, and most of them tell me we must make Classen a Boulevard for people again – not only to move automobiles during rush hour. When G.A. Nichols designed Paseo as our first shopping district outside downtown in the 1920s, Anton Classen and John Shartel built streetcars to connect Classen’s neighborhoods to their basic needs, providing safe access for people to walk and bike from their homes to streetcars, connecting them to where they’re going – a concept known as transit-oriented development. With RAPID NW providing reliable transit service along this historic corridor once more, and, with this grant, we’ll work with our Asian District and neighborhoods to take Classen to the next level, address our housing crisis and honor our history by bringing this transit-oriented development vision into the 21st century.” 

In March, the Oklahoma City Council approved a tax increment finance, or TIF, district to fund infrastructure and attract new development along Classen. This new grant enables the city to coordinate TIF funds and set long-term priorities for the corridor, aiming to create a vibrant, accessible neighborhood for years to come. 

Transit-oriented development can boost the local economy and support transit ridership by encouraging housing and community spaces near transit stops. It also expands access for those who rely on public transportation, including residents with disabilities. 

“RAPID NW is providing residents a new, convenient public transit option along our 9.5-mile route connecting the NW corridor to downtown OKC,” said Transit Director Jesse Rush. “This grant will help increase development opportunities along Classen Boulevard and make access to RAPID NW easier for pedestrians and cyclists.”