Oklahoma Library Opens With 59 Affordable Homes Above It

When the new Eddy Gibbs Library opens in Owasso, Oklahoma in early 2027, visitors will find more than books and study rooms inside. Fifty-nine affordable apartments will sit on the three floors above the library, making it the first project of its kind in the state.

The mixed-use building breaks ground on a creative solution to two major challenges facing American cities: aging public infrastructure and housing shortages. The original Owasso library, built in 1989, couldn't keep up with the city's growing population of over 8,000 monthly visitors.

The new library will be twice the size of the original, with expanded study spaces, a children's area, and even a drive-up service window. Outside, residents and visitors can enjoy 119 parking spots, a courtyard, an outdoor kitchen, and a pickleball court.

"I think it's going to be a staple in our Redbud District," Owasso Mayor Alvin Fruga said at the October 2025 groundbreaking ceremony. The library will anchor the downtown area, where locals already gather to eat, shop, and attend events at Redbud Festival Park.

Safety was a priority in the design. Library patrons and apartment residents will use completely separate entrances, allowing both groups to enjoy the space comfortably.

The project is part of the Tulsa City-County Library's "My Library, OUR Future" campaign to replace four heavily used branches. These locations desperately needed updates due to outdated technology, size constraints, and parking problems.

The Ripple Effect

This innovative approach is spreading across North America. Since 2000, at least 23 combined library-housing developments have been completed in the United States and Canada, creating nearly 1,850 apartments.

Many of these projects prioritize affordability. In 2019, Chicago built a seven-story mixed-use building in Little Italy that added 73 affordable housing units above a new library branch on the site of a former public housing complex.

"It's done well in other areas of the country," said Owasso Assistant City Manager JJ Dossett. "We're excited the Tulsa City Library is using Owasso as the first opportunity to try it here in Oklahoma."

By using publicly owned land and programs like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, cities can maximize their resources. The new Owasso library will increase its collection by approximately 45,000 items while creating dozens of homes for residents who need them most.

While construction continues, a temporary library location keeps serving the community. When the doors finally open in 2027, Owasso will prove that public spaces can do double duty, bringing books and homes together under one roof.