A mid-century bungalow
with a modern makeover
Nestled in the artists neighborhood of Reservoir Hill in North Tulsa, "The Tulsa Treehouse” got its start in 1961 as a mild-mannered mid-century rambler of about 1600 sf. It was bought by local architect Duane Mass and his wife Robin in 2011 as their weekend home here in Tulsa, since their main residence was in OKC.
In 2017, Duane & Robin embarked on an extensive remodel of Duane’s own design, completing gutting the interior, ripping out the old carpet and outdated kitchen, updating all the electrical and plumbing and adding 900 sf of new space to the south of the structure, with soaring ceilings, tons of windows and a much more modern look
But they also added a 400 sf covered deck providing fantastic views of downtown and sitting 30 feet off the ground at the far corner. Now at 2500 sf, it boasts 3 brs and 3 full baths.
Current owner Mark Radcliffe uses it to host cocktail parties, brunches, special events and house concerts as often as he can.
Humble beginnings
This is what our beloved Treehouse looked like in 2011, 6 yrs before it underwent a major renovation, adding 900 sf, new plumbing & electric, hardwood floors, an updated kitchen and a new 400 sf deck overlooking downtown.
Reservoir Hill
First developed in the 1920’s, Reservoir Hill welcome its first home in 1919, still standing today. During the “Roaring 20’s” and the oil boom in Tulsa at the time, many of Tulsa’s wealthiest businessmen (like the Mayo Brothers) built their homes up here and helped build out the neighborhood, mostly in “Pueblo” or Spanish Colonial style.
At the top of the hill lies a 10-million gallon tank buried underground, which was the water source for the city back in the 1920s. A beloved “Aviator’s Arrow” rests just off to the side of the the reservoir, pointing towards the Tulsa airport for airplanes all around to see.
Today, “the Hill” is home to approx 85 homes, all of vastly different architectural design. In a Tulsa World article a few years back, TFA Executive Director Amanda DeCort remarked, “The people are as eclectic as the architecture.” Home to a mix of artists, musicians, architects, writers, entrepreneurs and even a few peacocks, it’s truly a neighborhood for the curious.
