The dirt work around the Reynolds Wellness Center in Seminole is underway after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Blackburn Ridge Townhouse project on Friday, Aug. 20. The ceremony saw over 100 people attend to see gold shovels turn the first dirt on the project.

Blackburn Ridge is a 78 unit townhouse project developed by Brandon Streater and Cliff Cabanness. Each unit will each feature three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a one-car garage. All units are total electric with all appliances provided and tenants will have access to a community game room and pool. The monthly rent is $1,200 with a one-year lease, which includes mowing and landscaping services.

“We are excited to see such quick action on the new Blackburn Ridge Townhomes. It took a whole lot of great leaders pulling on the same end of the rope to get this project financed,” said Jack Mattingly of the Seminole Economic Development Council. “The major hurtle for housing in Seminole has always been financing. Thankfully, Prosperity Bank out of Edmond finally came to our rescue. Prosperity sees Seminole as a big opportunity. Their actions are showing the faith and loyalty Seminole needs to grow,” he added.

If you are paying attention, you know the traffic in Seminole has gotten much busier. We know our population increases substantially during working hours but turns off like a switch after working hours. The housing studies show that the reason for this is a lack of housing in Seminole. The shortage of housing ranges from the need for very affordable rent to luxury living space,” City Manager Steve Saxon stated. It’s a good thing Brandon

Streater and Cliff Cabanness saw this opportunity. These guys are exactly what we needed to help prove Seminole is a great investment,” Saxon said.

“The Blackburn Ridge Development will help fill the need for upscale housing. This level of housing is something Seminole has desperately needed. This has been a missing piece of the housing market to attract doctors, nurses, professors, engineers, management and others to not only work here but live here,” said Mayor Jeff Griffin.

The Seminole Economic Development Council has pledged a $1 million certificate of deposit as collateral for the project. The townhouses are being built on the “ridge” just east of the Wellness Center.