Historic Moton Hospital Transformation Brings New Opportunities to Greenwood
A landmark piece of Tulsa’s history is getting a second life, and it’s poised to become a catalyst for economic growth in the Greenwood District. The old Moton Hospital, which has stood vacant for years, is currently under construction to become Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton—a hub designed to foster business opportunities and community development.
Breathing Life Back Into History
The transformation of this historic building represents more than just renovation—it’s about reclaiming and rebuilding the entrepreneurial spirit that once defined Black Wall Street. Rose Washington Jones, CEO of the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation (TEDC), which is managing the project, sees immense potential in what this space will offer.
“What I’m most excited about, even though it is a big $10 million project, is the knowledge that will be regained, the skills that will be developed here, and the businesses that I hope will change the face of north Tulsa and the infrastructure of Tulsa over the years to come,” Washington Jones explained.
A Community Vision Coming to Life
The project has deep roots in community advocacy. City Councilor Vanessa Hall Harper, who helped secure funding for the building renovations, describes it as realizing a long-held dream: “This is, I will admit, my dream, to reestablish, rebuild black entrepreneurship, in the heart of Greenwood.”
Local business owner Willie Sells, who has operated at Tee’s Barbershop since 1985 and has personal connections to the old hospital, welcomes the development. His own son was born at Moton Hospital years ago, making this transformation particularly meaningful. “Anything that brings jobs to the community is good for the city of Tulsa,” Sells noted.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Success
The project benefits from a robust network of partners, including the Black Wall Street Chamber, Microsoft, Black Tech Street, and the Main Street Program. This collaborative approach ensures the facility will offer comprehensive support for entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey.
The 9,500-square-foot facility will feature 30 workspaces, including both enclosed and open offices, a 40-person conference space, multiple meeting rooms, and essential amenities like a kitchen and lounge areas. These resources are designed to help anyone looking to start a business or contribute to Tulsa’s economic growth.
Looking Ahead
Construction is expected to wrap up by February 2026, and this represents just Phase One of the broader vision. Hall Harper indicates that the community can expect additional announcements about future phases as the project progresses.
For those interested in seeing the progress firsthand and hearing more about the community impact, News on 6 captured interviews with key stakeholders and footage of the construction work. Their coverage provides an in-depth look at how this historic renovation is creating new possibilities for local entrepreneurs and the broader Greenwood community.
The Moton Hospital project embodies TEDC’s mission of promoting small business growth and creating economic vitality throughout Tulsa. Since its founding in 1979, TEDC has helped provide over $210 million in funding to more than 1,500 small businesses, and Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton will extend that impact into one of the city’s most historically significant districts.