When Chuck Lamson and his wife, Leigh, went looking for a new home in Tulsa, they found the perfect residence in downtown’s East Village. The development, called Urban 8, features eight four-story townhouses that range from 2,700 to 3,500 square feet of living, entertaining and outdoor space.
Balconies line the terraces, offering expansive views of the city that are magnified by stunning sunsets. At night, Tulsa’s many lights enhance this cosmopolitan view.
The townhouses, built between 2014 and 2015 by West Construction, were designed by architect James Boswell, and more than 50 contractors were involved with the extensive building project. Chuck and Leigh bought the first Urban 8 townhouse in 2015 and moved in April 2019.
With the help of designer friend Huc Lee, the couple did all of the interior design together, choosing a contemporary theme in furnishings, fixtures and accessories. Looking for unique accents, the team found pieces in Italy, Spain, Las Vegas, Dallas and all over Oklahoma to complement this sleek and inviting dwelling.
“We wanted a subtle color palette, so the walls are light gray and the trim is a darker gray,” says Leigh. White marble tile can be found throughout the home, except for the black granite tile on the fourth floor. With so many enticing exterior views of downtown, they let nature provide its own unique accents, as well.
There are many compelling features about the townhouse, especially its prime location.
“We like the modern design and urban setting,” says Chuck. “We like the energy and convenience of everything going on in downtown Tulsa. We enjoy getting out and walking everywhere.”
This downtown location is ideal for the busy and active couple. Chuck, former owner of the Tulsa Drillers, is now an Executive in Residence for the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa. He teaches sport management and oversees the internship program in the Management and Marketing department. Leigh is a homemaker, and the couple has two grown children.
The main living area on the townhouse’s fourth floor features a zebra striped rug, comfortable seating and a sleeper sofa with another expansive downtown view in this all glass space. A shiny black tile floor anchors this all-indoor entertaining area on the top floor. An indoor bar is the perfect addition to this area. The outdoor entertaining area on fourth floor offers a sweeping view of downtown Tulsa. Outdoor cooking appliances make hosting easy. The outdoor entertaining area on fourth floor offers a sweeping view of downtown Tulsa. Outdoor cooking appliances make hosting easy. The master bedroom continues the subtle color palette, with continued stunning views of downtown Tulsa. The master bedroom continues the subtle color palette, with continued stunning views of downtown Tulsa. The newest and sleekest amenities make this master bathroom’s shower enviable. Unusual modern Sputnik lighting fixtures are not only trendy – they invite guests to convene around the center island. The kitchen area blends seamlessly into the main living area for casual eating and entertaining. The dining area, adjacent to the kitchen, features another contemporary chandelier and Italian dining furniture. The Urban 8 townhomes, located in Tulsa’s East Village district, offer 2,700-3,500 square feet of living, entertaining and outdoor space.
One of the biggest highlights of these townhouses are the balconies; in Chuck and Leigh’s home, there is one on the second floor off the living room and another on the third floor, adjacent to the home office.
The fourth floor rooftop space is an indoor/outdoor entertainer’s delight. The glass enclosed indoor area is designed for comfort (and for days when Oklahoma’s mercurial weather does not cooperate with entertaining). It includes a bar, TV, comfortable seating and even a sofa bed for overnight guests. Outside, there is a full kitchen and a dining/entertaining area, including a fire pit and TV.
This modern townhouse space “has a perfect flow for living and entertaining,” agrees the couple. Among other enticing amenities are an elevator to promote ease of movement between the floors and a Savant home automation technology, which controls temperature, lights, shades, A/V and security – all remotely.
The kitchen has numerous special features. The center island has ample storage space, and all the Jay Rambo cabinetry features push-to-open and soft close hardware. The appliances are a couture alphabet soup of the best: Galley sinks; white Miele appliances, including an espresso machine; Napa Technology wine dispenser; Scotsman flake icemaker; Thermador no-touch refrigerator; and True cold drawers.
Guests in the Lamsons’ townhouse are not only treated to great cuisine, gracious hospitality and wonderful views, but also to an impressive art collection.
“We collect Thomas Arvid paintings,” says Chuck. “He paints wine and spirits scenes that look like great photographs. We also collect photos from modernist cuisine artist Nathan Myhrvold. He uses robots to depict scenes of movement in his food and drink photography.” His image of an exploding champagne bottle in the home’s entryway is a stunning conversation piece.
It is obvious the Lamsons love to entertain, and their townhouse has all the amenities to make guests feel welcome and experience the vibrancy and magic that encapsulates downtown Tulsa.
