Chickasaw Nation updates, renovates homes in Marlow, Healdton and Rush Springs

The Chickasaw Nation is devoted to providing affordable housing. Every year new homes are built, and additional communities are planned. For homes already constructed, a cycle of rehabilitation is underway to keep them in tiptop condition. Recently, homes in the Chickasaw Nation communities of Marlow, Healdton and Rush Springs have been updated and renovated.

“Our communities and homes are in a constant cycle of repair and remodeling,” Chickasaw Nation Director of Housing Improvement Services Steve Lunsford said. “We typically tackle one big project at a time, then move on to the next. This is the best way to use our resources. By the time we have finished them all within the Chickasaw Nation, it is time to begin the process anew.”

These renovations ensure quality, affordable housing continues to be available to Chickasaw citizens throughout the Chickasaw Nation boundaries.

Maintaining more than 600 homes in 14 housing developments, the cycle of refurbishing these homes currently takes approximately 25 years. Considering the life expectancy of many major components of a home, this time frame is perfect. Roofs, siding, plumbing, flooring, windows, septic and sewage systems, among others, typically have a life span of 20 to 30 years.

According to Lunsford, the Chickasaw Nation Division of Housing Development is constantly gauging its building practices for efficiency and durability. One change identified has been switching from asphalt shingles to metal roofing. While the initial cost is more with metal roofing, the Chickasaw Nation has reduced the number of insurance claims on homes during the last 25 years due to the switch.

“On these three projects we decided to tear everything out of these homes,” Lunsford said. “We ripped out everything. Most of the roofs were in bad shape; we put new, long-lasting metal roofs.”

During remodels, safety and comfort features are upgraded as well. 

“We basically tore these houses down to the studs,” Lunsford said. “We redid the electrical wiring and added some as well. Updated breaker boxes were installed. We make sure the home is up to current building codes. Insulation is put in the walls, followed by new Sheetrock. They are essentially new homes.”

The Chickasaw Nation must account for many variables during home renovation projects. In the past, Lunsford’s team has worked on one-bedroom apartments to large four-bedroom houses. The size of the communities varies as well, from the 22 homes finished in Rush Springs to the larger 60 home community completed in nearby Marlow. Each pose their own set of challenges to complete.

“We have to keep these homes and communities updated and current,” Lunsford said. “This year we are going to start replacing cabinets and countertops. In the past we stripped them down and applied new stain. We are looking to upgrade from Formica to the solid tops wherever we can.”

With proper maintenance, existing Chickasaw homes will be available for habitation for generations to come.

For more information, contact the Chickasaw Nation Division of Housing Development at (580) 421-8800.