The Founders District, a unique business/residential subdivision of northwest Oklahoma City, was platted in 1963 as United Founders Life Plaza, a replat of Capitol Gate Shopping Center. Its boundaries are the same today as then: bounded on the south and east by two of OKC's busiest thoroughfares, NW Expressway and May Ave., it extends westward to Independence Ave. and northward to 59th street. To
day, it contains 62 residential high-rise condominiums in the historic and iconic Founders Tower; 120 privately owned small businesses and 3 large commercial outlet stores of national chains. It has four (soon to be five) hotels within its boundaries, and has four others within walking distance, that serve visitors to the City, including those visiting Integris Baptist Medical Center adjacent to the south. It contains numerous eating establishments, including several that are well-known destinations of Oklahoma City residents. United Founders Neighborhood Association, which administers Founders District, was incorporated by the State of Oklahoma as a not-for-profit corporation in September 2012 for the purpose of promoting, through group action, the betterment of this unique community. Its aim is to (1) improve and beautify the neighborhood, (2) educate its members in the prevention of crime and vandalism by working cooperatively with OCPD, and (3) improve community relationships. The benefit of achieving these goals extends beyond enhancing the quality of life and safety of those who live and work in Founders District to all those who visit the area or use it as an access route to other destinations. The ultimate outcome is the enhancement of the image and reputation of Oklahoma City as a whole.
