"Bill" Atkinson bought land in the area that would become Midwest City after hearing speculation that an air field was going to be built nearby.

[9] Seward Mott, the director of the Federal Housing Administration's Land Planning Division, helped design the city, gaining national print and broadcast attention, and it became a model for postwar community development.

[6] Midwest City's regional hospital was dedicated October 6, 1962, built with the use of bond money.

[6] The Heritage Park Mall opened in 1978 on North Air Depot and was a prime shopping area in the city for several decades.

In the early 1970s, the Glenwood Addition subdivision, just north of the TAFB runway, was purchased from individual owners with funds raised in a county-wide bond election after plane crashes in the area killed several civilians and military crewmen.

29th Street in the early 21st century, leading to the development of a new Town Center Plaza shopping area that faces Interstate 40 and Tinker Air Force Base.

Meanwhile, the Heritage Park Mall has slowly dwindled, becoming an issue of contention in the 2010 mayoral race.

[14] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 24.6 square miles (64 km2), all land.

[23] Other large employers include the Midwest Regional Medical Center and aerospace industry businesses affiliated with the base.

The General Motors Oklahoma City Assembly plant was another major employer from its opening in 1979 until its closure in February 2006.

The property was later acquired by Oklahoma County and leased to Tinker Air Force Base for $1/year.

[24] During World War II, the Midwest City Douglas Aircraft Company Plant constructed more than half of the 10,000 C-47 Skytrain U.S. Army cargo planes.

[26] When Midwest City's founder and developer, W. P. "Bill" Atkinson, passed away in 1999, he left his 1955 mansion in trust for the community's enjoyment and historical appreciation.

ft. historic home, preserved in its original design when Atkinson was anticipating a run for governor, is available for free tours by appointment.

To serve the community and help financially support the historic property, the house conference room and the 1951 pony barn are available for event rentals.