Earlier this year, Jenks’ city manager expressed little worry about stalled construction on a proposed outlet mall.
“They own the property, obviously, because they have started construction, so we’re optimistic here that this will get started at some point,” Jenks City Manager Christopher Shrout said in February. “I think it’s a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘if.'”
Simon Premium Outlets announced Wednesday that the “when” will be later this year.
Construction at the site of Tulsa Premium Outlets, a proposed outlet mall just south of the Creek Turnpike in Jenks, is to resume in 2022 after it was essentially halted in March 2020 during the pandemic.
“This rapidly growing and thriving market is well-positioned for Simon’s vision of value-oriented shopping and will serve as a regional draw,” Simon Premium Outlets said in a news release.
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The center will encompass roughly 330,000 square feet and feature almost 100 retailers, with a grand opening targeted for 2024, the release states.
“We are grateful for our continued partnership with Simon Premium Outlets,” Shrout said in a statement. “This announcement is a prime example that coming out of the pandemic, the City of Jenks and Tulsa region are a great place to invest in the future.”
Tulsa Premium Outlets LLC purchased 51 acres for the Jenks project for $12 million.
In the original No. 2 tax increment financing economic development agreement, the city of Jenks agreed to reimburse Simon for certain public improvement TIF projects.
A TIF is a public financing method that diverts property tax revenues from the TIF district to pay for public improvements there over a specified span.
Jenks’ No. 2 TIF is generally bounded by the Creek Turnpike on the north, the Arkansas River on the east, Polecat Creek on the south and Elm Street on the west.
When Tulsa Premium Outlets was announced, it was expected to generate 400 construction jobs and 800 part-time and permanent jobs.
“Our success is the result of a strong unified team here in Jenks — City Council, City staff, and the business community all working together,” Mayor Cory Box said in a statement.
“All of this momentum shows Jenks is the place for businesses to succeed. Simon’s announcement is further evidence that Jenks is open for business.”
Josh Driskell is president of the Jenks Chamber of Commerce.
“We are happy to hear this announcement from Simon regarding Tulsa Premium Outlets,” he said. “This news, coupled with recently announced and soon-to-be-announced developments, shows the efforts of the city of Jenks and the Jenks business community are paying off.”
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Throwback Tulsa: Creek Turnpike toll road was controversial 32 years ago
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Children from the Sun Meadow and Mill Creek Bridge neighborhoods hold signs protesting the 96th Street route for the Creek Turnpike at a Tulsa policy committee hearing in July 1986.
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Betty Watson pleads with officials to take into account the “human victims” of the Creek Turnpike at an emotion-filled hours-long hearing on the project on March 29, 1990. Tulsa World file
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A construction worker helps place an 82,000-pound support beam on piers in April 1991 on what would become the Creek Turnpike bridge over the Arkansas River at 101st Street in Jenks.
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Oklahoma Gov. David Walters speaks on July 30, 1992, at the official opening of the Creek Turnpike. It was opened in three segments with the final piece extending from U.S. 75 to Peoria Avenue. The toll road has been expanded several times since then.
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This beaver pond between Sheridan Road and Memorial Drive, shown in February 1990, became a focal point in the battle over the Creek Turnpike. Beavers built several dams that created a pond in the turnpike construction zone.
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Freddy Webb of M.J. Lee Construction Co. moves debris in December 1989 at a demolished house in the 6400 block of East 95th Street. The house was torn down to clear the way for the Creek Turnpike.
Creek Turnpike Construction July 1991
This aerial picture looking to the northeast from U.S. 75 shows construction on the Creek Turnpike as it winds through south Tulsa in July 1991. TULSA WORLD FILE
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This beaver pond between Sheridan Road and Memorial Drive, shown in February 1990, became a focal point in the battle over the Creek Turnpike. Federal regulators advised the turnpike authority to build a bridge over the pond, which was considered a wildlife habitat.
Creek Turnpike Groundbreaking in 1999
Gov. Frank Keating announces plans to expand the Creek Turnpike on March 30, 1999. The Creek East and Broken Arrow Extensions added 21.2 miles to the turnpike. Tulsa World file
Aerial Creek Turnpike 2000
An aerial view shows the Creek Turnpike near Broken Arrow on Aug. 1, 2000. Tulsa World file
Creek construction on bridge in 2000
Creek Turnpike bridge construction near 91st and U.S. 169 is shown on March 22, 2000. Tulsa World file
Creek Turnpike cloverleaf, 2002
The Creek Turnpike extension over the Broken Arrow Expressway is shown on Aug. 8, 2002. Tulsa World file
Creek Turnpike sign unveiled, 2002
Jorge Mendez, a worker with Midstate Traffic Control, cuts down the cover over the Creek Turnpike sign off U.S. 412 in Tulsa on Aug. 16, 2002, marking the opening of a new stretch of the Creek Turnpike. Tulsa World file
Jenks creek turnpike groundbreaking, 2015
With other dignitaries behind him, Jenks Mayor Kelly Dunkerley speaks during a press conference and groundbreaking for the new interchange for the Creek Turnpike at Elm street in Jenks on Oct. 14, 2015.
Creek Turnpike PlatePay 2016
A car passes through the toll area of the Peoria/Elm interchange on the Creek Turnpike in Jenks. Drivers at the interchange may now pay with PikePass or PlatePay, but not cash. Tulsa World file
Outlet mall turnpike exchange 2017
Development of a proposed Simon Properties outlet mall near the Creek Turnpike in Jenks appears to have stalled, but work continues to expand the turnpike exchange at Elm Street. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
Arkansas River geese 2015
Geese swim in the Arkansas River near the Creek Turnpike bridge in Tulsa on Sept. 1, 2015. Tulsa World file
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