Updated: New development coming to South BA

The City of Broken Arrow, along with OakTrust Development, Associated Wholesale Grocers (Reasor’s), and the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development Corporation held a joint press conference on March 29, 2021, revealing details of the future mixed used development near Aspen (145 East) Avenue and the Creek Turnpike in Broken Arrow.

Speakers included Broken Arrow Mayor Craig Thurmond, Vice Mayor Scott Eudey, City Councilor at Large Johnnie Parks, Ward 1 City Councilor Debra Wimpee, Ward 3 City Councilor Christi Gillespie, City Manager Michael Spurgeon, Assistant City Manager of Administration and Acting Economic Development Manager Norman Stephens, Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jennifer Conway, OakTrust representative Steve Easley, and Jeff Reasor.

Mayor Thurmond shared, “the magnitude of this project will be as far-reaching for South BA as Bass Pro Shops was for north BA. It will be another amazing catalyst for even further growth in this part of town.”

City and Chamber officials shared the history of the economic development project, details of the proposed TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District, and future plans for the site. Next, Mr. Easley shared details of the project which will include anchor business Reasor’s Food Store, along with multiple retail and commercial businesses. The event also included an update from representatives from Reasor’s on their soon to be new store in south BA. The development will also feature a 168-unit apartment complex on the north end, wrapping around the east side of Core Church. Mr. Easley said he would like the Reasor’s store to be complete in 12 months, employing about 125 workers.

At the conclusion of the announcement of the partnership with OakTrust, City Manager Michael Spurgeon turned the floor back to Mayor Thurmond and Chamber President Jennifer Conway, who kicked off a surprise subsequent announcement regarding a land purchase for the city’s future innovation district. The long-awaited innovation district is tentatively planned on 90 acres of property located between Aspen and Olive Avenues, south of Florence (111th) Street. The proposed Innovation District property is tentatively planned to be located in the TIF District the City will look to form as part of the project for OakTrust.

This announcement is detailed in the story below from the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the City’s economic development partner operated by the Chamber of Commerce.

Broken Arrow takes next step to foster innovation in the southern part of the city

Broken Arrow officials are striking while the iron is hot. Representatives from the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation (BAEDC) will join City officials Monday, March 29, 2021 at 10 AM in a joint announcement. Officials will elaborate on plans for a mixed-use development as well as announce an agreement for land acquisition for the highly anticipated Innovation District.

BAEDC, under the direction of the Broken Arrow City Council, has been laying the foundation for an employment, housing and education initiative called the Innovation District shortly after voters approved infrastructure improvements in the 2018 general obligation bond.

"It’s going to be something that will bring, I believe, national and international corporations to Broken Arrow and spur innovation,” said Mayor Craig Thurmond. “It’s the one of biggest things we’ve ever done.”

The campus environment will be in southern Broken Arrow with easy access to the Creek Turnpike. Officials have reached an agreement and are currently finalizing details for land acquisition. In addition to land identification, BAEDC has been working to include education partners, existing industries, and developers.

“We are excited about both announcements and know that they will mutually benefit each other,” said City Manager Michael Spurgeon. “Our City staff has put many man hours into both projects along with the BAEDC. I believe the collaboration we have on economic development projects in Broken Arrow is unmatched in the state or even the nation.”

“By tying our education and workforce needs to growing companies that will be located in the same campus, the Innovation District will create the environment to develop a cluster of high-tech businesses,” said Jennifer Conway, President & CEO of the BAEDC and Chamber. “With the collaboration between government, the business community and our education partners at all levels, the workforce pipeline developed will be cutting edge, and will no doubt attract innovative companies with high paying jobs and talent to Broken Arrow.”

Conway went on to explain that more details are forthcoming. “We wanted to share the next vital to step to making the vision of the innovation district a reality. We are very grateful to all our partners and the Broken Arrow voters for making this happen.”

About the Broken Arrow EDC:

The Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation (BAEDC) connects businesses and organizations with guides and resources for success. Partnerships with local organizations and businesses have resulted in thousands of new jobs, capital investments that have expanded and improved the City of Broken Arrow.

Original story:

The City of Broken Arrow is excited to announce plans for a new mixed-use development on city-owned property in south Broken Arrow, located near 5601 S. Aspen (145th E. Avenue) just north of the Creek Turnpike.

After many months of intense negotiations, the City has reached an agreement with OakTrust Development to bring a 60,000 square-foot store Class-A grocery chain to south Broken Arrow. In addition, the developer is expected to build another 200,000 square feet of retail and commercial space over a four-year period, as well as a 168-unit apartment complex. At total build out, the development will result in over $40 million of new private investment in the City.

A special Broken Arrow City Council meeting and Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority (BAEDA) meeting were held on March 25th to approve a resolution which recommends the project’s approval. The City Council, acting as the Economic Development Authority, signed a Memo of Understanding with the developer, OakTrust Development LLC, to purchase the City’s 39.96 acres as part of the business agreement.

The other action taken by the Council was the formation of a new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District to fund the public improvements needed for the project. BAEDA is obligated to spend $5,530,000.00 in total infrastructure improvements on the site, including a new traffic signal at Norfolk and Aspen, a deceleration lane, water line, sanitary sewer line, one building pad site, and a new road from Norfolk east from Aspen. As a result, a review committee will be appointed for the TIF District to determine the eligibility and financial impact, if any, on the taxing jurisdictions within the district. The Public Finance Law Group will be contracted to provide counsel on the formation of the district.

City Manager Michael Spurgeon said, “our Economic Development team has been working with the developer and grocery chain representatives since last summer on this tremendous opportunity for our community and specifically south Broken Arrow. On behalf of the Mayor and City Council, we are thrilled to make this dream a reality and provide additional grocery, shopping, and retail opportunities, and jobs for our residents and visitors in south Broken Arrow,” Spurgeon added.

The City is holding a press conference with the developer and representatives of the Class-A Grocer on-site, on Monday, March 29th to share more information about the proposed TIF District and planned development.

Date: Monday, March 29, 2021

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: 5601 S. Aspen (145th E. Ave.), Broken Arrow, OK 74011

Parking: Core Church parking lot

The future development site is located just south of Core Church, 5205 S Aspen Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74011.