Jenks is experiencing explosive growth

But he said: “We’re not a wealthy city that collects sales tax. We may not even be a middle-class wealthy city that collects sales tax.”

That may be about to change.

A major redevelopment of downtown, including a Main Street storm drain and sidewalk project, a 75-tenant outlet mall scheduled to open just south later this year, potential construction of a new hospital near U.S. 75, and more There are also growing areas, and Jenks is poised for rapid growth.

“If we can sign everything (potential development) now, we’re looking at an investment of anywhere from $800 million to close to $1 billion,” he said.

That includes Tulsa Premium Outlets, a long-planned 340,000-square-foot outlet mall scheduled to open in August just south of Creek Turnpike and downtown.

Other areas primed for development include just east of U.S. 75, specifically south of Main Street, where Ascension St. John Medical Center could build a high-rise hospital, he said. said.

A third, lesser-known area is the area north of 121st Street, west of Route 75 and adjacent to West 33rd Street. The Glenpool city limits are south of 121st Street in the area, which includes shopping centers anchored by a Walmart Supercenter.

Brian Wilkes is an entrepreneur with a background in technology and the driving force behind The Ten Districts. He said the area stretches from the 1st Avenue area, from the railroad tracks, along Main Street and 10 blocks east to the Arkansas River.

Mr. Wilkes, who earned a master’s degree in computer science from Harvard University, is well-known and well-liked in downtown, where several business executives gather, as the Tulsa World interviewed him and business partner Shay Roach last week. It seems so.

Mr. Wilkes and Mr. Roach are investing $2 million to $3 million to renovate the 100-year-old, 12,000-square-foot building at 106 and 102 E. Main St., which includes high-end women’s clothing. It also includes the store’s partnership with Lululemon. .

Their building also has plans for a 6,100-square-foot farmers market.

This building previously housed Miss McGillicty’s Antiques.

“Anytime you make a change downtown, you’re going to have people who say it’s disruptive to them, and we understand that,” Wilkes said.

“But for the most part…most people are really happy that we’re here.”

A few doors down and across the street, construction is also underway on a $10 million mixed-use development as part of the expansion of the Tedford Insurance Building at 121 E. Main St. The development is expected to include a McNelly’s Group steakhouse and at least a McNelly’s Group steakhouse. Another facility.

“Finally, we have a progressive city council, city manager, and mayor, and programs that focus on downtown. That has never happened before,” said Ted, also located downtown. said Josh McFarland, owner of Red Dog Construction, which is leading the Ford construction project.

“We all want to revitalize and provide all these services,” Roach said.

“This is a great time to partner with emerging and established companies as well as developers who choose to invest in Jenks,” said Heather Turner, president and CEO of the Jenks Chamber of Commerce. .

“As the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce and a long-time Main Street business owner, I understand the positive impact this development will have on the business community,” she said.

“With the opening of Simon Premium Outlet Mall this summer, the Chamber is working with developers to take advantage of the expected increase in foot traffic to develop and redevelop other areas around the community. I’m here.”

The Tedford construction project is expected to be completed around the same time as the outlet mall opens, likely in August.

The downtown Main Street improvement project began last summer and is expected to be completed by July, Box said.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Jenks is approximately 18 square miles with a median household income of more than $61,000 and a median home value of $170,500.

But, as Box pointed out, these numbers won’t help offset the anticipated need for additional city services, such as road improvements or additional firefighters and police officers.

Under state law, cities cannot rely on property taxes as a source of revenue, so these funds come from sales taxes.

But the opening of outlet malls, new businesses downtown and development elsewhere in the city will likely bring in a big influx of revenue, Box said.

Approximately half of the sales tax revenue the city would receive will be deferred for the next few years because of the approval of a tax increment financing district to incentivize the mall, Box said.

TIF is a mechanism by which developers can capture future tax benefits associated with real estate improvements in order to pay for the current costs of real estate improvements.

But Box said the city would still benefit.

“Even if you get 1.5 cents out of every (tax) dollar instead of 3 cents, it’s still a huge profit for the city,” he said.

The mayor said the city’s future is very bright, but the only concern with all the potential growth is infrastructure.

“This will play a very important role in securing the future of Jenks,” he said.

“Traffic conditions aren’t going to improve. There’s going to be more fender benders. We don’t have a lot of good options (at the moment) other than the infrastructure that we have.

“That’s why mayors, city council members and city managers are always looking ahead. We need to plan now for what we’re going to need 10 years from now,” Box said. said.

“Our mayor is a pro-business advocate, known for the phrase, ‘Jenks is open for business,’ and we are open for a great deal of business,” Turner said.

“We are all pulling in the same direction, toward a common goal of thriving Jenks businesses and the best quality of life for Jenks residents,” she said.

“We are excited about the nearly $1 billion investment in commercial development underway in Jenks. We are now excited to partner with startups, established companies, and even developers who are choosing to invest in Jenks. It’s an exciting time,” Turner said.

“We hope that everyone who visits the mall in Jenks takes the opportunity to visit the Oklahoma Aquarium, grab something to eat on Main Street, and shop at some of the unique boutiques and shops. Our Eyes We have a great opportunity ahead of us to show the millions of people who will soon arrive just how bright our community shines.”