Simon Premium Malls Makes Jenks Location Official

The Simon Property Group has announced it will bring its premium outlet mall concept back to the table in the Tulsa area by officially setting a timeline for construction.

The mall will be built along the south side of the Creek Turnpike just west of the Arkansas River in an area known as Jenks' River District.

The first phase of the development will be approximately 325,000 square feet and feature 80 to 90 stores. Construction in Jenks is scheduled to start in spring 2016 with an opening in summer 2017, according to a news release on the company's website.

The land is already established as a tax increment finance district and cleared for development with construction beginning in the spring of 2016.

SPG previously pulled its zoning request with the City of Tulsa for the property at 61st Street and Highway 75, making it official the mall will not be built there.

6/20/2015 Related Story: Plan For Proposed Outlet Mall Near Turkey Mountain Pulled

For almost a year, the plan was to build on the wooded property that backs up to Turkey Mountain, which was met by much backlash from Turkey Mountain supporters. 

The City of Jenks then proposed the mall relocate its plans to the River District. Jenks Mayor Kelley Dunkerley said the city has been looking for the perfect fit for this location for years and couldn't be happier that Simon chose it for this project.

"We're just glad they were looking at us and saw the value in this site and the amenities we have and the tax increment financing district is a key that provides a boost to infrastructure and that's a big to any developer," Dunkerley said.

The Jenks city manager said the project alone could double the city's sales tax revenue. It should be completed in the summer of 2017.

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett said he's disappointed Simon wasn't interested in the options Tulsa offered them. He did go on to say the city is still getting attention on those sites, and it's only a matter of time before economic development is seen there.

The owner of the area around Turkey Mountain said interest from other groups still is being courted.

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett released the following statement following the announcement:

"I am sorry the Simon group was not interested in the alternative site presented and that differences could not be worked out on their original choice for the outlet mall.  However, looking on the bright side of things, we will see mall development happen and it will remain in our region. I might add we are getting attention on those sites from others and it’s only a matter of time before retail economic development will continue there."