Plan For Proposed Outlet Mall Near Turkey Mountain Pulled

It seems as though the fight centering on a proposed outlet mall near Tulsa’s Turkey Mountain is coming to an end.

Simon Property Group 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.

The future location of a proposed premium outlet mall is up in the air. For almost a year, the plan was to build on the wooded property which backs up to Turkey Mountain which was met by much backlash from Turkey Mountain supporters.

Then, the City of Jenks announced it would come to their city, but a spokesperson with Jenks said nothing has been signed yet.

Now, all who enjoy the piece of nature in the city of Tulsa – like Wade Fisher and Michael Adair - are happy it won't be the future sight of an outlet mall.

5/17/2015 Related Story: Crowds Line Up To Oppose Proposed Turkey Mountain Outlet Mall

"The best thing in Tulsa as far as if you want to get outside," Fisher said.

Adair said, "They could put it somewhere else."

Some of the trails on the west side of the mountain are on private land and would have been developed, when, last year, Simon revealed plans for the outdoor, plaza style shopping in that exact location.

"You have a very nice pedestrian format, but it's open air so people can enjoy it year round," said Mark Silvestri with Simon Premium Outlets.

In a statement, Director of Public Relations for Simon, Les Morris said:

"We continue to be committed to an outlet mall project in the Tulsa area and are studying other options at this time."

Tulsa's Mayor Dewey Bartlett issued a statement in response, saying:

"The City of Tulsa knows how important it is to be home to an outlet mall and we are still working to make that a reality."

Mountain biker, Ethan Buchner said, "I've been using these trails for over a decade and I preferred it in a less developed state. I don't like as many buildings or roads or around."

"I think they could go a mile up the road or across the street, something," said Fisher.

Another proposed location for the premium outlets is a site in Jenks near the Creek Turnpike and Elm. A few months ago the City of Jenks announced the outlets would be built there, but Monday, all a spokesperson would say is nothing has been signed.

5/21/2015 Related Story: Reports: Outlet Mall Heads To Jenks Instead Of Turkey Mountain

There are two other outlet malls in the works right now - one is in east Tulsa and another in Catoosa is expected to open in late 2016.

The owner of the property near Turkey Mountain said they will remarket it, in hopes to attract a new buyer.