Designs Discussed For Proposed Mall Near Turkey Mountain

The developers have hurdles to clear before they can break ground, but they are aiming for common ground with those looking to protect Tulsa's urban wilderness.

Thursday, February 19th 2015, 10:42 pm

By: News On 6

Designs Discussed For Proposed Mall Near Turkey Mountain

Designs for an outlet mall planned to take shape in the shadow of Turkey Mountain were released at a meeting Thursday.

The developers still have two major hurdles to clear before they can break ground on the northeast corner of 61st Street and Highway 75, but they are aiming for common ground with those looking to protect Tulsa's urban wilderness.

Engineers for Simon Malls submitted plans to build Tulsa Premium Outlets at the INCOG Planning Review Committee.

Engineers highlighted plans for a six-lane bridge over Highway 75, a double left-hand-turn into the mall and relocation of utilities.

The committee also discussed concerns about ways to prevent storm water runoff from damaging the nearby land.

INCOG's Dwayne Wilkerson said the meeting was an informal way to get as much information as possible before Simon submits final plans.

“I think Simon Group really does want to integrate this project into the Turkey Mountain Wilderness Area. They want to be good neighbors, they want to be good corporate citizens for Tulsa, I really believe that," he said.

Colin Tawney monitored what came out of the meeting. He's concerned about the mall's development on a pristine recreational area in the middle of the city.

Tawney said even remote places of Turkey Mountain will be impacted by the project.

“You're not in the city anymore right here; this is why people come out here. Looking out through the trees and seeing a mall there is the complete antithesis of that," he said.

His group is trying to preserve the trail system for mountain biking, hiking and recreational use.

The proposed mall site is on private property, but, as long as Tawney can remember, trails have always gone through the land.

"You'd never believe from right here you're a mile away from one of the busier shopping districts in Tulsa. With Tulsa Hills just a mile away you're insulated from that, that's what the attraction is for everybody," he said.

The developers will go before the full planning commission in about month. It's up to that commission to approve the plans for the city council to vote on.

Simon plans to break ground this fall.