Thriving Rose District Behind Broken Arrow Business Boom

A business boom has pushed Broken Arrow's sales tax revenue four-times higher than it was last year; that boom is being fueled by the blossoming Rose District.

Even in frigid temperatures, Broken Arrow's Rose District is in bloom, celebrating the annual Holiday Tea-Off.

“This place was dead. Two years ago, we were here tonight, there would be nobody here,” Broken Arrow Chamber President Wes Smithwick said.

In The Raw is a new tenant of the Rose District and have been pleased with what they've seen.

“Lots of fabulous positive comments and feedback,” Owner, Amy Leet said. “People are really thrilled that we're here in downtown Broken Arrow.”

Pinot's Palette, Fleet Feet, Andolini's and The Rooftop are all also new, and many are excited about what else is coming to the Rose District.

Broken Arrow resident, Megan Demello said, "We've been to The Rooftop twice and we really enjoy it. It's really good."

The Rose District is doing so well, it's almost over grown.

“We need more buildings," Smithwick said. "Very good problem to have and it's, we couldn't be more pleased.”

Kellie Blanton, who owns Glamour Gowns And More said, “The walk by traffic is up as well as just kind of the community atmosphere, so it's nice to see that people are coming back downtown.”

It's been a year since the city and chamber invested in the Rose District's streetscape, and the return on investment has been impressive.

“For every one dollar invested we've had three dollars returned in public money, and that's just in the infrastructure work we did,” Smithwick said.

Sales tax revenue is up almost 400 percent.

4/17/2014 Related Story: Broken Arrow's Rose District Continues To Bloom

"It's a lot more organized than what it has been before. They've done really well with it. I'm impressed,” Demello said.

The best news is there are more restaurants and retail on the way, but Smithwick won't say which businesses are coming to B.A.

“Can't announce that yet,” Smithwick said.

Smithwick may not have said which restaurants and shops are coming, but he did say the city will soon add a fountain to the Rose District.