Vote Centers On Broken Arrow Hotel, Conference Center Construction

Business leaders in Broken Arrow are throwing their support behind a proposition before voters soon which would clear the way for a multimillion dollar hotel and conference center.

Thursday, August 7th 2014, 1:09 pm

By: Craig Day

Vote Centers On Broken Arrow Hotel, Conference Center Construction

Business leaders in Broken Arrow are throwing their support behind a proposition before voters soon which would clear the way for a multimillion dollar hotel and conference center.

The space would be "a regional competitor, absolutely," Stoney Creek Hospitality's Jim Thompson said.

It's an 8-acre site just north of Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow. The project would include a five-story, 150-room hotel and a 35,000 square foot conference center.

"There are multiple hotels coming to that area, more restaurants coming to that area, more retail coming to the area. So this is a perfect fit that will continue to allow for the economic growth for our community," Wes Smithwick of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce said.

It will be a public-private partnership, with the city of Broken Arrow buying the land and doing some infrastructure work. An Iowa-based company will build and operate the conference center and hotel.

This wouldn't be a new tax.

Voters approved $5.8 million in bond money in 2004 to build a conference and convention center, but during the recession those plans were put on hold.

Now leaders hope voters will approve a proposition in the Aug. 26 special election to repurpose that money for the new project.

The developer, Stoney Creek Hospitality, would spend $26 million on the project.

If voters approve, work could begin in early 2015.

"This is an impactful project that will shape our community for many years to come," Smithwick said.