Shoppes On Peoria Bring Much-Needed Commerce To North Tulsa

After years of planning, the city's newest shopping center is now up and running. 

Organizers held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for what they're calling a symbol of community pride for north Tulsa.

The Shoppes on Peoria add 12 new businesses to the area just north of Pine Street and range from smoothies to shoes to soul food.

Organizers hope the shopping center will become a hub of activity, and they have installed green space with benches in the middle of the parking lot.

Many of the shops have been open for a few months, like cellular provider Cricket.

Owner Tim Orr says he's seen an increase in sales since moving to the new location.

"Our store was actually around the corner from here, and when we moved in they said, 'It's great that we have a Cricket here,' and I said we've been around the corner for three years and they never knew it," Orr said.

Along with the investments of small business owners, the city helped fund the project by donating almost $4 million.

The spot was chosen because of its proximity to the busy intersection at Pine and Peoria and other stores that were already developed.

Organizers hope this will help spark other businesses to come in the future and keep residents from driving across town to do their shopping.

So far, it has created 47 jobs and another 35 people are expected to be hired in the coming months.