Dignitaries, Residents Celebrate New North Tulsa Retail Development

By Craig Day, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Ever since the Albertson's grocery store closed in North Tulsa a couple of years ago, people in the community have hoped something would take its place.

The ground was broken Friday for a new 27,000 square foot retail center at 1731 North Peoria.

"We'd like to have more retail shops here in North Tulsa," said Donna Pruitt, North Tulsa Resident.

Now a Tulsa based grocer will open at the North Peoria site in mid January. The retail development isn't stopping there.

"North Tulsa, Tulsa-North is on the move and each and every one of you are going to be a part of that," said Jack Henderson, Tulsa City Councilor.

The retail center will be called The Shoppes on Peoria.

"This gives the neighborhood the opportunity to shop in our own neighborhood and keep those dollars in north Tulsa," Pruitt said.

Plans for the retail center were announced at a press conference last November as a part of the North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative.

Federal Community Development Block Grants helped spur the project. The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce will own the property and lease out space, with about half already leased.

Greenwood Chamber president Reuben Gant hopes the Shoppes on Peoria will be a catalyst for continued retail growth, and will lessen the burden on shoppers who have had to travel to shop.

"Making an out of town trip to buy just the basic amenities for everyday life and living. Craig: It's a hardship. It's a hardship, it's an added burden," Gant said.

"The Shoppes on Peoria will provide a variety of unique retail opportunities to north Tulsa and surrounding communities," Mayor Kathy Taylor said.  "From businesses opening in the retail center to the grocery store opening in January, revitalization efforts are being realized in north Tulsa from the continuing strides made by groups such as nTEDI, TEDC, the Greenwood Chamber and the many others involved."

Some of the franchises included in the retail center are a Tropical Smoothie Café, EB Games, More Space Place, UPS Store, a shoe store and a party supply store.

A restaurant owned by a local business owner will be built on a pad site of the retail center as well.

"We can't stop here. We've got to go forward and make North Tulsa a place to be proud of again," said Ester Ogans, North Tulsa Resident.

For shoppers like Donnie Pruitt and Ogans, they are looking forward to when the construction is finished in nine months, and the stores are open for business.

"It's been a long time coming and we're glad and excited about that," Pruitt said.