Furniture Store Quitting Business

Monday, October 15th 2007, 5:21 pm

By: News On 6

They've been at the corner of 111th Street and Highway 75 for the past 37 years. But, Beeline Furniture has to clear out in just a few months. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation wants the property for a new interchange. And, Beeline says the state's not giving them enough in return. The News On 6â€™s Steve Berg reports Beeline Furniture is having a going out of business sale.

The owners say they will not be able to get back into business with what the state is offering them in the buyout.

Owner Henry Brown says Beeline got stung back in July.

"They told us that we'd have to be out by January 31st, and made us an offer which we didn't like," said owner Henry Brown.

Both Brown and the state say they can't disclose the amount.

But, Beeline Furniture owner Henry Brown says it's not nearly enough for them to start over in a nearby location.

"We've priced land along the Beeline, and it's three times higher than what they're offering for ours. I will tell you that,â€ said Beeline Furniture owner Henry Brown.

Some customers are sympathetic.

"I guess that's progress. But, sometimes it's not too good,â€ said customer Leon Nix.

He says likes a good deal on his furniture, but thinks Beeline is getting a raw one on their business.

"I think they ought to give him a price that he can go and start his business again somewhere,â€ added customer Leon Nix.

"We've made them a counter-offer, so we'll just have to see what happens,â€ said Beeline Furniture owner Henry Brown.

The state says nearby developments like Tulsa Hills would have to split up a parcel for a new Beeline building, and that's what drives up the price of the land.

Beelineâ€™s Henry Brown says that's accurate. But, he says they're still not offering enough, considering Beeline's location.

"It's obvious, if you go price the land in this area, it's obvious that they're way low,â€ said Henry Brown.

If Beeline and ODOT can't agree, then the matter goes to district court, and then there's the worry about the use eminent domain.

"If we don't agree with what they have, yes, they can come and take us,â€ said Beeline Furniture owner Henry Brown.

Brown says he's been told the interchange was a possibility for the past 10 years, and so he says they've been reluctant to put any money into the building during that time.

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