Owasso enjoys growth from shadow of big city

Twenty years ago, Owasso was just a small town, but the townâ€™s seen a recent growth spurt.<br> <br>Thousands of new homes started drawing attention to the suburb and now businesses are following suit.

Wednesday, November 29th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Twenty years ago, Owasso was just a small town, but the townâ€™s seen a recent growth spurt.

Thousands of new homes started drawing attention to the suburb and now businesses are following suit. Companies are moving in by the dozens and the latest to break ground may make Owasso a healthier place to call home.

Wal-Mart opened one of its large super centers in Owasso last month, leaving behind a smaller store.

â€œWe really had growing pains at the other store,â€ said Wal-Mart manager Kevin Pruit. â€œWe doubled our size over here and expanded the grocery business, so itâ€™s pretty exciting.â€

Soon the Wal-Mart will have a new neighbor as Lowe's Home Improvement has broken ground. Other national chains are in negotiations and looking to move to Owasso, including Chili's Bar and Grill and Office Depot.

The Chamber of Commerce says they've seen it coming for awhile.

â€œI think what we see is just a consistent growth pattern as new jobs are being created that brings new residents,â€ said Chamber member Gary Akin.

It's not just retail businesses that are expanding in Owasso, two Tulsa hospitals are joining together to start the Owasso Medical Center.

Saint Francis and Saint John Medical Center broke ground Wednesday on an outpatient facility set to open in October 2001.