Huge Retail Development Rumored In NW OKC

Bloomberg says Oklahoma City is the 7th fastest growing city in the country, and, that may be exactly what is attracting big name retailers to town.

It would all be part of a huge retail development expected on the south side of Memorial, between Penn and Western. Rumors have been swirling on what could fill the several acres of undeveloped land. Developers want to transform the land into a "mixed-use" environment. 

They're already calling it Oklahoma City's "modern day trading post." The south side of Memorial at Penn could soon change dramatically.

According to the developer's website, www.chisholmcreekokc.com, more than 180-acres will be transformed into an environment for shopping, dining and entertainment. It could also include office, hotel, and event space, as well as luxury residential living.

"We need a lot of stuff to do, especially for the kids and the whole family," said OKC resident, Monica Robinson. "I guess it's a good idea."  

A farmers market and a food truck court are also part of the developer's vision. There are even plans for walking trails and an 80-acre park. Some though think a sudden boom all in the same area could cause some serious headaches.

"I think there's too much over here already and there'll be way too much traffic, way too much development," said area resident, Sara Riley.

Rumored stores include Top Golf and COSTCO. Also in the plans is a music venue that would provide seating for more than 2,000 people.

"It's just like any major city, you have choices on what to do on a weekend, go somewhere, do something," said resident, Gerard Robinson. "Plus, you draw more people into town here, spending money here."

Trees are already being cleared to make way for the St. Anthony Healthplex in the proposed Chisholm Creek footprint. The five story, $22.3 million building, about 97,000 sq. ft., is set to be complete in Jan. 2015. 

"You see a lot of improvement around, and you see the city steady growing," said Gerard Robinson.

News 9 had a hard time tracking down the developers for an interview. We do know though that these plans are in their early stages.

The "mixed-use" development is being created by a partnership made up of Medallion Management of Oklahoma City, The Retail Endeavors Group of Austin, Texas, and the Blue Ridge Fund of Los Angeles, Calif.