Proposed Outlet Mall Would Close Some Turkey Mountain Trails

Wednesday, August 20th 2014, 11:03 pm

By: News On 6

A west Tulsa outlet mall is closer than ever to becoming reality. The developers behind Woodland Hills Mall have snapped up property just north of Tulsa Hills and are now trying to reel in heavyweight retailers.

The plan will bring in premium shopping near Tulsa's Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness, but some are concerned about the trails at Turkey Mountain, and River Parks Authority said the plan would shut down some of the commonly used trails.

The premium outlets planned for the plot east of Highway 75 and 61st Street would dwarf Oklahoma City's Outlet Shoppes. This plan would double OKC with 800,000 square feet of high-end retail.

8/19/2014 Related Story: Developer Confirms Premium Outlet Mall Coming To Tulsa

Retail and Construction Development Manager, Crystal Keller said, "We live and die on sales tax revenue, so this, bringing an outlet mall to our Tulsa community, is huge."

Keller with the City of Tulsa said plans are preliminary, but Simon Properties - with dozens of outlet centers across the country - has made the official announcement.

"Looking at infrastructure, the access of the site, the transportation off of 75, I think they're negotiating with the specific retailers to see who wants to occupy their space,” Keller said.

Neighbors of what could be Tulsa's next mall have mixed feelings.

"Well I think it's exciting news. I would want to hold the highest standard to the developers in that they brought the best quality to our area,” said resident Denise Dietz.

Dietz said the outlets could be great, if done well, and if it doesn't harm wildlife.

"My greatest concern is the wildlife that exists in that Turkey Mountain area and the push that could occur on the nature,” she said.

The development would brush up against Turkey Mountain.

Bicyclist David Polk said as long as it doesn't touch the trails, the outlet mall has his approval.

"Keep people spending money here versus going to Dallas and Oklahoma City and so forth. I hope we don't lose any of the trails. It doesn't sound like we're going to,” he said.

The city is communicating with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation about how this could impact traffic.

Other developers want to build a 185,000 square foot outlet mall where 244 and 44 meet. They are competing with Simon to be the first to secure big name retailers.

The trails that would be shut down are not managed by River Parks, the authority said the trails are unofficial trails, but are commonly used.