Jenks Food Hall Project Hits Parking Snag Ahead of Construction

A new 28,000-square-foot food hall, set to feature 12 local restaurants and a test kitchen, is poised for construction in Jenks. The $12 million project, spearheaded by Bryan Wilks of the Ten District, aims to revitalize Jenks' downtown area. However, a significant hurdle remains: securing adequate parking for the development.

Key Takeaways

• A new food hall with 12 eateries and a test kitchen is planned for Jenks.

• The project faces a standstill due to a lack of parking solutions.

• Developers have proposed multiple parking ideas to city leaders without resolution.

Jenks Market: A Vision for Downtown

Jenks Market is envisioned as a multi-level culinary destination. The ground floor will house eight restaurant concepts and a test kitchen, while the second floor will feature two full-service restaurants. The top floor is designated for a rentable event space. Bryan Wilks, founder of the Ten District, has been working for over three years to bring this project to fruition, citing overwhelming resident demand for more local dining options and family-friendly entertainment.

The Parking Predicament

The primary obstacle for Jenks Market is parking. Wilks has presented approximately five different parking solutions to city officials, including the construction of a parking garage, paving an existing lot, or establishing a shared parking agreement with the nearby Oklahoma Aquarium. Despite these proposals, no concrete progress has been made.

City's Stance and Developer's Frustration

Jenks City Manager Chris Shrout stated that the city does not control the land in question and that parking arrangements are contingent on an agreement between the developer and the aquarium. He confirmed that the city is actively working with both parties to facilitate the project. Developers believe the Oklahoma Aquarium's parking facilities are often underutilized, making a shared arrangement a logical solution. Attempts to reach the aquarium for comment were unsuccessful.

Community Support

Residents like Suzanne Brisbane express enthusiasm for the food hall, believing it will attract more visitors and enhance the downtown area. The project, fully funded by local developers and investors, represents a significant investment in Jenks' economic and cultural landscape, contingent on resolving the critical parking issue.

Sources

• New food hall ready for construction in Jenks, but parking isn't, KJRH.