Jenks Set to Unveil "Jenks Market": A New Entertainment Hub for Downtown

Jenks is set to welcome a vibrant new entertainment hub, the "Jenks Market," in its downtown area. This 12,000-square-foot venue aims to revitalize the community by offering a diverse range of restaurants, a large outdoor movie screen, and ample seating for live entertainment and sporting events. The project, a collaboration between the Ten District and Frisbie Lombardi Commercial Real Estate, is expected to open within the next six months, promising a significant boost to local businesses and the overall appeal of downtown Jenks.

Key Takeaways

• A new 12,000 sq ft entertainment venue called "Jenks Market" is coming to downtown Jenks.

• It will feature multiple restaurants, an outdoor movie screen, and space for live events.

• The project aims to boost local businesses and enhance the downtown area's appeal.

• It is located between the Oklahoma Aquarium and the Holiday Inn Express.

• The venue is anticipated to open within the next six months.

A New Downtown Destination

The Jenks Market is poised to become a central gathering place, designed to host a variety of live entertainment and sporting events. With 12,000 square feet of space, it will accommodate a diverse selection of restaurants, some of which are being sourced from out of state to enhance the visitor experience. A prominent feature will be a jumbo outdoor movie screen, complemented by extensive outdoor seating, creating an inviting atmosphere for community members and tourists alike.

Economic Revitalization Efforts

The Ten District, in partnership with Frisbie Lombardi Commercial Real Estate, is spearheading this development with the goal of stimulating economic growth in Jenks. Lombardi emphasized the team's focus on securing appealing restaurants and addressing practicalities like parking, with support from the city for parking solutions on adjacent aquarium land. Beyond the new venue, the Ten District is actively working with existing downtown businesses, encouraging them to utilize city tax incentives for upgrades. This initiative aims to improve operations and enhance the overall aesthetic and appeal of Main Street.

Community Impact and Comparisons

Local business owners are optimistic about the project's potential. Amy Smith, co-owner of Maggie's Music Box, highlighted the importance of such developments for transforming and uplifting a downtown area. "Sometimes you need help as an entrepreneur," she stated, underscoring the value of community-driven revitalization efforts. The Jenks Market is being developed on a site previously occupied by an underused parking lot, a transformation that echoes the revitalization seen in other areas. The project's ambition and potential impact have drawn comparisons to Tulsa's successful Guthrie Green, suggesting a similar positive effect on local commerce and community engagement.

Future Outlook

The development of the Jenks Market is part of a broader, decade-long strategy to foster commercial growth in Jenks. City leaders and business representatives anticipate that this new attraction will draw more visitors to the area, encouraging longer stays and increased spending. The success of previous projects, such as Riverwalk Crossing, has laid a strong foundation for continued growth, with the downtown area seeing a noticeable increase in business activity and development. The Jenks Market is expected to further solidify this positive trajectory, making downtown Jenks an even more dynamic and appealing destination.

Sources

• New Entertainment Venue, Market Coming To Jenks, News On 6.

• New Attraction In Downtown Jenks Being Compared To Guthrie Green, News on 6.