The Biggest Project In Downtown Jenks That Never Happened

In January 2022, Jenks Mayor Cory Box announced another Downtown Jenks initiative from the series of projects he had advocated for prior to his election, focusing on redeveloping a downtown plot of land. This 4.2-acre site, which the city purchased with taxpayer money in early 2021, was formerly owned by the Tulsa City-County Library. As of 2025, it remains a central yet unused part of our downtown area, with an opportunity cost of $7 million annually.

Jenks 4.2-acre site has sits empty

In 2022, Jenks Mayor Cory Box stated in a press release that, "Staff has been diligently preparing this Request for Proposal (RFP)." He described it as a unique redevelopment opportunity and expressed enthusiasm about unveiling it and considering ideas from the private sector. The project, situated on Main Street between Birch Street and a railroad line, was envisioned as an ideal site for a mixed-use development, incorporating retail, dining, office, and residential spaces.

Here is the project file.

FILE_6469.pdf

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The Jenks Chamber stated, "This represents the largest area of developable land in downtown Jenks since the city was established in the early 1900s. It is a significant opportunity for the future of downtown and Jenks' economic growth." The city also went on to say it aims to expand the sales tax base, promote economically viable and sustainable development, incorporate public spaces, and enhance walkability.

Why has this property, which could potentially generate $7 million annually for citizens or improve the downtown area with increased parking or attractions, remained unused for years despite significant taxpayer investment in the development of an RFQ and land purchase? The main reason is that Jenks lacks the required infrastructure to manage flood and storm sewer issues, as noted in a 2022 report, making development on this land difficult. Mayor Box has prioritized other capital projects, such as the Ranch purchase for the Jenks Chamber of Commerce offices, which have now relocated again at the taxpayer's expense.

The project was projected to have $60 million in vertical hard costs and a total project cost of $72.4 million, generating an estimated annual revenue of $6.8 million for the City of Jenks from an upscale retail mixed-use development. Featuring artisan and experiential options, the development includes:

- A 12,000 square foot restaurant with outdoor dining

- 4,300 square feet of retail space

- 4,300 square feet of live/work entertainment space

- 287,450 square feet of multi-family housing

- 260 apartments

- 12 townhouse units

- 2 walk-up buildings, each with 12 units

Public access amenities include:

- Seating and dining options

- An event plaza

- Sidewalks and walking trails

- Open space

- A children's play area

- Passive recreation areas

Resident access amenities include:

- A courtyard

- A swimming pool

- Outdoor games

- A gym

- A dog park

The 123,000 square foot parking garage features:

- Ground floor for public use

- Upper floors for residential use

- 422 spaces provided, including 60 on-street spaces

Required parking: 302 spaces

Total public parking: 120 spaces provided

The development also includes sidewalks with street trees and landscaping, outdoor dining areas, and planned connections to the riverfront and other areas of Jenks.