The Real Vision Behind The Ten District Revitalization & Why IT Matters

The transformation of The Ten District in downtown Jenks is remarkable, showcasing new dining and shopping options such as City Hall, The Lodge, Pure Kitchen & Market, The Social, Lenny Lane, Jenks Coffee Co, and Cedary & Lilly. However, data indicates that with further infrastructure investments, which we are advocating for, downtown revitalization will have an even more substantial economic impact on Jenks in the coming decades. According to The Ten District ESRI data and Hunden Partners the fiscal impact on Jenks is projected to reach $55 million in new tax revenues, including $30 million from property taxes, $18 million from sales taxes, and $7 million from hotel taxes. Additionally, Jenks downtown development could generate $776 million in total customer spending and support $192 million in new earnings, boosting the local economy and creating up to 282 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs at its peak.

Have you ever driven through Jenks and wondered why we lack the cohesive design and connectivity seen in other cities and regions? Or questioned why Mayor Cory Box and City Manager Chris Shrout invested millions in a private ranch office, while across the street from the ranch, development controversies abound, despite downtown Jenks needing essential infrastructure for decades? Why, after years of knowing the Simon Outlet Mall was coming and a year after its opening, are there no restaurants around the mall area and only one restaurant inside the mall? Or why was a $12 million project for restaurants next to the Aquarium shut down, and why hasn't the Aquarium area been fully developed despite over 400,000 annual visits? These business questions, along with their answers, are central to our initiative to revitalize the ten blocks of Jenks Downtown, the hub of connectivity, style, design, and commerce.

It starts by performing a comprehensive analysis of similar downtown districts across different markets and contexts to pinpoint best practices and essential success factors, and how they, unlike Jenks downtown were thriving. We examined the following city's:

Location	City	State
Bentonville Downtown Square	Bentonville	Arkansas
The Rose District	Broken Arrow	Oklahoma
Downtown Paducah	Paducah	Kentucky
Downtown Summerville	Summerville	South Carolina
The Woodlands Town Center	The Woodlands	Texas
Carmel Arts & Design District	Carmel	Indiana
Downtown Chattanooga	Chattanooga	Tennessee
Downtown Overland Park	Overland Park	Kansas

One city stood out, Paducah, Kentucky, a small town comparable to Jenks, has a Tourism Impact: In 2024, tourism in Paducah-McCracken County generated $321.6 million in visitor spending. This income supports local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. Downtown as a Tourist Draw: Downtown Paducah is a key tourist attraction, along with the National Quilt Museum and River Discovery Center. TIF Activation: By the end of 2024, downtown Paducah reached the $20 million capital investment required to activate the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. This enables the city to collect state tax revenue generated within the district for redevelopment over 20 years. The initial state revenue baseline in 2019 was set at $575,117. City Support for Downtown: The City of Paducah allocated around $1.2 million to economic development initiatives, including downtown development, as part of its $99.2 million budget for the 2024 fiscal year. Main Street Program: Paducah is recognized as a Nationally Accredited Kentucky Main Street Program, highlighting its dedication to downtown revitalization. In 2024, the Kentucky Main Street program overall reported $63.7 million in investments and the creation of hundreds of jobs and businesses in communities throughout the state.  

Paducah, Kentucky is a small town similar to Jenks, Oklahoma

The key to success lies in avoiding the treatment of different parts of the Jenks in isolation. Instead, consider the Jenks as a whole, with the down town area as its center, recognizing the connections in both geographic proximity and style. It's essential to understand how consumers interact and start to visualize and map out a well-connected experience, which includes green spaces, Jenks High School, RiverFront, residential areas, the Aquarium, and the outlet mall.

Jenks Downtown Connections Provided By Beck Design

Focus on converting the blocks centered around downtown, which are mainly designed for vehicles, into a lively pedestrian area with additional sidewalks and traffic calming strategies. This transformation aims to prioritize foot traffic and enhance the overall urban experience for residents and visitors alike. By reallocating space that is currently dominated by vehicles, we can create an inviting environment that encourages walking, social interaction, and community engagement.

To achieve this vision, it is essential to incorporate wider sidewalks that accommodate not only pedestrians but also outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants, as well as spaces for street vendors. These enhancements will not only beautify the area but also provide opportunities for local businesses to thrive. Additionally, the installation of greenery, such as trees, planters, and flower beds, will contribute to a more pleasant atmosphere, improving air quality and providing shade for those strolling through the area.

In conjunction with expanding pedestrian pathways, implementing traffic calming strategies is vital to ensure the safety and comfort of pedestrians. This could include the introduction of speed bumps, raised crosswalks, and curb extensions that narrow the roadway, compelling vehicles to slow down. Moreover, the use of visual cues, such as vibrant crosswalk designs and clear signage, can further alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians, fostering a culture of respect and caution on the streets.

Jenks Downtown Connections Provided By Beck Design

Furthermore, creating designated areas for public art installations and community events can transform these blocks into vibrant cultural hubs. By organizing regular activities, such as farmers' markets, art fairs, and live music performances, we can draw more people to the area, making it a dynamic space that reflects the character and diversity of the community. This not only enhances the local economy but also strengthens social ties among residents.

Ultimately, the goal of this initiative is to reimagine downtown as a pedestrian-friendly zone that prioritizes people over vehicles, fostering a sense of community and encouraging sustainable modes of transportation. By thoughtfully integrating these elements, we can create a downtown that is not only functional but also a cherished gathering place for all.

Improve the West Gateway located west of the Ten Downtown blocks to boost visual appeal, preserve the character of the western downtown core, and enhance walkability.

Jenks Downtown Connections Provided By Beck Design

The Ten District challenges are clear: the lack of a unified vision for the future and cooperation among stakeholders hinders coordinated growth and progress. Limited parking and frequent congestion discourage visitors and raise concerns about safety, accessibility, and walkability in the downtown area. High land and property prices create obstacles for new investment and development. However, the City of Jenks, along with Mayor Cory Box and City Manager Chris Shrout, have prioritized other areas and continue to miss out on $55 million in new tax revenues. We hope that with community engagement and realignment, Jenks can keep pace with thriving cities like Broken Arrow that have made these investments, ensuring our future differs from our past.