They have started pushing dirt again and now putting in real drainage/road bases. But it looks like they are doing it everywhere, except the hotel site. The have also cleared the NW corner of Sooner and Covell.

Hopefully this will finally start getting built.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J84ZppX8-k&feature=youtu.be

Well, as I drove by this going back to California for a while, I noticed the hotel seemed to be underway. Now, if I'm reading it right, it appears this has hit another snag.


Both of these project delays are do to continued changes in banking regulations and finding subcontractors who have increased the bid process, Yowell said.
“The city’s investment today has been in the purchase of land and infrastructure that will increase the value of that land,” Yowell said. “And it will prepare the area for further commercial development.”

- Despite economy, Edmond businesses branch out - The Edmond Sun: News (http://www.edmondsun.com/news/despite-economy-edmond-businesses-branch-out/article_a62859f8-c703-11e5-b4b9-7790f229b8d0.html)

If this has been delayed again, this is getting to be a joke and Edmond is yet again proving its incompetence when it comes to handling mid-sized projects. Calling this a mid-sized project is generous. I'd venture to say for Edmond it is a large project but that doesn't mean much.

If this hasn't been delayed and is still on, then disregard that. Hopefully they were talking about the previous delay.

I'll post some stuff in the road updates thread when I can look at the bid letting more specifically on ODOT's website, but here is a piece from The Sun.

Covell Road widening project moves forward | Local News | edmondsun.com (http://www.edmondsun.com/news/local_news/covell-road-widening-project-moves-forward/article_c2eea888-d0f6-11e5-b615-ff18bc4497f7.html)

The reason I place this here is because this impacts the development and the area and it says this


An effort to build the impending hotel and conference center has been delayed due to changing banking regulations, said EEDA Executive Director Janet Yowell at a recent meeting of the Edmond Economic Development Authority.

So I take it the hotel has been delayed yet again to them laying claim to changing banking regulations. I believe they have used about 1 or 2 different excuses and this is new to me. I am reaching a new milestone of laziness and I'm not even going to scroll up right now or go back a few pages to look for clues as to what exact words they used to explain the delays, but come. on. dude. How is a project this f#cking small getting delayed for almost 4 years. SMH.

Hopefully this will cause the city to open their eyes and make some changes.

Panda: Sometimes, when you say "Edmond", it is hard to understand who you are referring to. The City of Edmond government, Edmond's commercial enterprises, or the conglomerate of these that have to work together to make things happen?

Panda: Sometimes, when you say "Edmond", it is hard to understand who you are referring to. The City of Edmond government, Edmond's commercial enterprises, or the conglomerate of these that have to work together to make things happen?EEDA and the City of Edmond. I'm not sure who else would be involved in this besides the banks, Marriott, and ODOT. Although everyone one of those things are pretty much irrelevant except the bank but my argument on that is something always seems to happen with Edmond and it gets to a point where excuses become nothing more and the city, who started this project, is to blame.

So I am not sure if your are referring to the individual departments within the city such as financing or the Edmond Convention and Visitors Bureau. I am not an expert on city planning and how each department exactly works and which ones play a role in this project. My only assumption would be nearly all of them since they is a public/private project and would benefit the entire city as a whole.

ODOT is only merely working with the city per their request and providing a little over half of the road project. They are overseeing the Covell widening until it is finished. I believe they did the same for the Covell and Kelly project.

I can certainly understand a few delays, but we are closing in on 5 years after over a decade of planning. This stuff was planned in the 90's. Let's get real. This is a small, suburban hotel and nothing is ambitious about it. I'm not even a fan of the flag, location, or design, yet I want to see it going so it can help spur more development in the area.

BTW, let's remember, Edmond's "commercial enterprises" weren't particularly thrilled with this project to begin with since this hotel was receiving large subsidies and they didn't. Mostly the hotel chains on 2nd St. near I-35. At least that is what I remember.

ODOT has delayed the construction bid opening of the Covell Widening for about a month.


The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has slightly delayed the bid opening for the Covell widening project, City Manager Larry Stevens reported to the Edmond City Council this week.

Plans call to further widen Covell and continue the parkway with four lanes extending east from Fairfax Lane to Interstate 35.

What had originally been scheduled to go out for bid in March has been moved to April 21, Stevens added.

- Covell widening project delayed | News | edmondsun.com (http://www.edmondsun.com/news/covell-widening-project-delayed/article_7499aab0-0117-11e6-ac8a-db59794fa2fe.html)

So I asked about the convention center progress and development out there on today's Edmond chat on newsok... this is the response, take it for what it's worth.


I keep asking and they keep saying they are close to getting started. If you have been out by Covell and Interstate 35, there is infrastructure work going on. Across the street, they are getting ready to start on new McDonalds and Braums.

Any ideas whats going in on the West side of Sooner? They've done a ton of dirt work.

Any ideas whats going in on the West side of Sooner? They've done a ton of dirt work.

North or South of Covell?

North

At one point the NW corner had been approved for an unnamed grocery store... not sure if that is still the plan though.

I could be wrong, but I believe Crest was interested at that corner. Not sure if that is still the case though.

Yeah, I remember reading that a lot time ago, but wasn't sure if that was still the case. The area being clear is definitely big enough for a large Crest and probably a small strip center too. I am really looking forward to them making some vertical progress as some point on something. I've been driving by there twice a day for 3 years now, and they've been playing in the mud pretty much non-stop that whole time.

BTW: The utility poles have all already be moved back for the widening of Covell. Based on the poles, looks like they will widen Sooner at the intersection as well (hopefully). I assume the water lines/gas line were already away from the road because I don't recall ever seeing them mess with those.

I couldn't agree more! I am happy just to see the streets being paved in the city's manager progress report. I do believe Sooner is going to get widened to four lanes as they plan add something like 4 or 5 new traffic lights in the surrounding area.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fovWr-dNgZs#

I am really looking forward to the widening. Not so much all of the needless lights. Only Edmond can increase travel time with a road widening.

Hilton hotel? FlintCo as contractor?

Heresay at work is my source sadly....

Braums site plan is going up before the planning commission tomorrow.

http://agenda.edmondok.com:8085/agenda_publish.cfm?id=&mt=ALL&get_month=5&get_year=2016&dsp=agm&seq=7881&rev=0&ag=2108&ln=36564&nseq=7883&nrev=0&pseq=7880&prev=0#

http://www.edmondsun.com/news/groundbreaking-scheduled-for-hilton-garden-inn-hotel-conference-center/article_5fdd99ea-1dfc-11e6-8f15-b396252bd227.html

Any new info about the work they are doing at the NW corner of Covell and Sooner?

http://www.edmondsun.com/news/groundbreaking-scheduled-for-hilton-garden-inn-hotel-conference-center/article_5fdd99ea-1dfc-11e6-8f15-b396252bd227.html

That website had become unreadable... really wish they would make some advancements.

I agree.

EDMOND, Okla. – A groundbreaking ceremony for the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel & Conference Center at Interstate 35 and Covell in Edmond was held today, May 26.

Janet Yowell, executive director of the Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA), provided opening remarks.

“We are so excited to mark the start of construction of the hotel and conference center,” Yowell said. “This project has been a priority for more than 10 years and we look forward to this next phase.”

The six-story, 158-room hotel and 20,000-square-foot conference center is being developed as a partnership between the City of Edmond and private developers Covell Partners in Development and Covell-35 Development. The City of Edmond is investing in land, construction of the conference center, water, sewer, electric and road improvements. This will enable several hundred acres of commercial development to take place around this project as well as on the southwest and northeast corners of I-35 and Covell.

The one time construction impact of the project is projected to be $37 million. Flintco will handle construction of the project. The expected completion date is December 2017.

Once completed, the hotel and conference center has the potential to create an annual local sales tax revenue impact of $777,000; 78 jobs; and a total annual economic impact of $5.7 million.

Other speakers at the groundbreaking included Edmond City Manager Larry Stevens, Edmond Mayor Charles Lamb, Edmond City Councilmember and EEDA Board Trustee Nick Massey, Covell Partners in Development Principal John Weeman, Partners in Hospitality President Ghaleb Trad and John Wooley with Covell-35 Development.

Covell widening is set to begin.

Posted here: http://edmondok.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=433

Linked thread - http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=34954&p=955114#post955114

sprawl ... lol

Update on the new conference center hotel.

http://www.edmondsun.com/news/foundation-falling-in-place-for-hilton-garden-inn/article_a0f2b8ca-4f9d-11e6-b271-7fbdca54e536.html

Crest is coming to this development. It will be on the West side of Sooner.

That's been planned for awhile. Glad to see it finally heading forward.

Have you heard anything on the other developments planned? It seems like a theatre was mentioned at some point. Would love to see some Chisholm Creek type quality come into this area.

Yeah there were some rumblings about a theater and an upscale movie bar. The theater was going to be part of a 3 or 4 level complex. We'll see if it happens.

So far all I know for sure is McDonald's and Braums.

A little to the west a new shopping center will be debated in early November for Covell and Coltrane.

I do wish Covell would be six lanes all the way through instead of 4 lanes. :/

This crest will be a welcome addition anyhow. I know a lot of people around North Edmond who will drive to south Edmond which can take 20-30 minutes each way so this should work fairly well.

Wish we could get some new to market upscale resturants. Please something other then fast food. Pleanty of nice roof tops and with the hotel maybe an alternative to what ever resturants open in it. I'm thinking just in the area. The southwest corner of Sooner and Covell is for sale with a large price tag, maybe a small upscale development is in order.

http://newsok.com/showbiz-cinemas-wa...rlyAccess=true

"ShowBiz Cinemas is proposing to build a family entertainment center, with 18 bowling lanes, 12 movie theaters, an arcade, restaurant and upscale bar, near Edmond's new hotel and conference center at Covell Road and Interstate 35."

This will be cool and hopefully good quality.

That's more like it. So far the commercial development on I-35 has not created a good impression of Edmond to those driving through. Will be nice to have a theatre in that neck of the woods, as my parents live at 2nd and Coltrane. Say goodbye to Kickingbird Cinemas, though.

Crest put out a message ok Facebook that they plan to open late 2017 or early 2018

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/16252519_1614113168605869_2798356376804342946_o.jp g?oh=1b430c544ca7a4d1053851a594fbc434&oe=591C7752

It is already under construction.

So currently under-construction

Conference Center/Hilton Garden Inn
Crest Fresh Market
Oak Ridge Business Park(directly north of Crest)
Covell and Sooner widening in the area

Confirmed and starting construction anytime

McDonalds
Braums
Summit Sports Complex

Planned/Announced

ShowBiz Cinemas and Sports Lounge
Large gas station(likely OnCue)
Large shopping center

Its sad how much I am looking forward to OnCue at this location. There are no gas stations on the length of Covell or Coffee Creek from I-35 to Portland (although a no-name one is moving in a Broadway and Blvd).

I knew it wouldn't happen, but it would've been great if the Life Time had moved into this area.

OnCue is already building along I35 at Waterloo and at 15th. I seriously doubt they build a third one in a six mile stretch.


Its sad how much I am looking forward to OnCue at this location. There are no gas stations on the length of Covell or Coffee Creek from I-35 to Portland (although a no-name one is moving in a Broadway and Blvd).

I knew it wouldn't happen, but it would've been great if the Life Time had moved into this area.

OnCue is already building along I35 at Waterloo and at 15th. I seriously doubt they build a third one in a six mile stretch.

Well considering they are trying to copy QT, they have a lot more density to add. When I lived in BA, I had 6 QTs within 2.5 miles. But where is the the other one along I35 besides at Waterloo?

Edit: Actually it was 8, I forgot about two of them.

They are building one right now at 15th and I-35.

Northeast Edmond development takes shape

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record February 2, 2017

EDMOND – The city’s long-awaited development at Interstate 35 and Covell Road is starting to take shape.

One project is under construction and another is being considered for a sales-tax-based incentive package.

The city’s $37 million Hilton Garden Inn and 20,000-square-foot conference center is under construction on 7.5 acres at the northwest corner of I-35 and Covell Road.

Edmond Economic Development Authority Executive Director Janet Yowell said the organization is holding off on scheduling its fall forecast event because the conference center could be open by then.

The next project in the area will be a Crest Foods store. In January, the Oklahoma-owned grocery store announced it would open a store at the northwest corner of Sooner and Covell roads. Company President Bruce Harroz could not be reached for comment on the new store.

Raptor Properties owns the land at the northeast corner of Sooner and Covell, which is where ShowBiz Cinemas is considering constructing a multi-entertainment venue. It would include a movie theater and a bowling alley.

Raptor Principal John Wooley II said ShowBiz has been interested in the market for a long time. He said Raptor visited with ShowBiz several years ago, but he thought another company would bring a theater to Edmond. When that deal didn’t work out, Showbiz was the first call.

“I think ShowBiz’s draw will reach out to Stillwater,” he said.

Wooley said the neighboring Crest will make the area a more all-around attraction. It will draw event traffic from the hotel, entertainment customers to the theater, and then daily shoppers to the grocery store.

“I think Crest’s everyday traffic is critical to any kind of development,” he said. “When you have everyday traffic it promotes other traffic than just event traffic.”

ShowBiz is working with the city on a sales-tax-based incentive package. The EEDA’s board of directors approved Yowell to work with ShowBiz on such a deal. She said it’s still being developed and could be reviewed by the City Council during its February meetings. The council will meet on Feb. 13 and Feb. 27.

“We’ve gone from having nothing out there to having three entities that will be very viable,” she said. “They will draw traffic, and increased traffic means increased activity and interest.”

Wooley said Raptor is already working on getting more restaurants and retailers to the area. He said that would give people other options after bowling or watching a movie at ShowBiz.

“It’s the perfect introductory theater for us,” he said. “It gives a lot more entertainment value than what we’re used to doing.”

ShowBiz Cinemas starts construction this week.

http://m.newsok.com/article/5539902

ShowBiz Cinemas starts construction this week.

http://m.newsok.com/article/5539902

That's pretty f'in impressive!

I wonder if ShowBiz knows Warren Theater is going in at Eastern and Kirkpatrick turnpike?? Or maybe it doesn't matter one way or the other.

ShowBiz Cinemas starts construction this week.

http://m.newsok.com/article/5539902

Another unnecessary give away from the city, or at least too much at $4.8 million. And this is even more unnecessary with Warren announcing a theater at the turnpike and Eastern. ShowBiz isnt going to go south of Memorial, into OKC city limits, and they arent going to go north and out of Edmond. ShowBiz wants to be in Edmond and those incentives likely wouldnt have made a difference to them. But instead Edmond will forego $4.8 million in tax collections for something that I would bet would happen regardless.\

Not all TIFs are bad, but this is one that I think Edmond had more bargaining power than what the incentive package showed.

Yeah, but it's such a piddling amount annually, and it is drawn out over 15 years or so, and based on the previous year's sales tax collection, so there's no chance of losing much on the deal. And, while Edmond may have had more bargaining power, we DESPERATELY need that area to succeed if the convention center is going to work at all. The EEDA does a great job in evaluating these incentives, so I trust them here.

I meant to snag some pictures of the new convention center/hotel. Can someone snap some?
The complex has really taken off. It looks like they'll be done with the Covell intersection there by the end of the summer.

I meant to snag some pictures of the new convention center/hotel. Can someone snap some?
The complex has really taken off. It looks like they'll be done with the Covell intersection there by the end of the summer.

Talked to someone they hired and they plan to open in the fall.

I meant to snag some pictures of the new convention center/hotel. Can someone snap some?
The complex has really taken off. It looks like they'll be done with the Covell intersection there by the end of the summer.

I think the intersection will probably be done by the end of April, if not sooner. Only a few more panels to pour, and the medians.

Looks like a Starbucks along with a new retail center will be coming to Covell and I-35. The hearing has been continued to September 5th.

Another note: the site plan for the movie theatre has been discontinued indefinitely. I don't know what that means exactly. I hope this development isn't in trouble.

Looks like a Starbucks along with a new retail center will be coming to Covell and I-35. The hearing has been continued to September 5th.

Another note: the site plan for the movie theatre has been discontinued indefinitely. I don't know what that means exactly. I hope this development isn't in trouble.

A blurb in the paper says Showbiz is looking for a real estate partner who will build and own the theater and I assume lease back to showbiz. So Showbiz cant even build their own building but still took nearly $5mil in incentives.

Showbiz Pizza?

A blurb in the paper says Showbiz is looking for a real estate partner who will build and own the theater and I assume lease back to showbiz. So Showbiz cant even build their own building but still took nearly $5mil in incentives.
That figures. Is this common practice? I've never heard of a movie theatre doing this.

A blurb in the paper says Showbiz is looking for a real estate partner who will build and own the theater and I assume lease back to showbiz. So Showbiz cant even build their own building but still took nearly $5mil in incentives.

Of course those incentives haven't been paid and are based directly on performance which if doesn't happen they get nothing. So, no, not really. The EEdA is pretty smart in how it operates.

Of course those incentives haven't been paid and are based directly on performance which if doesn't happen they get nothing. So, no, not really. The EEdA is pretty smart in how it operates.

True. Maybe I didnt word it properly. Its just kind of astounding how they are getting one helluva incentive package yet here they are delaying things because they cant get started on a building. It shouldnt be hard to find a real estate partner to help with the actual development of the building. I guarantee you there'd be several local folks who would do a build to suit for them.

It's out in the middle of nowhere. I don't know why the city decided to focus on this area but they need some anchors. I don't know the behind the scenes on this deal but there were tons of discussions. The good news is they're not out of pocket if it doesn't happen. I wonder if the new Warren is scaring them.

It's out in the middle of nowhere. I don't know why the city decided to focus on this area but they need some anchors. I don't know the behind the scenes on this deal but there were tons of discussions. The good news is they're not out of pocket if it doesn't happen. I wonder if the new Warren is scaring them.

I don't call this the middle of nowhere. This is going to be a big central area in a few years. By the way Starbucks is going before the planning commission. More stuff going in.

I don't call this the middle of nowhere. This is going to be a big central area in a few years. By the way Starbucks is going before the planning commission. More stuff going in.

It will likely get a lot of business from Stillwater and Enid. I doubt those two towns have any major new retail for competition, such as a movie theater or large strip mall in the works. In Stillwater, the owner of the SW corner of 6th and Country Club Rd. has been trying to land an anchor for a strip mall for many years without any luck.

When the Covell Parkway is finished and runs from around Sante Fe to I-35 and east to Douglas north to Waterloo and then back to I-35, add a bunch more homes that are in the works east of I -35 and yes it will be a busy area. Just look at the intersection with Sooner! The plan is a major busy area.

Video update from the city: https://youtu.be/RLxcgMcZKlE