I would guess that this will be pretty pricey and very very successful ..

really great elementary school for this location (one of the very best in the state)

I definitely feel the demand is there. Not sure if the price point will be attractive for families with school age kids... maybe I'm underestimating the more upscale rent demand among families? I just helped my sister find a 3 bedroom house to rent in Edmond for under $2k a month with a yard and a pool so there's options to be had that may be more attractive for families. I wonder if these might end up appealing more to my demographic - dual income, no children at home, looking for something with lower maintenance issues than full homes. I love the idea of a town home with walkable and public transport options like this (although I'd be more interested in a purchase option).

I definitely feel the demand is there. Not sure if the price point will be attractive for families with school age kids... maybe I'm underestimating the more upscale rent demand among families? I just helped my sister find a 3 bedroom house to rent in Edmond for under $2k a month with a yard and a pool so there's options to be had that may be more attractive for families. I wonder if these might end up appealing more to my demographic - dual income, no children at home, looking for something with lower maintenance issues than full homes. I love the idea of a town home with walkable and public transport options like this (although I'd be more interested in a purchase option).

my guess is it was not in this elementary school district .. (which is a big deal) .. 2500+ a month for a 3 bed is pretty standard in Centennial school district ..

Let’s not also forget that a new high school is being built in this area. I really think Edmond needs to look at building an additional police substation and this area seems like a good place to put one. They almost always have at least one or two cars parked either at the hotel or the new crest anyways. That would probably raise values as well.

Are you talking about Air Depot and Covell? The plan for that area was changed to an elementary and middle school.

https://www.edmondschools.net/article/1345836

I think that’s part of a newer bond. I believe they are still going to build a high school though I could be wrong.

I think that’s part of a newer bond. I believe they are still going to build a high school though I could be wrong.

They've been teasing the new fourth high school for years on the east side of Edmond. Latest rumor I heard was that there was opposition to building it in response to how it would impact enrollment numbers at the other three high schools in regards to athletic programs and their classifications through OSSAA.

https://ossaaillustrated.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MF_2023-24_ADM.pdf

Edmond Santa Fe - 7th largest - 2745 students
Edmond Memorial - 8th largest - 2577 students
Edmond North - 11th largest - 2528 students

Class 6A-1 is the 16 largest schools.

If you were to simply split the current student population among four high schools - 7850 total high school students averaged in Edmond - it would bring the average down to 1962 students, this would drop the Edmond Schools on average to right at the cut current cut-off to 6A-2 which is right around 2000 students per school, even though I think they would quickly rebound as Edmond continues to grow. If the population wasn't divided as cut and dry, you would risks that Edmond Santa Fe could remain in 6A-1 while Memorial and Edmond North would give up their east side populations to the Edmond East High School, dropping those three schools all to 6A-2.

They've been teasing the new fourth high school for years on the east side of Edmond. Latest rumor I heard was that there was opposition to building it in response to how it would impact enrollment numbers at the other three high schools in regards to athletic programs and their classifications through OSSAA.

https://ossaaillustrated.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MF_2023-24_ADM.pdf

Edmond Santa Fe - 7th largest - 2745 students
Edmond Memorial - 8th largest - 2577 students
Edmond North - 11th largest - 2528 students

Class 6A-1 is the 16 largest schools.

If you were to simply split the current student population among four high schools - 7850 total high school students averaged in Edmond - it would bring the average down to 1962 students, this would drop the Edmond Schools on average to right at the cut current cut-off to 6A-2 which is right around 2000 students per school, even though I think they would quickly rebound as Edmond continues to grow. If the population wasn't divided as cut and dry, you would risks that Edmond Santa Fe could remain in 6A-1 while Memorial and Edmond North would give up their east side populations to the Edmond East High School, dropping those three schools all to 6A-2.

You are correct, there is def concern with building a 4th HS which is why it is currently 7-10 years out from being done. The new HS is currently slated to be built at Covell and Westminster Rd which is in far East Edmond. The new Elementary and Middle school will be located at Air Depot and Covell and the ES should be starting to be built soon.

"According to the Edmond Economic Development Authority, commercial building permits have been filed for The Oaks at Covell, a multi-family townhouse development at Sooner Rd. and Covell Rd. expected to open in 2025. The development by ACRE Development Partners, LLC will feature 102 units, with two and three-bedroom options, surrounding a resort-style pool. This residential development will be adjacent to amenities like Crest Foods, Showbiz Cinemas, and the shopping center on Covell Rd. at I-35."

The Oaks at Covell (https://theoaksatcovell.com/)

19044 19045 19046

Where is this actually being built? North of the Hotel or along Covell between the Hotel and theatre.

Where is this actually being built? North of the Hotel or along Covell between the Hotel and theatre.

north of the hotel west of the theatre

Where is this actually being built? North of the Hotel or along Covell between the Hotel and theatre.

I believe it will go where the dirt work is being done now which is north of the Hotel.

A commercial development with 9 lots going before planning commission as corner of covell and sooner. Assume this will be great places for restaurants. Need some more out that way with the growth that’s happening. 18764

They have started cleaning land for this. Anyone hear any plans for any of these lots or is it all spec. Seems there must be interest as there is already plenty of other spec spaces around here.

Not sure when this PDF was updated from the developer but Whole Foods is mentioned on the platt map for the parking for the grocer.

https://shopcompanies.com/sites/default/files/I-35%20%26%20Covell_0.pdf?v=1723490539

Not sure when this PDF was updated from the developer but Whole Foods is mentioned on the platt map for the parking for the grocer.

https://shopcompanies.com/sites/default/files/I-35%20%26%20Covell_0.pdf?v=1723490539

I’d say less than a year old. It has the nearly complete crest in the photos and it opened October 2023 I think. It also has the pads in sw corner which were just approved early this summer.

The OKC area may soon be getting a second Whole Foods Market.

https://i.imgur.com/TCBVDEv.jpeg


The national chain sells natural & organic grocery items, housewares, wine, and other products.

OKC currently has one location near NW 63rd and Western which opened in 2011.

Plans for the ongoing development of I-35 and Covell commercial center show Whole Foods near the center of a large expansion including dozens of retailers and restaurants. Currently, the project is home to ShowBiz Cinema and a Hilton Garden Inn. Recently, a new Crest Foods opened to the west.

Amazon now owns Whole Foods and features over 500 stores in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

Plans show a 36,500-square-foot store, similar to the store on Western.


https://i.imgur.com/Jb0H5nm.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/MVInBGC.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/w7gyEuM.jpeg

I wonder how likely this is to happen. It would be great for the OKC metro to get a second Whole Foods, but this area seems a weird place for it.

Thank you for sharing, Pete!

I wonder how likely this is to happen. It would be great for the OKC metro to get a second Whole Foods, but this area seems a weird place for it.

Thank you for sharing, Pete!
Seems like a high growth area with good infrastructure that wouldn’t siphon business from their other store.

Seems like a high growth area with good infrastructure that wouldn’t siphon business from their other store.

That's fair. I guess I figured they would go to the Quail Springs area, or even closer to downtown Edmond. But you are right.

I would've also guessed closer to downtown Edmond, but Quail Springs?

I would've also guessed closer to downtown Edmond, but Quail Springs?

everything else goes there, except a specialty grocer. I meant more along the Memorial corridor, not just Quail Springs. Just the first thing I thought of.

everything else goes there, except a specialty grocer. I meant more along the Memorial corridor, not just Quail Springs. Just the first thing I thought of.

I think area with the housing currently being built or already built where not much is under 500k is going to bring in income levels to attract some of these type of retailers to build in this area.

Also knowing the map is conceptual as they work the deals, the large store south of Braums would be good spot for Home Depot. With all the development occurring it seems to be a good spot if I were betting. The current Home Depot is far away being located on broadway.
The covell and Waterloo areas are prime locations to attack all the growing East Edmond residents plus Guthrie residents

I think area with the housing currently being built or already built where not much is under 500k is going to bring in income levels to attract some of these type of retailers to build in this area.

Also knowing the map is conceptual as they work the deals, the large store south of Braums would be good spot for Home Depot. With all the development occurring it seems to be a good spot if I were betting. The current Home Depot is far away being located on broadway.
The covell and Waterloo areas are prime locations to attack all the growing East Edmond residents plus Guthrie residents

Would much rather see Lowes than Home Depot. Yes, I know there is one 4.5-5 miles away but this one would attract Guthrie, Edmond, Arcadia and other towns.

I do think a Trader Joes could also follow the WF which would also be a huge hit in this area. It makes a ton of sense to go here as the surrounding area has exploded with housing with HHI above 150K. With the new elementary and middle school in the next few years, the area will see additional growth in housing and more office parks filling out.

I also think the restaurant and shops will go fast as this area is primed for the growth.

Lastly, this area will also be impacted by the upcoming GO bonds vote as Covell would see improvements/expansions in the surrounding areas making traffic movement easier.

was hoping specialty grocer would take the space Dicks leaves behind

I have heard that TJs is actively looking in this area. Can't wait, this is exciting for the area.

trader joe’s is looking in I-35 area or elsewhere in edmond?

trader joe’s is looking in I-35 area or elsewhere in edmond?

The Covell/I35 area. The WF has materialized so now I have no reason do doubt the TJs which I had heard along with WF about a year ago.

Seems like a high growth area with good infrastructure that wouldn’t siphon business from their other store.

Actually, I (and probably a lot of other shoppers) hope the new store *does* siphon off customers from the Classen Curve location - it's crazy busy a lot of the time.

Do you think the neighborhood Walmart that was initially supposed to go on covel and Coltrane might renew interest in this area or is it too much competition

Before signing a lease, most grocers exclude the developer from direct competition.

It's rare you see two grocers of any type in the same shopping center.

Man, look at all of that parking in the plat, what a waste of space and no attempt to make this development at all walkable.

Before signing a lease, most grocers exclude the developer from direct competition.

It's rare you see two grocers of any type in the same shopping center.

Would that include the SW corner of Covell and Sooner? Maybe the Trader Joe’s could go there?

There were initially plans for an apartment complex back when the original hotel were built. It included a pedestrian paseo between the hotel and movie theater.

Would that include the SW corner of Covell and Sooner? Maybe the Trader Joe’s could go there?

Different developer. I don’t think the SW corner is big enough parcels however. They are more like small restaurant pads

My observations are Trader Joe's seems to fill in retail space in established, higher income areas rather than build in the path of growth.

My observations are Trader Joe's seems to fill in retail space in established, higher income areas rather than build in the path of growth.

This area has both of those. There is a bunch of high income housing well established in the area along with significant growth of more high income housing.

Edmond has a lack of available box box store locations readily available. Only two larger layout locations I can think that is currently available is the old Ace space at North Oaks and that center is dated and not as high of income area and the half mile to west is low density with lots of fields which hurts the population numbers in the 1 mil distance that retailers look at.
The other is the old half price book location which would be the perfect size for TJ at 10,000 sq feet except it’s just feet from a Walmart neighborhood market in same center which might not be what they want even though I feel they are completely different.

Edmond needs this covell &35 project and then the sayler project at Kelly and covell to get some spaces built for retailers to grab. Doesn’t appear space currently sits empty in Edmond long when it does open up.

Edmond has a lack of available box box store locations readily available. Only two larger layout locations I can think that is currently available is the old Ace space at North Oaks and that center is dated and not as high of income area and the half mile to west is low density with lots of fields which hurts the population numbers in the 1 mil distance that retailers look at.
The other is the old half price book location which would be the perfect size for TJ at 10,000 sq feet except it’s just feet from a Walmart neighborhood market in same center which might not be what they want even though I feel they are completely different.

Edmond needs this covell &35 project and then the sayler project at Kelly and covell to get some spaces built for retailers to grab. Doesn’t appear space currently sits empty in Edmond long when it does open up.

I agree with your post. Edmond is lacking updated retail locations and the ones you spoke of are in dire need of massive renovations but like you mentioned the house count is not as high as it would need to be. Covell can become a retail corridor from I35 to Sante Fe with significant opportunity for additional growth. With the completion of the Covell expansion to min 4 lanes (2 each direction) the area will completely take off.

Before signing a lease, most grocers exclude the developer from direct competition.

It's rare you see two grocers of any type in the same shopping center.

You're absolutely right.

This area has both of those. There is a bunch of high income housing well established in the area along with significant growth of more high income housing.

I'm talking about 30-100 year old neighborhoods deep inside populated zones. Not just populated on half the sides. Look up their locations in other cities in this region like Dallas and Denver.

Steve Latemeyer at it again.

It's sad how he claims to be a downtown reporter and when asked about out-lying projects he answers, "I don't cover this area". Then, something comes out on OKCTalk and suddenly he's an expert, no matter where it is.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/oklahoman091824a.jpg

Sounds about Steve.

Would much rather see Lowes than Home Depot. Yes, I know there is one 4.5-5 miles away but this one would attract Guthrie, Edmond, Arcadia and other towns.

I do think a Trader Joes could also follow the WF which would also be a huge hit in this area. It makes a ton of sense to go here as the surrounding area has exploded with housing with HHI above 150K. With the new elementary and middle school in the next few years, the area will see additional growth in housing and more office parks filling out.

I also think the restaurant and shops will go fast as this area is primed for the growth.

Lastly, this area will also be impacted by the upcoming GO bonds vote as Covell would see improvements/expansions in the surrounding areas making traffic movement easier.

Why do you want to see a 3rd Lowes in Edmond. also did you forget about the one on Bryant and 2nd. Home Depot is More Likely if one went in the area

Why do you want to see a 3rd Lowes in Edmond. also did you forget about the one on Bryant and 2nd. Home Depot is More Likely if one went in the area

First, I don’t like Home Depot and would choose to go to Lowe’s even if it meant driving further.

No, 2nd and Bryant is about the same distance as the one on Kelly for me. I go to both locations depending on if I am in which area. Either would do well in the area.

Steve Latemeyer at it again.

It's sad how he claims to be a downtown reporter and when asked about out-lying projects he answers, "I don't cover this area". Then, something comes out on OKCTalk and suddenly he's an expert, no matter where it is.



simple mistakes in the story ......
has site maps online showing Whole Foods coming to a pad site just east of Showbiz Cinemas.

the whole foods is SOUTH of showbiz on the site plan ..

BTW, I've seen a preliminary site plan for this project with these names attached:

Chuy's
Texas Roadhouse
Olive Garden
Chipotle
Hideaway
Panera Bread
World Market
Dick's
Ross
Hobby Lobby
5 Below
Petsmart
Tesla

Not sure where they stand with any of them, but they must at least be in conversation.

BTW, I've seen a preliminary site plan for this project with these names attached:

Chuy's
Texas Roadhouse
Olive Garden
Chipotle
Hideaway
Panera Bread
World Market
Dick's
Ross
Hobby Lobby
5 Below
Petsmart
Tesla

Not sure where they stand with any of them, but they must at least be in conversation.

all of that would be great

Tesla? Like a store, or a supercharger?

Tesla can't build stores in Oklahoma.

Maybe a maintenance facility like the one on Broadway.

Tesla can't build stores in Oklahoma.

Maybe a maintenance facility like the one on Broadway.

I wonder if they will ever operate like in Texas where they have a showroom that places the order, and it ships to you. They can't directly sell cars in Texas, but they have showrooms all throughout the state. That was more what I meant.

Covell & I-35 is the CENTER of Edmond city limits. Hard to believe, but it is!

Covell & I-35 is the CENTER of Edmond city limits. Hard to believe, but it is!

That’s why the city telocated so many services at that location.

Covell & I-35 is the CENTER of Edmond city limits. Hard to believe, but it is!

shows how much room Edmond has to grow ..

That’s why the city telocated so many services at that location.

Yes, between cross timber office and north timbers office, a good chunk of the Edmond city offices are located on covell either on north or south side depending on the office. And they have room and plans for a second building mirroring the north timber’s officer nextdoor if and when needed

That’s why the city telocated so many services at that location.

I was hoping that the new city hall and police station would also follow and locate in the area of Covell and I 35. This is why fire st 5 ie the headquarters station and training grounds is located there. It was the first of the city buildings to move out that way. Edmond did need a fire station in the area and it made sense to move the administration offices as well as put a training facility there.

I was hoping that the new city hall and police station would also follow and locate in the area of Covell and I 35. This is why fire st 5 ie the headquarters station and training grounds is located there. It was the first of the city buildings to move out that way. Edmond did need a fire station in the area and it made sense to move the administration offices as well as put a training facility there.

city hall should 100% have been built down town edmond ..

city hall should 100% have been built down town edmond ..

It's a good debate, Edmond in somewhat unique that the city center and population center are very different locations. Downtown Edmond is growing with apartments, but there isn't too much land west of downtown/railroad tracks that isn't filled in...and most of OKC has filled in out to Portland. Downtown Edmond has really turned the corner with some great local leadership like the current Edmond Mayor, Darrell Davis, and events that are sponsored by Citizen's Bank and other local business. Heard on Hurd is great.

The advantage to Covell and I-35 right now is that the city has space and the immediate surrounding infrastructure reflects a city of 100,000 while downtown Edmond is "land locked" into a city of 25k as Broadway essentially dead ends into the cemetery and merges east with BLVD to go north.

It's a good debate, Edmond in somewhat unique that the city center and population center are very different locations. Downtown Edmond is growing with apartments, but there isn't too much land west of downtown/railroad tracks that isn't filled in...and most of OKC has filled in out to Portland. Downtown Edmond has really turned the corner with some great local leadership like the current Edmond Mayor, Darrell Davis, and events that are sponsored by Citizen's Bank and other local business. Heard on Hurd is great.

The advantage to Covell and I-35 right now is that the city has space and the immediate surrounding infrastructure reflects a city of 100,000 while downtown Edmond is "land locked" into a city of 25k as Broadway essentially dead ends into the cemetery and merges east with BLVD to go north.

I understand where you are going with this but I would like to provide a different perspective. While downtown proper is currently pretty full, that isn’t going to be the case once the new city hall and other municipal buildings are finished. All the existing buildings will be put up for an RFP which will most likely have them demolished. That will open up significant development. There are still several properties to expand to the railroad tracks. We could see an increase in tear down of older homes for higher density projects. Now, here is where I think the real opportunities will come from. South of 2nd street. With the new passenger rail location will be south of 2nd and there is already the growth on 5th so growth between the 2 will only lead to increased development and growth of downtown.

I was hoping that the new city hall and police station would also follow and locate in the area of Covell and I 35. This is why fire st 5 ie the headquarters station and training grounds is located there. It was the first of the city buildings to move out that way. Edmond did need a fire station in the area and it made sense to move the administration offices as well as put a training facility there.

The PSC and the City Hall Complex went or are going where they should have. Eventually there will be an eastern substation so east residents won’t have to drive across the city for police services at the facility. When that’ll happen, that’s still a ways away.

BTW, I've seen a preliminary site plan for this project with these names attached:

Chuy's
Texas Roadhouse
Olive Garden
Chipotle
Hideaway
Panera Bread
World Market
Dick's
Ross
Hobby Lobby
5 Below
Petsmart
Tesla

Not sure where they stand with any of them, but they must at least be in conversation.

I saw this same site plan with all of those names attached. Dare we share it here...

I saw this same site plan with all of those names attached. Dare we share it here...

No, because it doesn't seem to match up with the latest building layouts and I have no idea where that came from.

It's the same reason I don't post every version of the OAK site plan because it's just conceptual and the business are almost always just those they are talking to or targeting.

surveying flags marking off the southwest corner of this development
This would the northeast corner of covell and sooner.
So seems something progressing on the corner lot with this development

Also they are moving tons of dirt on the southwest corner of intersection on that development. Makes me think there must be at least a few of the plots with interested parties