Covell and I-35 Development Updates

[jdross1982]

What's frustrating from a planning stand point is the area around Showbiz has been cleared for out parcels of retail. A whole area of well developed trees south of Covell and west of Sooner are going away it would appear for this development.

Also, the preliminary plat for this strip center has 5 separate entrances to Covell and Sooner, one of those being the stoplight entrance at Fairfax, this seems overkill and congestion prone. I'm sure the residents of Augusta Farms are just thrilled about this development bumping up to their backyard when there is ample space at Showbiz and even across the street on the east side of Sooner next to Braums and the other retail.

Yes, I know each area of land is owned by a different developer, but this just seems like odd placement given the other options in the area.

I completely agree. The area in front and surrounding Showbiz should be full of retail, restaurants, niche buildings like gymnastics, dancing, an Edmond version of Score OKC, Apartments and offices above retail stores could all go in this area and absolutely kill it but it will take the developers working with investors to make it happen. There is a TON of land in the area beyond all that is already platted. Between this area, and the surrounding areas this could truly be a lifestyle center that would attract shoppers from as far away as Stillwater and have constant use from Edmond, Arcadia, Jones, Luther, Guthrie and beyond.

[Hollywood]

With Buc-ee’s openly putting Oklahoma on the board, the city needs to make this off ramp and development a very tempting location.

[scottk]

With Buc-ee’s openly putting Oklahoma on the board, the city needs to make this off ramp and development a very tempting location.

I think that location would be good.....but Edmond is going to Edmond. HOWEVER, there is a Crest that is 24 hours near by, so MAYBE?

I don't know how the traffic counts differ between I-35 and I-40.

I would assume there is more traffic going south I-35 to and from Dallas, than north to Wichita/Kansas City? I-35 north of Guthrie thins out with traffic.
I-40 from my experience is the same story, once past El Reno there isn't a whole lot of traffic heading to Amarillo/ABQ.

A reminder Buc-ee's caters to road trippers and two axle vehicles. So semi-truck traffic is a moot point.

[Bunty]

And Buc-ee's may not like trying to compete with Love's at the I-35 Guthrie exit.

[Bunty]

I completely agree. The area in front and surrounding Showbiz should be full of retail, restaurants, niche buildings like gymnastics, dancing, an Edmond version of Score OKC, Apartments and offices above retail stores could all go in this area and absolutely kill it but it will take the developers working with investors to make it happen. There is a TON of land in the area beyond all that is already platted. Between this area, and the surrounding areas this could truly be a lifestyle center that would attract shoppers from as far away as Stillwater and have constant use from Edmond, Arcadia, Jones, Luther, Guthrie and beyond.

Edmond already attracts lots and lots of shoppers from Stillwater, due to Stillwater's quite pitiful lack of appealing dining, retail and recreational options for adults and children alike for a town of its size. That and the lack of decent paying jobs to attract families make Stillwater quite an undesirable place for many non-students to consider moving to. One who has kids to raise would rather not do it from the standpoint of a fast food, restaurant, store clerk or housekeeping job. Consequently, a good number of OSU employees live in Edmond and commute to OSU every day. If they got kids, they thank them for it. Perhaps in recent months things have gotten somewhat better. Yet, that AreaVibes would give Edmond a livability score of 78 while giving Stillwater 82 can only be regarded as an all-out total joke to many Oklahomans.

At least OU fans can take pride and joy in that AreaVibes gives Norman a higher score of 83. But it's questionable that AreaVibes is a credible source to help one find where living in a state is good or better in the first place.

Enid also doesn't exactly have an abundance of good dining and retail options, so north Edmond could attract lots of shoppers from there as well. Hopefully, Edmond will be able to manage its abundant growth off I-35 well.

[scottk]

If you look at the Areavibe's scoring of Edmond, it's not that far fetched on the score. Edmond's commuting and amenity scores pulled down the average score.

The biggest complaint on this board about Edmond is the traffic congestion and overall quality of road infrastructure to move in and around the city with it's constant red lights and inefficient traffic patterns. A city of 100,000 with road infrastructure for 25,000.

The other area where Edmond lacks is a diversity of grocery store options and dining options that extend beyond strip mall and quick serve dining. Sure there are a few local eateries, but the majority of Edmond is houses anchored by gas stations and strip malls on every corner.

Screenshot 2024-06-29 at 9.00.28 AM.jpg

https://www.areavibes.com/edmond-ok/...6549+-97.47813

[rte66man]

Edmond already attracts lots and lots of shoppers from Stillwater, due to Stillwater's quite pitiful lack of appealing dining, retail and recreational options for adults and children alike for a town of its size. That and the lack of decent paying jobs to attract families make Stillwater quite an undesirable place for many non-students to consider moving to. One who has kids to raise would rather not do it from the standpoint of a fast food, restaurant, store clerk or housekeeping job. Consequently, a good number of OSU employees live in Edmond and commute to OSU every day. If they got kids, they thank them for it. Perhaps in recent months things have gotten somewhat better. Yet, that AreaVibes would give Edmond a livability score of 78 while giving Stillwater 82 can only be regarded as an all-out total joke to many Oklahomans.

At least OU fans can take pride and joy in that AreaVibes gives Norman a higher score of 83. But it's questionable that AreaVibes is a credible source to help one find where living in a state is good or better in the first place.

Enid also doesn't exactly have an abundance of good dining and retail options, so north Edmond could attract lots of shoppers from there as well. Hopefully, Edmond will be able to manage its abundant growth off I-35 well.

Doesn't OSU run a commuter bus every day from the ODOT lot at 122nd and I-35 to the campus and back? I knew a guy who rode it every day to his admin job at OSU. Saved a ton on fuel.

[OkieBerto]

"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

1712337662530.jpg 1712337665225.jpg 1712337665340.jpg

[jerrywall]

It'll be interesting to see what the 3 bedroom townhomes price at, and how well they do in that area.

[BoulderSooner]

It'll be interesting to see what the 3 bedroom townhomes price at, and how well they do in that area.

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)

[jerrywall]

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).

[BoulderSooner]

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 ..

[Plutonic Panda]

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.

[Elrenogolf]

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

[Plutonic Panda]

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.

[scottk]

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-cont...023-24_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.

[jdross1982]

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-cont...023-24_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.

[Silvershoes]

"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

1712337662530.jpg 1712337665225.jpg 1712337665340.jpg

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

[BoulderSooner]

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

[jdross1982]

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.

[DowntownMan]

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. Attachment 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.

[Elrenogolf]

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/defa...f?v=1723490539

[DowntownMan]

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/defa...f?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.

[Pete]

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




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.

[bison34]

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!