By now, all of Tulsa knows about the Trader Joe’s being built in Brookside.
But what’s that second building being constructed right next to it?
Although the exterior of the Trader Joe’s building at the southeast corner of 37th Street and Peoria Avenue has been finished for weeks, the separate structure immediately to the south is a little further behind, with walls that are still being erected.
Both Trader Joe’s and the other building are being constructed by Oakridge Builders on behalf of Hawkins Cos. LLC of Boise, Idaho. The two buildings are owned by Venture Properties, the Tulsa-based company confirmed in March.
Oakridge officials referred inquires on the properties to Hawkins Cos., which did not respond to requests for comment. Representatives for Venture Properties were also unavailable for comment.
Building permits filed with the city of Tulsa indicate the second building will have 7,023 square feet divided into four roughly equal units. Of those, the northernmost and southernmost units are slated to house restaurants, while the middle two are for retail.
No specific users were identified for any of the spaces.
While many have speculated that Trader Joe’s would have a separate space for a liquor store to comply with Oklahoma alcohol laws, Alison Mochizuki, spokeswoman for the Monrovia, California-based company, told the Tulsa World recently that would not be the case.
But those who work near the buildings, including Greg Welborn, owner of Best Electric and Hardware, say there’s been plenty of interest in the four spaces.
“I’ve heard there are three or four companies interested in getting a spot there, though there’s nothing concrete,” he said.
Of the rumors of potential tenants, Welborn said he’s heard of talk about a burger chain and an upscale women’s clothing store.
Venture Properties is also handling leasing duties for the building.
Trader Joe’s will open its 9,500-square-foot Tulsa location sometime in 2016, Mochizuki said.
Robert Evatt 918-581-8447
robert.evatt@tulsaworld.com
