"Bixby Building Boom"

[MichaelC]

From KOTV

quote:Big things are happening in Bixby. Work is underway on a $60 million development that will bring restaurants, shopping, entertainment and more to the city. News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports it's all topped off with a first rate events center.

Over the last year a lot has changed around Bixby. What once was an empty pasture near 104th and Memorial is now a hot spot for growth. Bixby Mayor Ray Bowen says it's exciting watching the progress.

"We're just really looking forward to the things it is going to bring to our city," he said.

Regal Plaza is a $60 million project that will have 161 businesses, including restaurants, retail space and a new Hampton Inn Hotel. But the most impressive and eye catching part of the project is the new Spirit Bank Events Center.

"Once you saw the steel go up and the hotel behind you, you just can't help but get more and more excited as it takes shape," said Bixby Economic Development Director Trish Richey.

The events center will be a 165,000 square foot facility with seating for more than 4,000 people. The center will host events like concerts, trade shows and sporting events. It will also be home to additional shops and restaurants.

"What's exciting is that there will be office space on the third level and that office space can turn around and view the events taking place in the center, so that's a real plus, and a nice touch," Richey said.

City leaders say the development will bring in extra tax revenue leading to improved services. The entire project should be finished in the Summer of 2008. Even though that's more than a year away, the developer has already received commitments from businesses to lease 55% of the available space.