Discussions To Develop Land Near Riverside Continue

A Dallas shopping mall developer is in contract negotiations with the City of Tulsa for a dozen acres of land at the corner of 71st and Riverside.

Tulsan Graham Brannin said he is sure that everything dealing with the property has been done legally, but still has some concerns.

“It seems like the public hasn’t been well informed on this. It just seems to be moving at a rapid pace,” he said.

Wednesday, Brannin spoke to the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority about his concerns. It owns the land and would be the group to sell it to developer Don Bouvier out of Dallas.

“The development is planned to be a means to activate the park and a destination to the trail system and we have gone to great lengths to integrate our buildings,” he said.

3/31/2015 Related Story: Developers Interested In Riverside Property Must Meet Certain Specifics

One of the biggest rumors regarding the development is that an REI store will be built, but the latest renderings released don’t confirm the rumor.

The TPFA tabled the vote on a contract agreement with Bouvier on Wednesday but plan to make a decision at the next meeting in August.

"It’s really going through a couple of minor things but things this board wants to make sure they have answers to so they're fully prepared to respond and make best decision they can," said Clay Bird with the City of Tulsa.

The developer also said the running and bike trail along the river through the land would never be closed or touched.