Reports: Outlet Mall Heads To Jenks Instead Of Turkey Mountain

The struggle to keep an outlet mall off of Tulsa's Turkey Mountain took an interesting turn Thursday.

Jenks announced Simon is looking at land along the river, but the City of Tulsa said it's still negotiating with the company.

Simon Premium Outlets has created a brochure showing plans to build the new mall on 53 acres of property just off the Arkansas River and the Creek Turnpike.

Simon faced a lot of opposition from hikers, cyclists and nature lovers after it first proposed the mall be built near Turkey Mountain.

Those opposed to it even started online petitions, Facebook pages and protests, but people in Jenks seemed to support the move.

"I mean I was one of the ones that wanted it regardless because I think, like I said, construction is good for Tulsa and business is good for Tulsa, but I'm happier now that it's going to be in Jenks because we do use Turkey mountain a lot and we want to preserve that area as much as possible," Jenks resident Erin Grimes said.

Hiker Kimberlee Nies said, "I think it's a little more practical in Jenks."

But late Thursday afternoon, the City of Tulsa said they are still negotiating with Simon.

Tulsa would lose tax revenue if the 325,000-square foot outlet mall ends up in Jenks, but those who enjoy Turkey Mountain said it's not always about making money.

Jenks issued a news release Thursday about plans for the mall, but later canceled a news conference.

We don't know yet when they're going to talk about it.

Simon said construction could start as early as September and wrap up by spring of 2017.