By RHETT MORGAN World Staff Writer
9/21/2005

RICKEY HAYES, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Rickey Hayes, Owasso's director of economic development, stands near the Smith Farm Marketplace, where such stores as Target, Hobby Lobby, Old Navy and Belk are springing up as Owasso continues its explosive growth.

OWASSO Two hospitals are going up. Rooftops are on the rise. A $55 million retail development is set to open in October, eventually creating about 1,100 jobs.

Formerly known as a bedroom community of Tulsa, Owasso is waking up to economic growth that is unprecedented.

Its never been better, City Manager Rodney Ray said of the citys ability to provide and expand services. A brand-name paradise awaits consumers along U.S. 169 just south and west of 96th Street North.

With the bulk of openings set for next month, the Smith Farm Marketplace will offer shopping choices such as Target, Hobby Lobby, Old Navy and Belk, a North Carolina chain thats establishing its first department store in Oklahoma. New eateries will include Applebees, Wild Noodles, Montereys Tex Mex Cafe and Red Robin.

The retailers are expected to generate about $3 million annually in sales-tax revenue, adding to a local economy that already receives $1 million monthly in sales taxes. Research indicates that 68 percent of Owassos sales-tax base comes from nonresidents, a number that is likely to grow, Ray said. I think you are going to see a whole new group of people from Claremore and Collinsville and Oologah and Nowata and Skiatook come here to shop, he said. Another retail development, Tyann Plaza, is being built across U.S. 169 from the Smith Farm Marketplace.

Two new hospitals are set to open next summer: the Owasso Hospital, near 129th East Avenue and 96th Street North, and the Bailey Medical Center, 1010 E. 106th St. North. And with 368 housing starts through August, the city is on pace to break its record of 528 set last year.

But with the sprawl comes consequences, such as more traffic and burgeoning school enrollment, factors that can decrease the quality of life. Struggling to keep up with Owassos population of about 22,000, the school system is running out of space. Were always going to be geographically separated from the city of Tulsa, said Rickey Hayes, Owassos director of economic development. But we want to make sure Owasso is a premier suburb for all types of services.