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Wagoner County receives quarterly economic development update; DAB renovation and retail strategy highlighted
Summary
Economic development staff presented Q3 materials including progress on the Downtown Arts Building (DAB) renovation, a $5,000 marketing grant, ongoing sale of a 141-acre authority property, and a retail-recruitment analysis for the 71st Street/Kenosha corridor.
Wagoner County commissioners heard a quarterly economic development update Oct. 27 that reviewed downtown renovation work, authority assets and a retail-recruitment study. Darla, an economic development staff member, said the county received a $5,000 marketing grant and that the department’s required match was already budgeted. "I did receive a $5,000 grant just to do marketing," Darla said during the presentation.
The report noted the Downtown Arts Building (DAB) renovation is under contract with Magnum Construction and King Architecture and that some finish details (colors and final selections) remain to be decided by a pick committee that includes Commissioner Stamps, Laurie Hendricks and Wade. Darla said pay applications and monthly walk-throughs will be shared with the committee and the board as the project proceeds; the board agreed to receive monthly progress updates.
The Wagoner County Economic Development Authority still holds 141 acres listed for sale; the authority entertained several offers during the past year that were withdrawn, and staff said they are working with one confidential prospective buyer. Committed authority funds listed in the packet included $350,000 for the DAB renovation and $400,000 for Wagner Downtown Development; Darla said some items will be reimbursed from pending grant awards (Department of Commerce and USDA).
The board also reviewed a retail strategies report that examines the 71st Street (Kenosha) corridor and two retail "hot points" at the Wagner and Kuyata corridors; the consultant used local visit metrics (e.g., McDonald’s and Walmart locations) to compare retail activity and identify recruitment opportunities. Commissioners asked clarifying questions and then voted to receive the report.
No formal policy changes or budget appropriations were adopted as part of the presentation; commissioners directed staff to continue sharing monthly construction progress and to include a summarized quarterly update for the board.
