Markets at Choctaw progress continues
The new Taco Bell building nears completion just west of Mazzio’s on NE 23rd Street. (Photo by Ryan Horton)
By Ryan Horton
Managing Editor
While most of the current work on the Markets at Choctaw development is still happening behind the scenes, progress is becoming clear as a new fast food restaurant structure is nearly complete and work on another commercial building recently began.
Construction of the Taco Bell building is on schedule to be complete mid-August, and walls are going up now for a commercial suite building.
The Taco Bell building is clearly visible from NE 23rd Street, just west of Mazzio’s.
“Everything is on schedule for the exterior of their building to be ready mid-August,” said Choctaw City Planner Chad Denson.
A multi-suite commercial building is now being constructed southeast of Walmart, and each of those suites are expected to be complete before December.
The suites are expected to include office space, a Great Clips hair salon, a Sprint Store and a high-end Japanese steak house.
“Good stuff is coming,” said mayor Randy Ross. “Additional restaurants and commercial business will be coming soon that will allow people to do some shopping they’ve never had the opportunity to do in Choctaw. Hopefully, we’ll save some people some driving time for what they want.”
City officials purchased the land, located along NE 23rd Street between Mazzio’s and Braum’s, in May of 2006 for $3.1 million. Since purchasing the land city officials have been working on improving infrastructure and bringing businesses to the 38-acre site.
The Markets at Choctaw idea was conceived as a way to enhance the city’s main business district, increase sales tax revenue, attract major investment to the area and expand the city’s employment base.
