July 11—SAND SPRINGS—A hotel is next in the anticipated lineup of new pieces in the city-owned RiverWest development this year.
The City Council approved a conceptual site plan that situates a four-story hotel on Morrow Road between Elm Avenue and Wilson Avenue (Oklahoma 97).
Councilors also approved a $365,904 sale and purchase agreement with Tulsa-based Anish Hotel Group to build 80 to 90 hotel rooms on 1.4 acres.
Andy Patel, president of Anish Hotel Group, is behind the ultra-contemporary Aloft Hotel at U.S. 169 near 71st Street in Tulsa and the new Comfort Inn & Suites in Glenpool, as well as several other area hotels.
The hotelier has not announced the brand that will be built in Sand Springs, but its portfolio includes Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Hampton Inn & Suites, and La Quinta Inn & Suites.
RiverWest is a public-private partnership between the city of Sand Springs and Tapp Development. James Tapp of Tapp Development said his firm and the city will have approval rights on the brand chosen by Anish Hotel Group.
“We expect them to go through their due diligence pretty quick and start a contract within 45 to 60 days of closing the transaction,” Tapp said.
The 30-acre RiverWest development is part of the Keystone Corridor, which has long been pegged for redevelopment as part of Tulsa County’s Vision 2025 initiative.
A CVS Pharmacy opened in the corridor last month. It was preceded by an IHOP restaurant and an O’Reilly Auto Parts store last year.
Tapp said developers are excited about the progress so far and that he anticipates more announcements this year.
The site plan shows five pads for potential restaurants along the Sand Springs Expressway and another area along Main Street for more dining and shopping opportunities.
Tapp said he is pleased about the approval for a traffic signal at Oklahoma 97 and the newly named Alexander Boulevard, which links to the Walmart store entrance.
He said Alexander Boulevard, which dissects the 30-acre RiverWest site, will help set it up for redevelopment.
“We expect to see good things in the future,” Tapp said.
The development will also include two ponds that will function both for stormwater retention and aesthetics.
The new hotel will be the fourth in Sand Springs, and City Manager Rocky Rogers said he expects announcements on new restaurants later this year.
Anish Hotel Group is required to start the development within 30 days of the platting’s completion, Rogers said.
Susan Hylton 918-581-8381
susan.hylton@tulsaworld.com