11/27/2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jessica Zwirtz 918-485-2554
The Junction
Wagoner, OK – The City of Wagoner is elated to announce a collaborative effort with the John and Barbie Chandler Family, Wagoner Economic Development Authority, and the Wagoner County Economic Development Authority on a special project. This project, called “The Junction”, features a significant makeover of the Burned-out-Building area on South Main in Downtown Wagoner. In 2017, a fire ripped through this area, leaving business owners displaced and leaving the community unsure of the location's fate. Thanks to this collaborative effort, this project could be the spark that leads to the greater development of our downtown. Whether you're a foodie, a craft beer connoisseur, a music enthusiast, a Wagoner native, or a tourist, "The Junction" will create an atmosphere for all. “The Junction” will feature a stage, sound system, pop-up shops for small business start-ups, landscaping, and will serve as an entertainment venue for our community.
The Junction will fill the empty slate called the "Burned-out-Buildings" or the "BOBS" as hub for entertainment and community events. Entertainment could include live bands, standup comedy, poetry, arts, dance, and more. This space will feature landscaping, bricks, astroturf, and murals, which will tie into the Streetscape Phase II Project. Streetscape Phase II will give South Main new sidewalks and landscaping that match Phase I on Cherokee Street. This project will be aesthetically appealing, create a ripple effect, and leave a lifetime of impact on the City of Wagoner, downtown, and the community. Additionally, sales tax revenue is estimated to be increased significantly thanks to the many events that will be held in this area. These events will draw lifelong citizens and visitors to our downtown to shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment. The Junction will also be the birthplace of many small businesses. Pop-up shops will allow small businesses to test their business's and products' sustainability in this market without the significant overhead of opening a brick-and-mortar store. Pop-up shops are expected to be home to crafters, retail, handmade goods, food trucks, and more. The cost of the project is estimated to be around $900,000. The Junction will be funded thanks to the following collaborative efforts: The John and Barbie Chandler Family: $300,000; City of Wagoner and Economic Development Authority: $300,000; and Wagoner County Economic Development Authority: $300,000.
The Wagoner County Economic Development Authority's mission is to develop, promote, and advance economic growth, well-being, and prosperous communities in Wagoner County. The board members of WCEDA include County Commissioner Chris Edwards, Board Chair Chris Leffingwell, Steve Nicholas, Orlin Emmons, Brian Kuester, and Norman Stephens, and served by County Clerk Lori Hendricks. Wagoner County Commissioner and WCEDA member Chris Edwards, said, "Our entire board believes that strong communities are the lifeblood of Wagoner County. This project has the potential to alter our county seat, drive business to Wagoner, revitalize downtown, and further showcase that together we are growing good to great."
The City of Wagoner Economic Development Authority owns the property where “The Junction” will be located. Chair Tony Lowe said, "The Junction will create an ever-lasting impact on our downtown area and the community of Wagoner. The Junction will still be there when we are gone." The entire WEDA board looks forward to seeing this project through to completion. The WEDA board members include Chairman Tony Lowe, Treasurer Tim Hoffman, and board members Phillip Sullivan and Bart Bogle. The WEDA board, Wagoner Mayor Dalton Self and City staff assisted in bringing this project to life. City staff include Dwayne Elam, City Administrator, and Jessica Zwirtz, Developmental Services Director. Request for bids are expected to be released by the end of 2024.
The Junction
