Edmond council to consider rezoning of Covell project
EDMOND — The Legacy at Covell is shaping up to be one of the largest tracts of development the city has ever seen, with upscale residential living, retail and good times for the family.
“We are trying to enhance the experience, so that it is not just a shopping experience,” said Kip Ryan, development project manager for Raptor Properties.
With more than 130 acres to possibly build on at Covell Road and Interstate 35, developers are hoping to put apartments or other forms of residential structures on 47.7 acres, which would mostly be located on top of retail.
“It’s a multigenerational family project,” said Todd McKinnis, the attorney representing the developers.
“We see it as creating a legacy for future generations and further deepening our partnership with the City of Edmond,” he said.
The first section of retail and residential will be built between the ShowBiz Cinema and the hotel, with walking spaces and a courtyard area.
“The northwest corner (of Covell and I-35) is kind of the jewel of the area,” Ryan said.
Many of the merchants planned are national retailers that are waiting on several components to fall into place, said John Wooley II, with Raptor Properties.
“Nationally speaking, that is a very hot component that ties in well with the residential component of the mixed-use development,” Wooley said. “We want to bring the best to Edmond that we can.”
With little traffic outside of the weekend, McKinnis said the area is great on the weekends, but having the residential component would help during the weekdays.
“Retailers tell us that I-35 makes them happy Friday through Sunday, but Monday through Thursday they need people who are living out there and who are close by,” he said.
Developers on the project have proposed less signage than what is allowed but are hoping to have them condensed into two signs along I-35. The sign along Sooner has been reduced to 40 feet tall.
The two signs along I-35 would be 60 feet tall with 200 square feet on each sign face, which is 50 square feet larger than city code allows.
“We have been encouraged by the city to do these master sign and landscape plans,” McKinnis said.
He is hoping the plan is approved, alleviating the need for signs to be dotted along the highway. He can build up to 24 signs under the current zoning.
A final site plan would be required for the area once plans begin to develop and developers wish to pursue construction. Raptor Properties is the developer on the project.
“We are trying to be diligent on our design plans,” McKinnis said.
Now, the only business to be completed on the property is the Hilton Garden Inn and Edmond Conference Center.
Rezoning of the property to a specific planned unit development will come before the Edmond City Council at 5:30 p.m. Monday.
The Edmond Planning Commission voted 3-2 in opposition of the planned unit development on March 20.
Tuesday night, ShowBiz Cinemas received its site plan approval from the planning commission, which allows for construction to begin.
The project is expected to be finished by the end of November.