SerpApi.Org
A building that has sat vacant for about four years in Broken Arrow's Rose District is getting a new life.
City Manager Michael Spurgeon said a new neighborhood grocery and deli, called District Mercantile, is expected to open this fall near the corner of Dallas Street and Main Street, about two blocks south of Broadway and one block north of the Rose District Plaza.
The market will move into a building that has been boarded up for the past several years.
Local entrepreneur bringing market downtown
The business is being launched by the owner of Wanderlust Coffee, formerly known as Rise and Grind. Spurgeon said the owner first started the coffee business at the Rose District Farmers Market more than a decade ago before opening a brick-and-mortar location.
District Mercantile will offer grocery staples, deli items and grab-and-go meals.
Spurgeon said the market is something downtown Broken Arrow has needed for years.
"It'll be a small little grocery store and deli where folks can go in and pick up milk and bread and other essentials that they need for every day," Spurgeon said. "If you need a sandwich or something to drink, you can pick it up from the District Mercantile."
City investing in downtown redevelopment
The city is also investing in the project through an economic development agreement.
Spurgeon said Broken Arrow will reimburse up to approximately $80,000 for permanent building improvements, including electrical, plumbing, foundation and utility work.
He said the investment reflects the city's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and keeping downtown storefronts occupied.
"We work very hard to make sure if there's an open space in our downtown, we look to fill it," Spurgeon said. "This is how strongly we feel about trying to help entrepreneurs who want to make that investment in our community."
Opening expected this fall
Spurgeon said the owner hopes to open as soon as possible, with the market currently expected to welcome customers sometime this fall.
The project comes as Broken Arrow continues investing in the Rose District, including planned improvements and the expansion of the Rose District Farmers Market.
"We love to see somebody from the Rose District continuing to invest in it," Spurgeon said.
