News owners and plans for Crossroads Mall
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Crossroads Mall has new owners and a new future. Right now, it's home to Santa Fe South Charter Schools. Soon, it may serve as a one-stop shop for the community.
The story was originally reported by The Oklahoman.
"This feels like a gift to Oklahoma City that we're so excited to give," said Chris Brewster, the Santa Fe South Charter Schools superintendent.
Santa Fe South sits inside Crossroads Mall, near I-35 and I-240.
The "Crossroads Renewal Project" is a faith-based non-profit led by Brewster.
"The solutions to what our city struggles with can be found in communities of faith, in the belief systems that are held there," said Brewster.
Last month, the group bought the mall for about $9 million with private dollras.
Brewster said their biggest donor, to date, is Hobby Lobby, along with several other foundations such as the Inasmuch Foundation, the Butterfield Foundation, the Charter School Growth Fund, and other individual local philanthropists.
Purchasing the mall took a little longer than expected, because of the legal challenges the previous owner faced.
"It took us 20 amendments to the original purchase agreement," said Brewster.
The goal is simple: expand the schools and fill the rest of the 1.2 million square-foot mall with everything families could need.
"From play spaces for children, child care, health care, grocery stores, workout facilities like the YMCA," said Brewster.
"People will want to live in proximity. There is a need for housing," said Brewster.
So far, Brewster said more than 100 businesses and services are interested.
He said the area is already busy with 2,500 Santa Fe South students, not to mention Dove Science Academy not too far away.
"The foot traffic alone already for parents coming and going and kids coming and going creates some real energy for these services," said Brewster.
The whole project is expected to cost $80-85 million dollars.
"More people are going to know what we know about our community in South OKC, how vibrant and how much potential is there," said Brewster.
Brewster said they are still looking for more partners. If this is something you're interested in, the non-profit wants to hear from you.
They are still in the very early stages of development, but they plan to start with more school spaces and possibly the health care facility.