In 2014, we are expecting over $1.4 billion in new construction projects to break ground in Enid. That is equivalent to almost 2 OKC Devon Towers being constructed in our community over the next few years. Here is the latest on these projects:
$1 billion expansion of the Koch Nitrogen Plant
On February 18th, the Garfield County Commissioners passed a resolution creating a Tax Increment Finance Review Committee to work with Koch and create a TIF plan for their project. We expect this process to be completed by early summer and presented to the Commissioners for their consideration. This community partnership is essential to making this project a reality because it will help offset the cost of their water treatment system which will reduce their potable water consumption considerably. This will free up almost 5 million gallons of potable water a day for Enid citizens and other industries in our area. We are expecting construction to begin before the end of the year.
$200 million Northstar AgriIndustries Canola Processing Plant
This project was announced in October of 2012 and most of the past 15 months have included the acquisition of permits and the final preparation of engineering plans. This is not only a new business moving to town, it is a new industry, so the timeline is longer than most other projects. Plus, it is a sizable investment for Northstar. We are still working toward construction starting before the end of the year and a project completion in 2016.
$200 million Breckinridge Wind Farm
This project actually broke ground just outside of the city limits of Enid in November of 2013, but most of the construction will not happen until later this year.
Downtown Hilton Garden Inn
This project was announced in 2013 and is continuing to move according to plan. The Cherokee Strip Conference Center has been razed and the site is being prepared for construction to begin on the hotel soon. This construction will allow the Downtown Renaissance investment by the City of Enid to get closer to completion.
Stonebridge Housing Addition
On February 17, 2014, construction began on Phase 1 of the Stonebridge Edition. This project was approved by the City Commission last year and will include a commercial area at the corner of Cleveland and Chestnut with single family homes and an apartment complex behind it. This investment will help us increase our housing stock in Enid for all of the new people who are moving here.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the new construction projects happening in Enid this year, but it does give you a taste of what is to come. Enid's best days are ahead of her...and those days are right around the corner.
Brent Kisling
Executive Director
