What appears to be just a vacant lot tangled with vegetation and soil is soon to be turned into a sprawling $98 million retail hub in one of America’s rapidly expanding cities.

Hackberry Market, a 211,000-square-foot shopping complex, is poised to welcome big retailers such as Home Depot, Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx, and Burlington to this thriving urban area.

The sprawling retail center is expected to generate more than $100million in annual sales.

“The development team, along with their retail and restaurant partners, is making a $98 million investment to build this retail and service industry space,” stated a press release.

This includes more than 200,000 square feet of main retail structures and five additional plots for further retail and dining spaces, with the project expected to generate over $100 million annually in sales.

City officials in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma confirmed the project will sit on more than 30 acres of land.

Mayor Debra Wimpee called the move a major win for the city.  

‘A development like Hackberry Market is a big WIN for everyone in the City of Broken Arrow,’ said Mayor Wimpee.

‘Not only will it meet our residents’ demand for additional retail and dining options, but the tax revenue helps fund our police, fire, streets, and all of the infrastructure that makes Broken Arrow the BEST place to live in Oklahoma and the 12th Best Place to live in the entire country!’

‘It doesn’t happen without amazing developers like Hackberry Market, LLC, who have incredible vision for growth.’

But the city won’t immediately see a flood of revenue due to a 25-year tax increment financing (TIF) district agreement in place to help fund the infrastructure needed to support the development.

The TIF district is projected to rake in $120.5million in sales and use tax revenue over its lifespan.

Property taxes, which support public schools and local services, will be unaffected.

The project is a public-private partnership between the Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority, Hackberry Market LLC and Lockwood Development.

Officials say the project could create hundreds of new jobs and serve as a catalyst for even more commercial growth on the south side of the city.

Construction is set to begin soon with a grand opening expected by late 2026 or early 2027, according to city spokesman Aaron McColloch.

A ‘groundbreaking ceremony’ took place on Thursday that celebrated the start of construction at Hackberry Market.

City manager Michael Spurgeon said: ‘First off, I want to personally thank Hackberry, LLC., Sooner Investment Development Company, and Lockwood Development for investing in our city and providing our citizens with job opportunities as well as additional retail, dining, and entertainment options that will improve life right here at home,’ said Spurgeon.

‘Secondly, the City Council should be commended for their vision and willingness to establish TIF District No. 6 to assist Hackberry LLC, with the infrastructure improvements necessary to build a project of this magnitude.’

Broken Arrow has seen explosive population growth over the past two decades. 

it is the state’s fourth largest city and last year the population grew 3,022 people to 122,756 – a 2.5 percent rise.

The city has become a magnet for developers looking to tap into its booming economy.

Another major shopping center is also in the works for the area. 

Adams Creek Town Center, a $35 million, 22-acre shopping hub on the city’s north side, will bring major national retailers like Burlington, Five Below, Books-A-Million, and Pet Supplies Plus to the fast-growing Tulsa suburb.

Construction on Adams Creek Town Center is expected to be completed by the end of the year with stores expected to move in and open next year.