Norman, Okla. — Rainier Development Co. has executed a master development agreement with the University of Oklahoma Foundation for the planned Rock Creek Entertainment District, a $1.1 billion project in Norman. Rainier will lead planning, design, coordination and development of the 269-acre district in collaboration with Cleveland County, the City of Norman, the University of Oklahoma, community stakeholders and other development partners.
Rock Creek Entertainment District is envisioned as a year-round destination that will include an 8,000-seat performance venue designed to host concerts, conventions and community events, as well as University of Oklahoma men’s and women’s basketball games and women’s gymnastics events.
Plans for Phase I of Rock Creek include the performance venue; a central outdoor plaza; approximately 140,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment experiences; roughly 250 multifamily units; and a structured parking garage with 1,200 spaces. Phased openings of the venue, restaurants and retail are expected to begin in 2028.
Phase II will include approximately 180,000 square feet of office space and a 150-room hotel. Phase III calls for 500 additional multifamily units, as well as townhomes and single-family residences. Future phases are anticipated to include additional expansion, subject to market conditions and planning.
The project, located near I-35 and Rock Creek Road, is expected to generate more than 3,000 construction and permanent jobs in hospitality, retail and operations over the life of the development.
“Rock Creek Entertainment District is a generational opportunity to help shape a destination that brings people together, supports economic viability and reflects the spirt and momentum of this growing community,” says Danny Lovell, CEO of Rainier Cos.
Infrastructure work is anticipated to begin this quarter. Phasing will proceed in coordination with public partners and is subject to required approvals. Norman City Council approved the development in 2024.
Rainier Development Co. is a mixed-use developer headquartered in Dallas. As part of The Rainier Cos., Rainier Development specializes in creating retail, residential and entertainment-driven districts. In fall 2025, the firm unveiled plans for Riverline, a $400 million mixed-use project in Tulsa.
— Kristin Harlow