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Oklahoma City says talks are ongoing with developer Scot Matteson over the sprawling Boardwalk at Bricktown project, even after the proposal missed a contractual deadline to begin construction. The fate of a proposed $2.5 billion mixed‑use complex — including what would be the tallest apartment tower in the U.S. — remains unresolved as city officials continue to review financing and land issues in July 2026.
City economic development leaders describe the situation as active negotiation rather than abandonment, but they also acknowledge considerable uncertainty about when, or if, work will start. The project has drawn national attention because of its scale and the public incentives attached to it.
What city officials say right now
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Representatives from the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City and the city’s economic development programs office report continuing contact with Matteson’s team. They say discussions focus on financing, title and easement questions tied to property controlled by the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority.
Officials reviewed the existing contract and concluded the developer met the standard for making a “reasonable effort” to begin construction by the Dec. 15, 2025 deadline — a determination that preserves the developer’s standing under the current agreement for the time being.
Project snapshot
- Developer: Scot Matteson (California-based)
- Name: Boardwalk at Bricktown
- Scale: Proposed $2.5 billion mixed‑use development — hotels, luxury apartments and retail
- Claimed centerpiece: A proposed apartment tower roughly 1,907 feet tall, which would be the tallest residential tower in the U.S.
- Public support: City council approved $200 million in tax increment financing (TIF), performance‑based
- Current status: Developer missed the 2025 construction start date; negotiations and financing discussions continue as of July 2026
Matteson has not responded to requests for comment from local reporters. His public materials indicate he still plans the tower and appears to be promoting a related concept called “Legends Smart City,” which is linked on his website and shown in renderings.
Why this matters to Oklahoma City
Beyond skyline headlines, the project carries concrete stakes for taxpayers, downtown real estate and future investment. The approved tax increment financing (TIF) is structured so incentives are earned only if the developer meets performance benchmarks — a design intended to limit immediate risk to public coffers but still tying possible future payments to an uncertain timeline.
Local officials emphasize they will continue to assist with permitting and legal questions while monitoring progress. At the same time, prolonged delays could affect nearby property plans, job creation estimates and the city’s broader economic-development calendar.
Key implications
Three immediate consequences to watch:
- Timing and availability of private financing — a persistent hurdle the developer has cited.
- Whether city incentives remain conditional or are renegotiated if the project changes scale or timing.
- Potential changes to the development footprint if market conditions push Matteson to alter the plan.
City leaders say they are limited to monitoring and offering technical assistance while the developer works through land and financing details. That hands‑off stance means public officials are positioning themselves to respond rather than lead construction efforts.
Next steps and outlook
For now, the public record shows no new construction timeline. The city will continue discussions with Matteson’s team and review any updated financing or land‑use proposals as they arrive.
If Matteson expands the investment he has signaled, local officials say they would evaluate revised terms and the performance commitments tied to the approved incentives. Absent clear funding or a firm start date, however, the project’s most ambitious elements — including the proposed 1,907‑foot tower — remain proposals rather than commitments.
Oklahoma City residents and downtown stakeholders should expect periodic updates from city economic development staff as negotiations progress and as any formal changes to the plan are filed with municipal authorities.
