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TULSA, OK-In a $17.5-million direct deal, an Indianapolis-based retail developer has made its first buy in the city, getting the 126,316-sf Midtown Village from Worth Williams Properties of Dallas. The plan is to expand the shopping center to 244,000 sf, including pad sites.

Sandor Development Co. acquired the 66%-leased center, situated on 23 acres at 5200 E. Skelly Dr., for its potential, according to Joshua Simon, senior development associate in the firm's Scottsdale, AZ office. "There have been some leasing issues presented because of the construction project along I-44, but we thought it would be a unique opportunity to jump into the Tulsa market," he tells GlobeSt.com. "This is a rare opportunity to buy an infill site with so much potential." The asset neighbors Riverview Mall.

The center's tenants are Best Buy and Bed Bath & Beyond. Simon tells GlobeSt.com that Sandor's team is working on additional leases for junior anchors and other retailers in the soft goods and restaurant lines. He expects to get several contracts signed within 60 to 90 days.