Construction start is delayed on Francis Tuttle training center in Edmond

Francis Tuttle Technology Center officials said new plans have been turned over to the city to obtain a permit to build the center on the northeast corner of Covell Road and Interstate 35.

Bruce Campbell, associate superintendent, said the building will cost between $8.5 million and $9 million.

Plans are to start classes in the new center in August 2013.

The center, which may be called the Francis Tuttle Business Innovation Center, is part of a 300-acre development expected to be built on three corners of the intersection in far north Edmond. A conference center, full-service hotel and indoor sports complex are expected to be built as part of the public-private project.

City officials this week closed the deal to buy 7.1 acres of land where the hotel and conference center will be built. The cost was $2.2 million.

Peggy Geib, Francis Tuttle assistant superintendent, said the new center will include a business incubator, a program that will offer support for successful development of entrepreneurial companies through a number of resources and services.

People will be able to operate their startup businesses out of the 11,000-square-foot space designated for the business incubator. There will be space for networking, offices and shop areas.

“This is pretty exciting,” Geib said this week during the Edmond Economic Development Authority 4o'clock 4cast. “This is new to Edmond. This is new to Francis Tuttle. This is really cool.”