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Oklahoma's Abandoned Ranch Near OKC Gets a 2025 Overhaul: The Chisholm Creek Project

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 13:40 GMT by The Oklahoman

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Oklahoma’s Abandoned Ranch Near OKC: A 2025 Update on the Chisholm Creek Project

The Oklahoman’s December 12 2025 feature brings the story of a sprawling, long‑abandoned ranch in the outskirts of Oklahoma City into sharp focus, offering a look at the land’s recent history, the environmental hurdles it faces, and the fresh ambitions of the Chisholm Creek development consortium. The piece is a thorough recap of a property that once thrived as a family‑owned working ranch and now stands at a crossroads—between decay, potential environmental remediation, and a bold new vision for the area.

1. The Ranch’s Origins and Decline

At the heart of the article is the ranch’s 3,200‑acre expanse, once a thriving cattle operation managed by the former Oklahoma City real‑estate magnate William “Bill” Harrison. In the 1990s, the Harrison family sold the property to a private investment group that never fully developed the land. Over the following decades, the ranch’s infrastructure fell into disrepair: rusted barns, a cracked water‑tower, and abandoned fencing that stretched across the grasslands. The site was frequently photographed by local hobbyist photographers and eventually gained a reputation as a “ghost ranch” on the Oklahoma prairie.

The article notes that the property was left largely untouched after the original owners’ 2008 sale, and by the early 2010s, the ranch had become a hotspot for off‑road enthusiasts and, unfortunately, a breeding ground for illegal dumping. Local news outlets in 2015 reported multiple complaints from neighboring homeowners about debris, stray dogs, and even an incident involving a runaway livestock vehicle. The ranch’s isolation meant that the Oklahoma City County Planning Department was slow to step in, and the site remained legally in limbo until a new interest emerged in 2022.

2. Legal and Environmental Background

A key component of the Oklahoman piece is a detailed look at the legal entanglements that have surrounded the property. The ranch’s deed was originally filed with the Oklahoma County Register of Deeds, but the land’s status shifted in 2019 when the Oklahoma Land Commission placed a conditional lien on the property. This lien was triggered by the discovery of soil contamination—specifically, elevated levels of nitrates and possible traces of an old pesticide that had been used during the ranch’s peak years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s regional office issued a Notice of Violation in late 2020, citing the site as a potential hazardous waste area that required remediation before any redevelopment could occur.

The article cites a 2021 court decision that mandated the land’s owner (then the private investment group) to conduct a Phase‑I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and, if needed, a Phase‑II study. These studies found “significant contamination in the western quadrant of the property, particularly near the abandoned water tower and former feedlot area.” The findings required the owner to submit a remediation plan to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), a process that has been stalled by funding issues and a lack of clear ownership after the group’s dissolution in early 2023.

3. The Chisholm Creek Development Group

The centerpiece of the article is the recent announcement from the Chisholm Creek Development Group (CCDG), a regional real‑estate firm known for mixed‑use projects that combine residential, commercial, and green‑space elements. In a December 6 press release (linked in the article), CCDG said it had submitted an updated proposal to the Oklahoma City Planning Board, aiming to purchase the abandoned ranch and transform it into a “smart‑city” precinct.

Key points of the proposal:

• Mixed‑Use Subdivision: 500 residential units, ranging from affordable townhouses to luxury lofts, alongside 200,000 square feet of retail and office space.
• Green Infrastructure: A 300‑acre preserve that would preserve native grasslands and wetlands, with walking trails, a community garden, and a small nature center.
• Transportation Links: An extension of the existing Oklahoma City light‑rail line to service the new development, along with dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian bridges.
• Renewable Energy: On‑site solar arrays covering 60% of the development’s electricity needs, supplemented by a small wind turbine installation on the northern ridge.

The article highlights that CCDG’s proposal is “a significant departure from previous plans that leaned heavily toward purely commercial or residential development.” The inclusion of a substantial green space is credited to pressure from local environmental groups such as the Oklahoma City Conservation Alliance and the Red River Riverside Community Group.

4. Community Response and Local Government Reactions

Following CCDG’s proposal, the article details an extensive community engagement process. In early 2025, the Oklahoma City Planning Board scheduled a town‑hall meeting on January 15. The article quotes several residents—most of whom live in neighboring ranching families—expressing both optimism (“It could bring jobs and new services”) and concern (“We’ve seen development come and go; will this be the same?”). Local officials from the Oklahoma County Planning and Zoning Department highlighted the need to ensure that the project aligns with the county’s long‑term growth strategy, especially regarding flood‑control infrastructure.

The Oklahoman piece also reports that the Oklahoma State Department of Transportation (ODOT) is reviewing the traffic impact study submitted by CCDG. ODOT’s assessment, according to the article, estimates a 30% increase in vehicle traffic on State Route 74 during peak hours, a figure that has spurred debate over whether the existing road network can accommodate such growth.

5. Environmental Remediation Path Forward

A critical section of the article is devoted to the environmental remediation plan that CCDG has pledged to adopt. The plan includes:

1. Phase‑I ESA Completion: Immediate hiring of EcoRemedy Solutions to conduct a Phase‑II assessment.
2. Soil & Water Testing: Regular sampling of 50 random points across the ranch to monitor nitrate levels and potential contamination.
3. Bioremediation Techniques: Use of mycorrhizal fungi and native plant species to naturally degrade residual pesticides.
4. Community Oversight Board: Formation of a citizen‑led committee to review progress quarterly.

The article quotes ODEQ spokesperson Lisa Navarro saying, “If CCDG can demonstrate a comprehensive, science‑based remediation strategy, we will work closely with them to expedite the necessary permits.” Navarro also notes that the county has a $2.5 million grant program earmarked for green‑field development that could cover part of the remediation costs.

6. Financial Snapshot

While the Oklahoman article does not disclose CCDG’s full bid, it does mention that the purchase price for the ranch is expected to be in the $45–$55 million range, factoring in the environmental remediation costs and the land’s 3,200 acres of usable space. The piece notes that the developer intends to seek a mix of private equity, municipal bonds, and state redevelopment grants to finance the project. A sidebar in the article points readers to an Oklahoman‑exclusive interview with CCDG’s CEO, María Lopez, who discussed the firm’s commitment to sustainable development and the challenges of securing financing for projects with significant environmental remediation needs.

7. Timeline and Next Steps

The article concludes with a tentative timeline:

• April 2025: Finalize purchase agreement with the landowner (pending court approval of the conditional lien).
• June 2025: Submit the revised development plan to the Oklahoma City Planning Board.
• July 2025: Planning Board review and public comment period.
• November 2025: Board approval (subject to meeting community and environmental standards).
• Spring 2026: Begin Phase‑II environmental remediation; commence construction of green infrastructure and mixed‑use buildings.
• 2029: Project completion and phased opening of residential units and commercial spaces.

The article notes that the timeline is optimistic, hinging on the swift resolution of the environmental assessments and community feedback.

8. Broader Implications

In its final section, the Oklahoman ties the ranch’s story to broader trends in Oklahoma’s real‑estate market. It underscores how abandoned agricultural lands are becoming increasingly valuable as urban sprawl encroaches, yet the transformation of such properties is fraught with environmental, legal, and social challenges. The Chisholm Creek proposal is positioned as a potential model—one that balances development with ecological stewardship.

The article invites readers to continue following the story on the Oklahoman’s website, where a dedicated section on the Chisholm Creek development includes a calendar of public meetings, a downloadable development plan, and a forum for community comments. It also provides links to the Oklahoma City Planning Department’s Zoning Code, the ODEQ’s Hazardous Waste Guidance, and a PDF of the latest Phase‑I ESA conducted by EcoRemedy Solutions.

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