When I
first laid eyes on Grand Lake in 1970, there were several marina-oriented visionaries
who had guided our lake’s waterfront development, and none loomed larger than
Carlos Langston. Langston was the founder of Port Carlos Marina, now known as
Scissortail Marina, and set the bar high when it came to boat sales, services
and associated charges. Some marina operators, including Joe Harwood and others,
credit Langston with pioneering rates that would generate revenues to support a
living wage in a seasonal environment.
In the forty-plus
years I’ve lived full-time on the pond, I’ve had the privilege of working with
some of Grand Lake’s most impactful visionaries, including Joe Harwood, Terry
Frost, Ugly John Mullen, Pete & Jim Howser, Art & June Box, Brent
Howard, Larry Reasor, Jim Ratcliff, Dave Wall, Ed Townsend, Jerry Hopper, Pack
St. Clair, Eddy Gibbs, John Williams, Russell Vanover and the list goes on. If you do not
recognize all these names that’s fine cause we are here to talk about South
Grand Lake’s newest visionaries, Larry and Tracy Covert.I have to admit that from time-to-time some of the previously mentioned visionaries would confide in the old newspaper guy what they were up to next, and I have to confess being shocked from time to time, but these Covert people just started building and let the speculation develop a life of its own. But soon the word was out that Grand Towne Center & Storage, located at the corner of Hwy. 82 & 440 Road, might just be something special with more to come.
But we’re getting ahead of the story; just how did a couple with established business roots in Catoosa, Oklahoma, feel the gravity of nearby Grand Lake…. It’s the water stupid!
It all started with the purchase of a twenty-one foot Rinker and later upping their boat game to a Monterey Cruiser and weekend and holiday stays at Pine Lodge on Duck Creek. Soon their eyes turned more to the east and Grand Lake as opposed to their Catoosa business interests. Their construction company, founded along with Larry’s Dad in 1989, was still their main focus along with a newly constructed storage facility and they were still investors in a Catoosa Restaurant. Their son Chris was also actively involved in the family business The sale of their storage facility in 2022 soon simplified their operation and allowed for more Grand Lake time and a lifestyle change.
 |
| A vision takes shape |
Soon Larry had made an offer on a fifteen-acre tract, closed the deal and started sketching out ideas on how to utilize the property. Tracy says, “When he proudly showed me his first sketch of what would become our center, I proclaimed, ‘It looks just like Lowes,’” I am told some even refer to the now very functional project as “Langley Lowes.”
Did we mention the water?
Larry and Tracy’s eventual vision included a no-holds-barred business center, storage facility and future home for the construction company. If a Laker drives up highway 82 from Langley, they cannot help but marvel at the size of the center, but it gets better. These visionaries are also developing plans for an apartment complex on the back side of the property.
Current tenants, who have recognized the potential of the center, include Beau’s Deli & Market – John & Shelly Walsh, Spirit Ranch Dog Training & Grooming – Amy Vaughn, Pirates Cove – Ryan Huffcut, W.D. Construction Log Homes – Tracy & Chris Covert, Bootylicious Boutique – Tracy Covert, Twisted on Grand – Jules Rogers, Grand Lake Hair Co – Bobbie Reese, Gieser Plumbing Co – Trace & Jamie Gieser with more to come.
As Tracy said during our interview for this blog, “It’s a God thing! When one door closes another one opens.” Now ain’t that the truth. Lakers know the drill….Stop by and check out these visionaries or visit their online presence with a simple search
See Ya’ Around the Pond!!
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