You're part of the problem, not part of the solution. Now let's see if you're moniker is true and you really are one for one (otherwise you're a liar). Your contribution here sucks - SHUT UP!

It may suck, be he/she has a right to their opinion.

I am reserving my judgement of the McDs until I see a full-size rendering and a site plan.

If I boycott Walmart, I can't buy anything after 9 pm in my town.

Everyone has a right to their opinion - even if it's wrong. But if someone is going to come on here and just trash talk OKC and everyone on the boards and in OKC without providing a solution or alternative, that is not welcome.

Ignore them or disprove them.

Telling them to SHUT UP! is kinda childish.

I was just trying to bait him to see if he had any more gems of knowledge he wanted to drop on us. Looks like that' all he's got. One hit wonder. He may not have an opinion on anything else in the world but by golly he feels strongly about Bricktown.

You say to ignore them or disprove them, but you can't disprove stupid.

Probably a jealous Tulsa troll.

First of all you have to mix old brick with new ideas..........and second, the new mcdonalds design is worse than the first one...........btown is not a historical district, however UD has to review it....Lets mix brick with new urban design and continue on with a successful OKC!!!!!!!!!!! Rand Elliot ? proven? Of course...... being in red prime is like being out of town...........we need more of this

......and second, the new mcdonalds design is worse than the first one...........btown is not a historical district,

Not surprising coming from you [....................]

Mc D's got the approval to build in Bricktown.

OKCBusiness - Oklahoma City Business News (http://www.okcbusiness.com/article.asp?aID=13880768.2405359.582621.5838103.92 56642.954&aID2=44808)

it will be interesting to see what the bricktown mcdonalds looks like in the end.

Bricktown tailor-made McDonald’s moves ahead in approval process

October 11, 2007
The Journal Record

OKLAHOMA CITY – Bricktown will likely see a stand-alone McDonald’s restaurant in the district after the fast-food giant first submitted a restaurant design in July.

McDonald’s had its sights on a piece of land at 501 E. Reno Ave. to build the restaurant. First, however, the design had to pass muster with the Bricktown Urban Design Committee. After the committee initially criticized the proposed design in July, company representatives came up with a more suitable fit with a brick and stone facade. Last month the committee approved the concept and site plan but asked McDonald’s representatives to return with a complete building plan as well as landscaping plans.

Jerome Elenez, marketing director for McDonald’s greater southwest region, said the company was not put off by the criticism of the initial plans presented to the design committee.“What we try to do is adapt our building plans to meet the culture of the city,” he said. “We’ve been looking at that area over the last couple of years and just realized how much Bricktown means to the city of Oklahoma City and the relevance it creates for not only residents but also for tourists.”

Elenez noted several instances where McDonald’s has adapted a restaurant’s look to a local community as in Roswell, N.M., where the company renovated a restaurant to reflect a spaceship theme.“We’re always looking for ways to make sure the restaurants we have are representative of the community and also just extremely relevant,” he said.

Trinity Group Architects completed the Bricktown McDonald’s design and serves as architect of record for the project.

John Calhoun, with the Oklahoma City Planning Department, said the urban design committee must approve all design projects in Bricktown north of Reno Avenue.The land for the McDonald’s site is owned by Pumpco Inc.“This is an area that’s ripe for redevelopment,” Calhoun said. “We look for development that is pedestrian-oriented.” Nevertheless, Calhoun said the committee does not control what entity seeks to build on or occupy a space, be it another fast-food restaurant or any business.“From our standpoint whoever owns the property, or has a long-term lease, is not something we can control,” he said. “The nature of the visual character and the site plan is something we can.”That would also be a factor in another fast-food restaurant moving to the area or along the canal in Bricktown, which is overseen by the committee. But Calhoun said there are certain provisions for businesses that want to open in Bricktown. “We look for good development from anybody who would bring in an appropriate design,” he said. “What we’re looking for also is a walk-able neighborhood that is a quality commercial district.”

With the Bricktown certificate of approval, the plans will now move on to the city for consideration. Elenez said McDonald’s hopes to begin construction in the next six months to a year. Jim Cowan, executive director of the Bricktown Association, said he is not worried that McDonald’s, or any other fast-food restaurant, will tarnish the reputation of the district. Bricktown has a Sonic just south of Reno in front of the Harkins Theatres.“As we address the whole fast-food issue, it’s going to fit into the area just like it fits into other areas of Oklahoma City,” Cowan said. And rather than draw business from locally owned Bricktown restaurants, Cowan said fast-food operators could fill a gap for breakfast, and times when the area plays host to large events. “For people that still want to get out and walk around and go to a ballgame or a concert, chances are they’re going to continue to go to their favorite Bricktown restaurant,” he said.

Cowan applauded McDonald’s for adapting its design to a brick and stone exterior, but said a development plan is in the works with the city of Oklahoma City to determine several aspects relating to Bricktown’s future much as it did when the district was first developing in the early 1990s.“

Now as Bricktown enters into this new era we’ve got to again redo a plan,” he said. “What was relevant in the early to mid ‘90s is obviously not current now.”Cowan also said while he welcomes new businesses to the area, he does not want Bricktown to become flooded with fast-food restaurants to the point the area loses its unique flavor.“We’re not a restaurant row,” he said. “We’re an entertainment district and we’re an area where people get around, walk around and do something other than just eat lunch or eat dinner.”

OKC’s Bricktown Urban Design Committee approves McDonald’s design
By Stefanie Brickman - 10/10/2007
OKC Business

The Bricktown Urban Design Committee today commended the designers of the proposed McDonald’s restaurant location for modifications made to plans originally submitted at last month’s meeting.

The restaurant will be located at 105 E. Reno.

In July, McDonald’s representatives presented preliminary plans. After hearing their proposal, committee members stood firm that they would not approve anything that was not pedestrian friendly, to include a $2.5 million drive-thru hamburger joint.

At the time, committee members agreed the building design, with its drive-thru window, was not in keeping with what Bricktown merchants are trying maintain as a community.

At the September meeting, the committee approved an amended site plan and concept for a McDonald’s, however, they requested more landscaping and elevation plans.

“It’s really nice to get to a point where we are all comfortable with the drive-thru and pedestrian traffic,” said Avis Scaramucci, committee vice chair.

Committee member Bob Bright praised the McDonald’s and Pumpco Inc. representatives who were present for their effort. He said the landscaping is three times what the City of Oklahoma City requires.

“This is an example of an intensely commercial enterprise that has adapted to Bricktown, especially its landscaping,” Bright said. “It’s what I hope every (commercial enterprise designer) would do.”

Jim Calhoun, City of Oklahoma City planner, said the next step will be for the developers to submit building permits which he says will have to conform to the plans presented at today’s meeting.

It looks like this project is underway. I have noticed that the dirt is being moved and the construction pad is being prepared.

That blows.

Yeah, it's hard to get excited about this.

You act surprised metro. Once the designed was approved (which isn't so bad), is it really a surprise that McDonalds is actually happening?

Although I am not completely excited to see this, I do like the new design. Also it is refreshing to see a bricktown plan actually happen. It seems like so many of the proposed plans in bricktown are only talk and never materialize.

Maybe this McDonalds will inspire someone to do something with the east end of bricktown. If we could only get a Bricktown Super-Wal-Mart in place of the Fox Body Shop.

If we could only get a Bricktown Super-Wal-Mart in place of the Fox Body Shop.

:lame:

Although I am not completely excited to see this, I do like the new design. Also it is refreshing to see a bricktown plan actually happen. It seems like so many of the proposed plans in bricktown are only talk and never materialize.

Maybe this McDonalds will inspire someone to do something with the east end of bricktown. If we could only get a Bricktown Super-Wal-Mart in place of the Fox Body Shop.

:cuss2:

I do NOT like the idea of a mcdonalds OR a wal mart going in bricktown.

No Wal-Mart. Wal-Marts are for uptown.

Maybe this McDonalds will inspire someone to do something with the east end of bricktown. If we could only get a Bricktown Super-Wal-Mart in place of the Fox Body Shop.

I could live with a Target, but I would be happy if there was never another Wal-Mart constructed anywhere.

I think putting Mcdonald's in Bricktown is a bad idea!!!! Why not put Denny's or some other restaurant like Olive Garden? There is another Mcdonald's closeby, we don't need another Mcdonald's!

I have a hard time getting upset about McD's going in when the alternative would have been something along the lines of yet another Pearl's, Louie's, Interurban, or something like that. Yippeee.

I think putting Mcdonald's in Bricktown is a bad idea!!!! Why not put Denny's or some other restaurant like Olive Garden? There is another Mcdonald's closeby, we don't need another Mcdonald's!

Whoa dream big!

I think putting Mcdonald's in Bricktown is a bad idea!!!! Why not put Denny's or some other restaurant like Olive Garden? There is another Mcdonald's closeby, we don't need another Mcdonald's!

Olive Garden or Denny's? I hope you're kidding. They're chains just like McDonalds.

I have a hard time getting upset about McD's going in when the alternative would have been something along the lines of yet another Pearl's, Louie's, Interurban, or something like that. Yippeee.


I just can't get that excited about McDonalds. Something about that grease smell everytime I walk out of Wal-Mart! :( I will admit though, I eat there on occasion, but there's nothing special about it.

I just can't get that excited about McDonalds. Something about that grease smell everytime I walk out of Wal-Mart! :( I will admit though, I eat there on occasion, but there's nothing special about it.

I understand that. For me, it's not about McDonald's specifically, but more about the lack of balance between local and national in Bricktown. As bad as it appears, Bricktown probably won't thrive without some amount of a national commercial presence. I think Bricktown's biggest problem right now is what people seem to be clamoring for: more "regional" restaurants.

Bricktown isn't bad. It's all right. But I believe there's too much of a "regional" presence down there that kind of stifles its growth a bit. For me, a Hal Smith restaurant isn't any more unique than a Starbucks. Why should I go to Bricktown and eat when I've got a Louie's down the street from me, or a Pablano Grill (just an example) down the street from me.

There needs to be a healthy mix down there, and right now, I don't think there is. Bricktown isn't going to survive on Hal Smith and Indian jewelry. HTH.

Hal Smith and Indian Jewelry, classic!!!

Bricktown could really use a Dave & Busters.

Maybe a McD's like the upscale one in Manhattan I saw on tv. ... same danged food, just a much nicer box around you ... besides, the pianist was rather talented.

Bricktown could really use a Dave & Busters in place of Toby Keith's.


I prefer it like that.

I don't really understand the idea that everything within Bricktown or downtown needs to be special and unique... We can have chains in our downtown. That's okay. It shows that our downtown is becoming a real, livable place (not just a destination). Sure, the design standards need to be strongly upheld... But it's silly to argue against a McDonald's. Why shouldn't there be a place for a cheap, fast food meal in Bricktown?

I understand that. For me, it's not about McDonald's specifically, but more about the lack of balance between local and national in Bricktown.

I see your point. There are far more local restaurants there than chains.

National Chains:
1. IHOP
2. Abuelos
3. Spaghetti Warehouse
4. Hooters
5. Sonic
6. Starbucks
7. New McDonalds
8. Marble Slab

Local:
1. Chelinos
2. Daiquiri Zone
3. Halftime Sports Bar
4. Earls
5. Toby Keith's
6. Zios
7. Bourbon Street Cafe
8. Mickey Mantle Steakhouse
9. The Mantel
10. Nona's
11. Coach's
12. Bricktown Brewery
13. Tapwerks
14. Falcones
15. Pearls Crabtown
16. Raw

There should be more locals than chains. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that there shouldn't be any chains at all, unless it's some chain that has Bricktown as its only OKC location.

Why would I want to go to Bricktown to eat at some place that is also on May Avenue, SW 74 and NW Expwy - as well as in every other major city? Olive Garden? McDonald's? IHOP? Hooters? All mistakes, in my opinion. Yes, they're individually popular, but collectively they drag down the district and make it look like a generic open air mall.

14 out of that list of 24 have locations in the metro other than just Bricktown.

National Chains:
1. IHOP
2. Abuelos
3. Spaghetti Warehouse
4. Hooters
5. Sonic
6. Starbucks
7. New McDonalds
8. Marble Slab

Local:
1. Chelinos
2. Daiquiri Zone
3. Halftime Sports Bar
4. Earls
5. Toby Keith's
6. Zios
7. Bourbon Street Cafe
8. Mickey Mantle Steakhouse
9. The Mantel
10. Nona's
11. Coach's
12. Bricktown Brewery
13. Tapwerks
14. Falcones
15. Pearls Crabtown
16. Raw

One thing I wish Bricktown had is a place that serves healthy\fresh food, like a Panera Bread, SouperSalad or even a smoothie place. Walking around, I can choose from mexican restaurants, rib joints, or Toby Keith's which prides itself on serving a huge chicken-fried steak.

Me would much love a nice local deli in Bricktown.

Hey...I like sammiches...I make GREAT sammiches...Maybe I'll open one down there.

"Oh GAWD, the Sandwich" has a nice ring to it.




Oh, and Zios has locations in like 5 states, I don't think that qualifies as "local".

Hey...I like sammiches...I make GREAT sammiches...Maybe I'll open one down there.

"Oh GAWD, the Sandwich" has a nice ring to it.

Count me in!




Oh, and Zios has locations in like 5 states, I don't think that qualifies as "local".

I actually hadn't realized they had spread that far. That's great!

One thing I wish Bricktown had is a place that serves healthy\fresh food, like a Panera Bread, SouperSalad or even a smoothie place. Walking around, I can choose from mexican restaurants, rib joints, or Toby Keith's which prides itself on serving a huge chicken-fried steak.

I'm hoping increased residentia density and even more hotels in Bricktown will help with all that. I'm not so big on Panera, but I'd love a deli, or another Old School Bagel shop....something like that down there, and as a Jamba Juice fan, I'd love one of those within walking distance

There is one national chain in bricktown that is unique to the Metro and that is the Melting Pot. What other national chains can you think of that would be good for bricktown?
By the way I love the sandwich idea.

There is one national chain in bricktown that is unique to the Metro and that is the Melting Pot. What other national chains can you think of that would be good for bricktown?
By the way I love the sandwich idea.

Texas Land and Cattle Company (http://www.texaslandandcattle.com). Smoked steaks sound strange, but until you've had one......they are wonderful. Great atmosphere for Bricktown too.

Oh....and the same company owns the Sullivans (http://www.sullivansteakhouse.com/) chain - another great restaurant. A 1940's theme with live jazz music. Very nice.

Free 72 oz steak, if eaten in 1 hour. Oh, wait, that's another city, another state!

I would love a Ruth's Chris in bricktown

Thanks

I live in downtown. I would like to be able to eat downtown. And that includes cheap fast food all the way up to the more expensive places.

I see your point jbrown and I agree with you to an extent. On the other hand, while downtown is a place some call home, it's also the mark of culture and center of entertainment for OKC. For others who live in the 'burbs, downtown should be very selective, not just another fancied up Memorial Rd.

I see both sides of the coin. I just hope that if the Mickey D's absolutely must go up, it is done with the intent of blending in with the rest of the district.

Midtown, Auto Alley, and other areas are emerging as hubs for more locally centric restaurants. Bricktown is OKC's Times Square. The first, most obvious stop for tourists. And just like Times Square, it's going to attract some prolific chains, including McDonalds. But the more options down there--period--the more dining options downtown dwellers have.

It's being built all brick and on the edge of Bricktown, so I'm fine with it.

It would have been nice if McD's could have followed Sonic's example and built a location without a drive-thru, which would help out with added foot traffic and 'blended in' with Bricktown a little more. But being out where they are, it works, I guess.

McD's would never go up without a drive thru.......it is amazing that a land lease in okc is holding up................you never know?

There are McDonald's going up in city's without a drive through everywhere. Most of those are in a denser part of the city, so I suppose it's OK. However, were the area east of Bricktown to be developed, we might be sorry about that drive though down the line.

The fact that it's brick, and 2 sides of it will front the street, is good enough for me.

Drove by today just to give everyone else an update on the "progress".

http://www.okctalk.com/gallery/data/500/medium/Bricktown_McDonalds1.JPG

http://www.okctalk.com/gallery/data/500/medium/Bricktown_McDonalds_2.JPG

Don't we have the prettiest skies you've ever seen?

We do have nice ones, but the nicest I've seen are in South Beach, Miami, FL and the Florida Keys, you also can't beat the golden sunsets of the pacific coast as well.

I got the latest rendering off Steve Lackmeyer's blog:

http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/files/2008/02/mcdonaldsdraw.jpg

The McDonald's in Bologna, Italy didn't have a drive through, but it did have beer on tap. Don't worry, I only ate there once during my 8 months. I read a debate about the best hamburger in OKC. I had a weak moment. It was my only option.

The Bricktown McD's looks better then anything that Hogan has built. Now if we can do something with the abandoned FOX building.

Thank God they won't have the tall arches. I'd rather Mickey D's be hidden.

The McDonald's in Bologna, Italy didn't have a drive through, but it did have beer on tap. Don't worry, I only ate there once during my 8 months. I read a debate about the best hamburger in OKC. I had a weak moment. It was my only option.

You were in Bologna, I was going to go to University in Bologna, but the government changed some policy so that isn't going to work out, but I would still LOVE to go, did you like it??

Bologna, not sure about that but I heard the McDonald's in Hawaii has Spam burgers.

I never saw a spam burger in the dozen or so times I was in Hawaii. Not that I was looking though.

The McDonald's I ate at under the Tokyo Tower came with rice instead of fries though...You could order fries separate, but the meals came with rice.