http://www.westcoastspecial.com/images/fullsize/450px-SF_Japanese_garden11_fs.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/bdasgupta/Rv58COahCJI/AAAAAAAAAZE/pgB1HPg45rU/Japanese+Garden,+Royal+Roads+University,+British+C olumbia%5B3%5D.jpg
http://www.oregon.com/images/travel/jgarden400.jpg
http://www.wien.gv.at/english/parks/images/segataya.jpg
http://www.bamboogardener.com/book-pictures/TheJapaneseGardenIslandsOfSerenity.jpg
http://z.about.com/d/golondon/1/0/2/I/-/-/JapaneseGarden.jpg
http://www.niwadesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/231-2dasian-20gar...pic3.jpg

The streetscape will look nice but so many of the buildings just look terrible and rundown...
has anyone ever noticed the barn that's on the west side of the street around 27th or 28th? now that's classy.
you gotta admit that the asians have pumped a lot of money into this area.

yes, although the streetscaping is done by bonds from the city, not business owners.

I'd like to see Military Park converted to an Asian Garden.

Actually this has been discussed and in preliminary plans. I'm not sure how close to reality it is though. One of these days I'll get the city's official plan scanned into my computer and upload it to OKCTalk.

I drove by last night and noticed tiling had begun on the gateway sign, hopefully we'll see something soon. I'll try and take some updated pics in the next day or two once more progress has been made.

yes, although the streetscaping is done by bonds from the city, not business owners.
yes, you are correct in saying that, metro. however, the discussion was revolving around the run down buildings. i was speaking in regard to the many renovations or new buildings that have been built in that area.

drove by again yesterday afternoon, no additional progress on the sign. I still haven't figured the city out on this one. it seems they halfway do something (say landscaping) and then the next day the guys put pavers down halfway and then the next day they put a few tiles on the sign, the next day they are digging a hole, the next they are putting some of the new park benches out............why don't they finish one project at a time I say...

pics? :)

I'm going to wait another day or two until more progress has been made.

Not to pick apart a great thing, but I wonder if the vegetation they've planted will grow much higher when it matures. It certainly could affect sightlines if it grows like most ornamental grasses.
It looks really nice thus far, and I'm anxious for the project to be completed.
Metro, you've seen the plan, as far as percentages, how close is it to completion?

I think what's done looks great. But, why jump around like they seem to be? Finish one median completely, then move on to the next. This way, the whole project seems like it's being done in a completely disorganized fashion.

Not to pick apart a great thing, but I wonder if the vegetation they've planted will grow much higher when it matures. It certainly could affect sightlines if it grows like most ornamental grasses.

I wouldn't worry about that. The grasses they planted are a perfect choice. I think it's Pennisetum alopecuroides which won't get any higher than about 3'.

Do you work at a nursery, Platemaker? ;)

No... I just play a nursery man on OKCTalk.

Well I've been invited to a private presentation of Robert Benedetti's The Laramie Project. I'll try to get some pics with my iPhone. ;)

What's the Laramie Project?

oh wow.

anyhow, HOT ROD, I took pics last Friday for you. I'll try and post them tonight or tomorrow.

What's the Laramie Project?

Production examines aftermath of murder | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/production-examines-aftermath-of-murder/article/3302771)

This project appears to be just about finished.
As I type this, the pagoda/arch thing is being finished. The canopy parts to it are bigger than what I had envisioned. I've also seen workers wrapping up the brick work on various corners.

I drove down Classen a couple of days ago, and thought it looked far better than I'd anticipated as it sat half completed. I haven't seen the arch finished, but the landscaping is quite attractive.

drove up Classen this afternoon and the "roof" is on the "entry gate" at 25th(?). Looks neat!! The planting seem to be settling in well. I was a little concerned that they would wither in the heat next summer, but a couple of days ago, I noticed they have sprinklers in each of the beds.

Drove it today. Looks very good.

drove up Classen this afternoon and the "roof" is on the "entry gate" at 25th(?). Looks neat!! The planting seem to be settling in well. I was a little concerned that they would wither in the heat next summer, but a couple of days ago, I noticed they have sprinklers in each of the beds.

Yes, I noticed early this morning. Took a picture, not very good but I will try and post it later today. I'll also try to get better pics soon. I'm not sure if they are done with it or if they are going to add signage to it or what, but at least it looks like a gate now.

Okay, so I took this early this morning and through my dirty windshield, but you get the idea, more to come soon.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2926286081_0825b7c44d.jpg?v=0

Hardscaping/Landscaping:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2926290581_6b22604a01.jpg?v=0

Drove by this weekend and snapped a new pic from my phone. It appears they finished another step on the gateway sign, note the red decor under the green awning and the round asian district medallion sign hanging. Sorry for the quality.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2999272919_e2e0facd95.jpg?v=0

Asian District is coming along! Light poles are going up and two pagodas are up. I snapped this on Friday with my phone.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll14/Platemaker_photos/noname.jpg

Nice! I drove by on Friday and either didn't see them or they weren't up yet. Do you have any pics of the light posts?

Drove by, the "pagodas" are starting to shape up. The light posts are still being put in and don't have the ornamental lighting in yet, it's just the posts. The wind got ahold of a few of the tops yesterday and spun them around the wrong direction, hopefully that won't delay the project. Nice to see some better district signage finally. DougDawg, you should go with your nice camera and snap us some new pics, so I don't have to on my cell phone.

I dropped by to get some pictures my self
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/3050156415_9903bd5477.jpg
Just off of Classen I found some areas that I havent noticed before
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/3050128275_ae4990ba20.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/3050974864_c5c5082505.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/3050138109_fb130cf59a.jpg

I like the new Asian District logo.

GuyB, the "area you didn't notice" is the Super Cao Nguyen (pronounced Cow Win) asian supermarket. If you didn't go in, I encourage you too, it's a HUGE full fledged supermarket with all kinds of items, including hard to find items and ingredients. It's been in its current location for several years now. By chance did you snap any pics of the new pagodas, lightposts and other items along Classen Blvd? Thanks for those pics though because I'm sure there are plenty others on this site that don't realize what our Asian District really consists of.

Super Cao is an experience. So is Lee's Sandwiches up Classen.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/3066583528_0a8919c76b.jpg

This was on Classen and NW Expressway I didnt see any signs any one know what its going be?

Super Cao is an experience. So is Lee's Sandwiches up Classen.

I second that --- I love that sandwich shop, the croissant bread is the best!!

they say it'll be Laredo's...

I would like to know as well! It is taking them forever to finish that building on Classen and NW Expressway

I like some of the things down on classen and 23rd.. but at the same time I miss old classen and the old store fronts, star winds, new orleans coffee shop, little small clothing shops, the record store on 23rd classen on one corner and the brick shopping center on the other that is gone where cvs is. Everything looks different, just like history is wiped out.

That's Laredo's, but it's been like 3 years since they started on it...

That's Laredo's, but it's been like 3 years since they started on it...

Its a really odd building!

I wish they had rebuilt the lake and boardwalk and put more thought into this area instead of walmart. Even keeping the art deco belle isle building and making that a school or upscale shopping or offices would have been better. short sighted! city council should not have allowed this!

Okay, so I took this early this morning and through my dirty windshield, but you get the idea, more to come soon.

Hardscaping/Landscaping:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2926290581_6b22604a01.jpg?v=0

I saw this planting / scape the other day, it really looks good.

Took a few updated pics of the foo dogs and a few pagodas, there are other sculptural elements that were recently added, but I didn't snap a pic. These were briefly taken from my phone. I am hoping Doug or someone with a nice camera can go out and get pics of all the new sculptural elements and snap some better pictures for everyone. I know HOT ROD up in Seattle would appreciate.

http://www.okctalk.com/gallery/data/500/medium/Foo_Dogs.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/gallery/data/500/medium/Asian_District_1.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/gallery/data/500/medium/Asian_District_2.jpg

I would like to know as well! It is taking them forever to finish that building on Classen and NW Expressway

I like some of the things down on classen and 23rd.. but at the same time I miss old classen and the old store fronts, star winds, new orleans coffee shop, little small clothing shops, the record store on 23rd classen on one corner and the brick shopping center on the other that is gone where cvs is. Everything looks different, just like history is wiped out. "Out with the old and in with the new". I personally think this is a much needed improvement as Classen is a major throughfare. Before the renovations, Classen was a big dumpy, run down area. Remember as I have mentioned before, image is and perception are everything. Do you want visitors to OKC to look at those run down buildings? There is a saying, "Time changes everything". This area of renovation was "long" overdue in my opinion.

driving by today, I noticed one of the lion statues at the intersection of 30th was knocked over or blown over. I'm curious to see how long until it is fixed.

Def. knocked over. They weigh about a ton, so the wind didn't do it. Incredible how people drive. :)

I'd bet that was a failed theft attempt. Someone had some plan to haul it off and didn't realize how heavy it was.

All in all, I have to agree with route66gal about the general appearance. Most of the new buildings are pretty bland. Of course, the old streetcar terminal that housed Starwinds is still there, but it looks like hell now. It would be great if someone restored it.

What was Starwinds, and where was it?

Here are some clearer shots on the updates to the Asian District

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3560330992_bf314a3783.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3559512413_826e378e97.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3559514219_04f0d3aaf5.jpg

What is going on with this?? They seemed to be finished then they ripped curbs and sidewalks back out and a lot of it (the median areas) seems to be sitting there with nothing happening. I drive this stretch daily and it's very annoying.

What is going on with this?? They seemed to be finished then they ripped curbs and sidewalks back out and a lot of it (the median areas) seems to be sitting there with nothing happening. I drive this stretch daily and it's very annoying.

The first part was paid for with 2000 GO Bonds. The current work is from the 2007 GO Bonds. Expect a new driving surface, curbs, and sidewalks with this phase. The first phase was only medians and curb ramps (no sidewalk).

Northbound Classen right before 30th drives me nuts everytime. Being two lanes through that stretch doesn't bother me as much as that area right before 30th.

Thanks for the info, cafe.

I agree jbrown. Steve really needs to do a feature story on this. This is getting BEYOND RIDICULOUS. Classen between NW 23rd and about NW 36th is like a patchwork quilt of random patches of asphalt/concrete/curbs torn up. There seems to be no system to it and has been torn up for months with little to no progress. I don't understand why they are sporadically replacing the curbs, although they are supposed to be replacing all of them, and why they didn't just do it more efficiently when they had it tore up from landscaping the medians a year or so ago. The City is wasting tons of money and time on this and I've heard it's actually temps that are working on the project. I'm sure they bid this one out to the lowest bidding contractor, and it shows. The City should be embarrased by how poor quality this project is going. Truly pathetic.

Metro, just curious, what's your own work history with contracting? Ever done concrete work, curb work, or asphalt mill and overlay? Any idea of the process to design and construct such elements?

I ride that stretch of road classen 23rd to 39th, its still has no working drainage, even the bus stops have been left near puddles which the "driving public" cares little in washing down folks waiting on the bus.

Metro, just curious, what's your own work history with contracting? Ever done concrete work, curb work, or asphalt mill and overlay? Any idea of the process to design and construct such elements?

Of course not, but I have observed enough projects in OKC and in other states to know this isn't cutting it and is ridiculous. There is no system to how they've been working on Classen Ave. and random patches have been torn up for months with nothing being done. Why tear it up if they can't work on it in a timely manner? Are you working on this project cafeboeuf? Maybe you can enlighten us with your wisdom.

This is what Public Works really should have a dedicated PR person - to explain methods and timing, amongst other things. No, I'm not working on the project, but I did when it was in development.

It appears as though the contractor, CGC, LLC (who happened to be best bidder on both phases) is going through and replacing curbs and the street in their own pattern. They started on the inside of the street at 30th and continued down to 23rd. Now they are moving back up to 30th. The patchwork road repair is actually a two-part process. They are repairing the sections of roadway that have failed from asphalt to subgrade (compacted soil). They are slightly lower than the adjacent old pavement because the final step will be to mill about 1 3/4" of the top off and replace with around 2" of new asphalt. There's not point in making it completely smooth with new asphalt if it's going to be milled off anyway.

In phase I, if I remember correctly, the contractor finished within the time allowed in the contract. Phase II seems to be going similarly. The problem with a large amount of concrete work (new curbs and the replaced street) requires a lengthy amount of time to cure. At 7 days, a concrete test is done to see if the concrete is meeting design standards. A second test is done at 28 days to do the same. The contractor could be using HES (High Early Strength) concrete in the roadway, but it's much more expensive and the City usually opts for that when absolutely necessary. With this project, having 4 out of 6 travel lanes open doesn't require HES. HES can't be used in curbs because it is too hard to form (it sets very fast and is tough to mold).

Hope my "wisdom" has been imparted in a manner that suits you. :tiphat:

Oh, and a note on bidding. Every City contractor must be pre-qualified in order to bid on a project. Therefore, when bids come in, the lowest bidder is considered "best" due to his/her prequalification. Prequalificiation takes work history, finances, bonding, and insurance into account and is reviewed by a committee that involves Public Works, Utilities, Asst. City Manager's Office, and the City Clerk.

The "lowest bid" doesn't surprise me in the least bit, but some of these resurfacing projects the city has been doing is a joke with some of these contractors and I am not going to be surprised in a few years when many of the newly repaved roads have serious potholes and "ruts" in them due to the poor asphalt jobs. Especially a major artery and our single major boulevard, Classen Boulevard, could we not spring for concrete? Come on.....

The "lowest bid" doesn't surprise me in the least bit, but some of these resurfacing projects the city has been doing is a joke with some of these contractors and I am not going to be surprised in a few years when many of the newly repaved roads have serious potholes and "ruts" in them due to the poor asphalt jobs. Especially a major artery and our single major boulevard, Classen Boulevard, could we not spring for concrete? Come on..... I never could understand why OKC did not just spend the extra revenue to concrete the city. Historically, it lasts a very long time if it is done right and you do not have to go back every 6 months to a year to patch up those big crater like potholes. That not only is an embarrasement to OKC but the cost of having to have your car realigned gets to be expensive.The residents need to be adament about this and not be so apathetic and think we will never get this done. I think that is the biggest hinderance that holds back OKC is lots (not all) of it's residents are so complacent and apathetic. They do not believe in or do not want the city to progress??

I agree progressiveboy. I wish you were in OKC and could be more vocal with me here locally. I get asphalt in low volume, low to zero truck traffic residential areas, but for areas like NW Expressway or Classen Blvd. it makes no sense to asphalt it. Yeah it's cheaper in the short run, but as you said, maintenance, repaving, potholes, and car alignments are a headache long term.