Don't forget that Aubrey had a grandiose plan to bring in another market where Crescent and NH Drug had been, as well as some form of updated lunch counter.

So a grocery at NH Plaza and Whole Foods were to have coexisted.

Of course, what they should have done is provide Crescent with the same sort of incentives given to CC tenants and Whole Foods. All they needed with a remodel and resonable rent and they could have adapted and kept rocking. And of course, the demise of the lunch counter was completely silly, even when they were looking to directly replace it... What on earth was the thinking there?

So a grocery at NH Plaza and Whole Foods were to have coexisted.

Of course, what they should have done is provide Crescent with the same sort of incentives given to CC tenants and Whole Foods. All they needed with a remodel and resonable rent and they could have adapted and kept rocking.

I don't think that Pemberton was long for this world, even with free rent. Under his management the Crescent Market had been in decline long before NHP was bought by CHK, with narrowing product selections, mediocre produce, threadbare carpeting, and antiquated POS systems and clerks. Their only strength was their meat market. Which means another grocer would have to be found, and what grocer in their right mind would move within three blocks of a brand-new, subsidized Whole Foods?

I'm sure that the Crescent space was offered to everyone in the industry - with incentives - and they all passed. CHK even pulled the plug on the two guys they hired to open and operate the grocery store, likely a desperate Hail Mary when all other options had failed.

For the record, Crescent Market was already planning on closing before Whole Foods opened. I think they might have been able to survive just WF being open down the street, but Sunflower Market (now Sprouts) opened a month before they announced closing. Robert Pemberton said Labor Day weekend of 2011 was like a normal weekend and it was usually the busiest weekend of the year.

Here is the article about their closing: Oklahoma's oldest grocery, Crescent Market, set to close | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahomas-oldest-grocery-crescent-market-set-to-close/article/3610081)

But even if Crescent was on it's last legs, why not configure/expand for Whole Foods instead of building new on a completely separate island??

The whole way this stuff evolved defied common sense and as I said earlier, OKC is darn lucky Aubrey wasn't booted earlier, otherwise that area would have been permanently scarred. Although I'm still not convinced that Classen Curve is even viable in the long term and remain somewhat worried about NH Plaza.

But even if Crescent was on it's last legs, why not configure/expand for Whole Foods instead of building new on a completely separate island??

The whole way this stuff evolved defied common sense and as I said earlier, OKC is darn lucky Aubrey wasn't booted earlier, otherwise that area would have been permanently scarred. Although I'm still not convinced that Classen Curve is even viable in the long term and remain somewhat worried about NH Plaza.

Classen Curve is in such a prime location I would hate to see it just sit vacant. Hopefully eventually it will get a new owner that can find a way to make it work.

The other option is to not be so picky in choosing tenants. It's my understanding that Classen Curve has turned away quite a few tenants (e.g., Chipotle) over the last few years. Maybe that will kill what they're going for, but at some point management may not have a choice.

The other option is to not be so picky in choosing tenants. It's my understanding that Classen Curve has turned away quite a few tenants (e.g., Chipotle) over the last few years. Maybe that will kill what they're going for, but at some point management may not have a choice.
Dan Krutka, are you back in OKC? Jimi said he thought you had moved to Kansas.

The other option is to not be so picky in choosing tenants. It's my understanding that Classen Curve has turned away quite a few tenants (e.g., Chipotle) over the last few years. Maybe that will kill what they're going for, but at some point management may not have a choice.

Yeah I would rather see a thriving center with a mix of high-end boutiques and mid-range chains than a dead, vacant center which is exactly where its headed unless something changes. Chain stores/restaurants bring foot traffic which is what this development desperately needs.

Yeah I would rather see a thriving center with a mix of high-end boutiques and mid-range chains than a dead, vacant center which is exactly where its headed unless something changes. Chain stores/restaurants bring foot traffic which is what this development desperately needs.

Agreed.

Honestly, this shopping center may always have a shot just because of how easy it could turn into a restaurant/bar mall.

Honestly, this shopping center may always have a shot just because of how easy it could turn into a restaurant/bar mall.

I would be all for that.

I would be all for that.

Not enough parking for that.

They are currently maxed out on the number of bars and restaurants allowed in the approved Planned Unit Development, and in fact had to get an exception to get to the number they have now.

I doubt they could push that any further.

With all due respect, the reason that development is not even remotely walkable is due to the design, not the parking requirements.

Classen Curve is in such a prime location I would hate to see it just sit vacant. Hopefully eventually it will get a new owner that can find a way to make it work.

There is an old saying in speculative development: "It isn't important to be first, it is important to be the first to be second". In other words, the speculative developer pays what it is...well..."speculated" to be worth while the second owner pays more nearly what it is worth at the current time. The second owner takes advantage of the risk and timing miscalculations and usually can afford to modify the project to more nearly suit demand. Hind-sight is always better, right?

Sid, I just meant that even with the parking requirements the design could have been much better.

But regardless, it's one of the most unwalkable new developments I've seen. And as I've pointed out before, it's even difficult for CHK employees to walk the short distance over there, let alone walk around once they arrive.

I hear you brother... Preach on! :)

Sid & Pete: Isn't it rare for a PUD to be amended, especially so soon after having been approved?

It was amended once to allow for more restaurants -- I believe for Tucker's.

But they've also added more parking recently, so there may still be some room come back to the planning commission one more time.

I wouldn't be surprised to see this become an office park.

Sid, I just meant that even with the parking requirements the design could have been much better.

But regardless, it's one of the most unwalkable new developments I've seen. And as I've pointed out before, it's even difficult for CHK employees to walk the short distance over there, let alone walk around once they arrive.

Absolutely. I really want to like it, but I just don't. I like some of the tenants, but other than the short North South run on the West, it is really just a strip mall. I never see anyone outside of their vehicles.

It's actually worse than a typical strip mall in many ways because there are gaps between some of the buildings that require you to walk through the parking lot and across unmarked drives... Which, as you mentioned, absolutely no one does.

I just counted NINE different drives / curb-cuts in and out of this development to the surrounding streets. It's confusing to navigate even in your car, let alone on foot.

So, I bet 99% of the people that end up at Classen Curve patronize one tenant then leave.

Its amusing how car centric the development is when their customers mostly live within a couple miles. I feel like I twilight zoned back to Edmond when I bike past it.

It's actually worse than a typical strip mall in many ways because there are gaps between some of the buildings that require you to walk through the parking lot and across unmarked drives... Which, as you mentioned, absolutely no one does.

I just counted NINE different drives / curb-cuts in and out of this development to the surrounding streets. It's confusing to navigate even in your car, let alone on foot.

So, I bet 99% of the people that end up at Classen Curve patronize one tenant then leave.

!!! Every time I drive in I'm always concerned I'm going the wrong way!!!

A new blowout bar is opening in Classen Curve simply called "blo." Not sure where it will be located. When I mapped 5850 N Classen Suite 3, it took me to the area near On a Whim. I hope the name doesn't attract the wrong kind of customers... "I was told I could score some..." "Is this where I get a ...job?"

A new blowout bar is opening in Classen Curve simply called "blo." Not sure where it will be located. When I mapped 5850 N Classen Suite 3, it took me to the area near On a Whim. I hope the name doesn't attract the wrong kind of customers... "I was told I could score some..." "Is this where I get a ...job?"

Yup. Just blow drying and styling, no haircuts. Pretty unique.

A new blowout bar is opening in Classen Curve simply called "blo." Not sure where it will be located. When I mapped 5850 N Classen Suite 3, it took me to the area near On a Whim. I hope the name doesn't attract the wrong kind of customers... "I was told I could score some..." "Is this where I get a ...job?"

OMFG "blo?" That's hysterical. This development is a cheesy strip mall trying to be pretentious.

Saw that LULU lemon is opening up a store, anyone know when it will be open?

The building permit was issued in mid-February so they must be getting close.


Here is a link to that store's website:

Suite 3 - 5810 North Classen Blvd, Oklahoma City | lululemon athletica store | yoga, running, & workout clothes (http://www.lululemon.com/oklahomacity/classencurve)

The building permit was issued in mid-February so they must be getting close.


Here is a link to that store's website:

Suite 3 - 5810 North Classen Blvd, Oklahoma City | lululemon athletica store | yoga, running, & workout clothes (http://www.lululemon.com/oklahomacity/classencurve)

Yoga, running and workout clothes - in the same center as Red Coyote and Barre Fitness? Have they lost their mind!?

Lulumon is a great catch for OKC. Southpark Mall in Charlotte, a very upscale mall, has one. It's good to see Classen Curve opening itself up to chains because in my opinion that's the only way it will be viable.

Yoga, running and workout clothes - in the same center as Red Coyote and Barre Fitness? Have they lost their mind!?

Lulu lemon specializes really in yoga and the sort clothes. Red Coyote is primarily running/walking. Barre3 has some yoga clothes, but the majority of their business is from classes.

this will be the 2nd location in OKC (the first being in AAlley)?

this will be the 2nd location in OKC (the first being in AAlley)?

I believe the one in AA was more of testing the market and will be closed when this one opens.

If you go look at their website, it says they have two different kinds of stores. They have basic stores and they have showrooms. Dallas doesn't have a showroom, if that means anything.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/8893682545_ac3a4be6fa_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8416/8894301606_91d3e3870a_o.png

I don't know if one is nicer than the other, but they seem like great stores.

Showrooms are mainly yoga studios with fewer retail items.


BTW, I guess this signals the end of the "locals only" policy for Classen Curve.

Showrooms are mainly yoga studios with fewer retail items.


BTW, I guess this signals the end of the "locals only" policy for Classen Curve.

I agree. Classen Curve has to go with chains to get the foot traffic they need. It's the only way it won't end up a dead shopping center within a few years. The locals that survive will benefit from more chains bringing more people into the center that wouldn't otherwise go.

I don't understand why you would NOT want at least *some* national chains in the center. Bringing in a chain that will for sure cause the out-of-towners who are just doing shopping to come to your development where you can simultaneously showcase your local retailers seems natural.

A little notoriety for a local bake shop:

OKC cupcake shop wins competition on Food Network | KFOR.com (http://kfor.com/2013/06/11/okc-cupcake-shop-wins-competition-on-food-network)

http://img.foodnetwork.com/FOOD/2010/07/12/ws_cupcake-wars-logo_s4x3_lg.jpg

Nice window view of the shop:

http://localtvkfor.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/green-goodies-shop.jpg

Woohoo! I always knew they could do it!

Ok... truth be told. I've never been there and I don't watch stuff like the Food Network. But hey, always happy to say congrats to a local business.

Their cupcakes are delicious. Of all the cupcakes in town I've tasted, they and Sara Sara have the best, IMO.

Their cupcakes are delicious. Of all the cupcakes in town I've tasted, they and Sara Sara have the best, IMO.

My girlfriend is a cupcake junkie, so I've tried most in the city. Green Goodies is my favorite.

I love the space at Green Goodies as well.

Super stylish little place.

I really hope the added attention helps their business. They make a damn good cupcake, but I know there are some relocation regrets.

I heard from a reliable source that a Ruth's Chris will be coming to Classen Curve.

I heard from a reliable source that a Ruth's Chris will be coming to Classen Curve.

Now if we could just get Bonefish Grill or McCormick and Schmick's. OKC is saturated with steakhouses but doesn't offer much other than Red Lobster for seafood (I don't count the fried places).

I really hope the added attention helps their business. They make a damn good cupcake, but I know there are some relocation regrets.

I am hoping when these high profile chains like Lulumon and Ruth's Chris comes to Classen Curve, that will bring the needed shot in the arm for the local tenants in the center.

Starbucks moving there will probably help more than anything, as they have a huge amount of foot traffic and are busy pretty much all day.

Starbucks moving there will probably help more than anything, as they have a huge amount of foot traffic and are busy pretty much all day.

I am guessing they are closing the NHP location? When is this supposed to happen?

I heard from a reliable source that a Ruth's Chris will be coming to Classen Curve.
:Smiley099

I heard from a reliable source that a Ruth's Chris will be coming to Classen Curve.

I have heard the same. Better add that parking.

Now if we could just get Bonefish Grill or McCormick and Schmick's. OKC is saturated with steakhouses but doesn't offer much other than Red Lobster for seafood (I don't count the fried places).

Pearls????

I vote for M&S

Pearls????

The Seafood Shack, Pearls, Crabtown, Trappers, Hefner Grill, multiple mom and pop Cajun restaurants, a few cajun buffets, and multiple sushi restaurants. So I disagree with you a bit, but I love seafood so I think we could always use more! It does seem like we lack a truly upscale fish restaurant like The Oceanaire (A chain with locations in Dallas, Denver, Houston, etc).

The Seafood Shack, Pearls, Crabtown, Trappers, Hefner Grill, multiple mom and pop Cajun restaurants, a few cajun buffets, and multiple sushi restaurants. So I disagree with you a bit, but I love seafood so I think we could always use more! It does seem like we lack a truly upscale fish restaurant like The Oceanaire (A chain with locations in Dallas, Denver, Houston, etc).

Thanks for listing these as I had not heard of any of them except for the Seafood Shack, which I thought was more of a fried fish restaurant.

The Seafood shack has a lot of fried stuff but also has a decent amount of non-fried options. I've only been once so don't hold me to that, but what I got wasn't fried and was pretty good. Give it a try sometime.

Thanks for listing these as I had not heard of any of them except for the Seafood Shack, which I thought was more of a fried fish restaurant.

Don't forget Deep Fork and Rococo (both locations).

Forgot about those, great options as well

We have NO great or very good seafood restaurants. We have a few that serve fish and things that crawl in the mud.

Now if we could just get Bonefish Grill or McCormick and Schmick's. OKC is saturated with steakhouses but doesn't offer much other than Red Lobster for seafood (I don't count the fried places).

Oklahomans like their steak, possibly because we're cattle people. If we were closer to the coasts and had a history of appreciating excellent seafood, then we'd probably support a top drawer seafood house. The former won't happen, but the latter only time will tell.

I am guessing they are closing the NHP location? When is this supposed to happen?

I think demand will support both locations, despite being 0.6 miles away (Google Maps, Starbucks NHP to RePUBlic Gastropub). Does anyone have news that they're closing 'bucks in NHP?