I think they meant really respected chains, things that won't go into just any old city, and are considered selective. Like, if Bruno's Home Furnishings went national it would be like that... LIT clothing could be something like that if they end up succeeding.

Firefly is in Dallas. I'm not sure where they were first. Another like that is Shoe Gypsy.

Has anyone noticed the little ramp of rocks that flirt with going into the far right northbound lane?? that, and the water coming off of there really bug me.

The Classen Curve is the first retail development I have seen that decided to consider design as a part of its offering to both tenants and patrons. It is another classic RE invention that will feature clean lines, lots of glass, black brick and several more sculptural entrance pieces.

The Classen Curve is the first retail development I have seen that decided to consider design as a part of its offering to both tenants and patrons. It is another classic RE invention that will feature clean lines, lots of glass, black brick and several more sculptural entrance pieces

in others words, it's ugly

sgt p you need to get some new glasses if you think Elliot's designs are "ugly" - a lot of people must disagree for them to get so many design awards and be published everywhere

IMO....IT'S UGLY!
i don't like that sleek, all glass, clean lines, stuff. i don't have to like just because everybody else does, and please don't get on to me because i disagree with you....and everybody else apparently.

IMO....IT'S UGLY!
i don't like that sleek, all glass, clean lines, stuff. i don't have to like just because everybody else does, and please don't get on to me because i disagree with you....and everybody else apparently.

Geez. What is with this 'hypersensitivity". Yes you are entitled to agree/disagree.

geez...thanks

It's definitely going to be different. I'm withholding judgement for now.

you're right jbrown. all i saw were renderings, i'm sure the real thing will look different. i guess i'm just an old old-fashion architectural kind of guy.

hey i'm not getting onto you for your opinion - just think it is quite a reach to label as ugly. not every style of architecture is for everyone, but you have to admit elliott's designs transcend the norm. if you look at historic projects they hav done there is quite a respect for the original building.

but we';re cool!

yes, there is nothing wrong with elliot's stuff. this would be a really boring world if people like elliot did'nt think outside the box.

If they have interesting retail, it won't look sleek and featureless. Every window will be a showcase for what's inside, unhindered by foofy exterior architecture. It will be a window shopper's paradise.

I've found the renderings and video a little vague.

However, it's clear they are spending a good chunk of money on this project and put a lot of planning and thought into it, and I'm excited to see the end product.

I'm also glad to see OKC the beneficiary of something new and bold, especially in the retail world. We have way, way too many soulless strip centers.

I heard a rumor that Chesapeake is planning a huge sports bar in the classen curve area. Has anybody else heard that?

I haven't heard that, but really doubt it is true. Chesapeake owns the development; their market is local businesses that are not owned by anyone employed by Chesapeake.

We need a sports bar. This would be a good draw seeing as there pretty much aren't any left.

We need a sports bar. This would be a good draw seeing as there pretty much aren't any left.

Yeah, I miss the Varsity Sports Grill. Too bad ER (the owner of the former Varsity) couldn't strike a deal with The Curve people.

It just needs to be a place like the Varsity was on 63rd & Western. The one downtown was lame.

Do we have any idea who is going to be leasing space at The Curve??

Where are all these exclusive restaurants and retailers going to come from?

I really miss The Varsity too... What do you make of the info on the new Classen Curve website? www.classencurve.com (http://www.classencurve.com)

I'd say it looks there is going to be a sports bar there!

Would be a great idea if done right and would go a long way towards replacing The Varsity.

what a neat link with our baseball history and the Brick!!

I wonder if this is Pops:Sports Edition?

I just checked the domain name registration for classencurve.com and it's not Chesapeake, however, Chesapeake registered classen-curve.com. That seems strange.

It seems odd that if you were legitimately planning to open a "Classen Curve Sports Bar" in Classen Curve, you would know better than to take that particular domain name.

Drove by an hour or so ago. They have steel framework going up on one building (the southernmost building). No work being done today because of the rain I assume. Shouldn't be too long before we see the shell of at least one building hopefully. I didn't snap pics since it was raining and I was driving. Next time I'll try and pull over and take a shot.

I was told that some tenants at NH Plaza were given a notice to be out by April 1 of next year. And that its assumed that some may relocate to Classen Curve.

And as far as sports bars are concerned, someone please make it happen. Our sports bars are way behind the times.

We all know that NHP is going to be massively redeveloped at some point and the only way that can happen is to relocate the more important tenants.

Perhaps Classen Curve is the first step in the larger overall retail/commercial plan it has for the hundreds of expensive properties it owns in the 63rd & Western area.

I was in Tulsa last weekend and went to Whole Foods in Brookside. I couldn't help but think how great it would be to have WF in Oklahoma City, and that a great location would be a renovated Nichols Hills Plaza.

I know of one NH Plaza tenant that is about to close her doors after a dispute with HVAC. She was on a mm-mm lease, the HVAC gave out, neither would pay for the repair, so she's a goner. (If you put yourself in either party's shoes, you wouldn't pay for the repairs either.) Has anyone else closed yet?

"neither would pay..."

Who's neither?

Neither? Landlord or tenant.

It was a little vague.

Maybe Crescent Market might relocate to Classen Curve??? I haven't seen Classen curve and don't know if it has a space large enough to accomodate Crescent. But I'd MUCH rather see a new Crescent Market than a Whole Foods. Robert Pemberton and Crescent Market have quietly done a great deal to support local growers and food processors. Whole Foods advertises that they support local foods. But in my opinion, they are not being entirely truthful. Crescent is a little gem in OKC and needs to be preserved and promoted.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2837628391_e03dd51a4c.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2838461350_08d7a00f1e.jpg?v=0

Wow! Already putting up the structure! This shows what having money can do. Quick progress!

where is classen curve?

But I'd MUCH rather see a new Crescent Market than a Whole Foods.

I'd like to see Crescent Market remain just as it is. That place is a classic!

where is classen curve?

Head north on Classen from NW Expressway (pass the IHOP, Chilis and Calverts). It will start across the street of Pearl's Graveside and continue around the "curve." Basically where all that dirt is on the east side of the road and (the south side of the road when it turns east) is where the center is going to be.

Head north on Classen from NW Expressway (pass the IHOP, Chilis and Calverts). It will start across the street of Pearl's Graveside and continue around the "curve." Basically where all that dirt is on the east side of the road and (the south side of the road when it turns east) is where the center is going to be.

OR - Head west on Classen from N.W. Grand Boulevard (near Flip's and Hahn-Cook funeral home), pass Rose Hill mausoleum & cemetery), and look to your left.

OR - Head west on Classen from N.W. Grand Boulevard (near Flip's and Hahn-Cook funeral home), pass Rose Hill mausoleum & cemetery), and look to your left.

ORRRRRR, head south on Western, take a right on Classen, pass Grand and look on your left.... ok, this is just ridiculous.

yeah, i kind of regret asking the question.

I love the people still call it Pearl's Graveside. Let's keep that one going. ;)

Pretty dang funny.

yeah, i kind of regret asking the question.

turanacus, i was in no way making fun of you. I was making fun of myself, a person that finds it necessary to give a bunch of directions to the same place. it is one of my many downfalls.

Drove by a couple days ago, they now have steel up on 7 seperate buildings.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2927154700_85d52fcf22.jpg?v=0

turanacus, i was in no way making fun of you. I was making fun of myself, a person that finds it necessary to give a bunch of directions to the same place. it is one of my many downfalls.

I completely understand . . . I didn't think you were making fun of me.

But even if you were, it's fun -no harm . . .


Metro, I drove by yesterday -I can confirm that your photos are authentic.

I would love to see a Sur La Table here and a Smith & Hawken.

I've noticed work is still progressing on Classen Curve dispite Chesapeake's tightening of financial reigns. I hope this project gets completed.

Has anyone else seen this?
http://www.okc.gov/AgendaPub/cache/2/0jnf1m45ocsmtsfqhwbotsfv/4111402042009092223621.PDF

I like the rendering of sign at the entrance, looks modern and nice.

That link isn't working for me?

Could you tell me how to get to it on the city's site?

Try this one:

Link (http://www.okc.gov/AgendaPub/cache/2/juq5ubf1uypkc2rlyykpnk45/4111402042009104035871.PDF)

looks like the document is cached, making a permanent link nigh impossible... which agenda is this pdf attached to? wanna see for myself!

-M

I just googled "Classen Curve" and came across an entry on a Tulsa-based food website that highlighted a business called "Matthew Kenney" which it said would be opening in Classen Curve. Looks like a very interesting, high-quality cooking school/restaurant.

My bad. It is called "105Degrees."

This looks like something really cool and unique:

"Dara Prentice and Mandy Canistelle formed a vision for 105degrees that is the first of its kind, not only in Oklahoma City, but in the world. Born out of their passion for raw and living cuisine, the idea was to develop a forward thinking raw café, living foods culinary academy and retail boutique, all housed in one location."

Matthew Kenney Lifestyle: The Magazine of the Raw Food Chef (http://matthewkenneylifestyle.com/)

http://matthewkenneylifestyle.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/ok11-500x333.jpg

http://matthewkenneylifestyle.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/ok6-500x333.jpg

The more my sub-conscious mind has worked on this tonight as I have moved on to other things, the happier it has made me. I do not pretend to be a serious "foodie" and my knowledge of the raw food movement is limited to a few passing cultural references here and there, nevertheless it is apparent that this is a sophisticated concept which brings some new elements to the Oklahoma City dining and lifestyle scene. If this is an example of the quality of projects which will be incorporated into Classen Curve, I think we all have something to look forward to. I look forward to trying "105 Degrees."

Raw sounds fine, not so sure about the "living" part of it. But, I'm sure it will be interesting. I love the way Classen Curve is starting to look. They've got glass up in one of the buildings.

Is this the only tenant that has been announced yet? It seems strange that they are the only one considering the progress of construction...

that tenant hasn't been announced either, but if you go back and read the other pages of this thread and others, there are some highly speculated rumors based on insider information. I'm sure some of the lineup will change, given the state of the national economy.