Several vehicles and a team of guys are there working on it today

Water is draining from under Balliet's and causing a problem at the intersection of Grand & Western, specifically the southeastbound Grand to southbound Western turn lane. I'm really surprised that cones aren't up yet (if for no other reason than to direct traffic around the hazard), but I don't know who to call.

The hazard is potholes - increasing in both number and size - which are continuously filled with water that runs from the curb drain at the NW/C of 57th & Grand. For some reason water has been steadily running for several weeks now.

Anybody have the phone number to report this?

It looks like they are just doing repairs to the building from storm damage at some point.

It looks like they are just doing repairs to the building from storm damage at some point.

Yes, I went by there and had a good look around...

No sort of work being done on the interior. It looks like they are repairing the roof and fascia.

Oklahoman reporting CHK looking to sell Classen Curve & Nichols Hills Plaza.

Story (http://newsok.com/chesapeake-marketing-nichols-hills-plaza-classen-curve/article/3874341)

^ Interesting.

It's been widely known they have been shopping them around but this is the first time they've been so public about it or implied they have buyers.

I hope they are doing the same with the now-empty lots where the Glenbrook office buildings once stood.

Oklahoman reporting CHK looking to sell Classen Curve & Nichols Hills Plaza.

Story (http://newsok.com/chesapeake-marketing-nichols-hills-plaza-classen-curve/article/3874341)

Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

It's very good, IMO.

With the new constraints and mandates, CHK was never going to do much with these properties so I'm anxious to see them get into the hands of someone who is proactive.

Of course, Chesapeake will never get half of what they paid for and invested into any of the properties they own in OKC, but especially these.

It's very good, IMO.

With the new constraints and mandates, CHK was never going to do much with these properties so I'm anxious to see them get into the hands of someone who is proactive.

Of course, Chesapeake will never get half of what they paid for and invested into any of the properties they own in OKC, but especially these.

Hopefully the new owner can revive Nichols Hills Plaza and turn Classen Curve into what it was originally intended to be.

Wonder if Aubrey will be part of a new development group....

Heard from a good source they already have multiple legit offers...at least one for both properties. Includes additional residential development. National real estate investment company likely.

Wonder if Aubrey will be part of a new development group....

Personally, I would prefer AM stick to growing an oil/gas company and keep his hands of real estate/neighborhood development (unless somehow he gets a lot better at it).

If I ever sell a car instead of driving it until the wheels fall off, I hope AM is the guy who responds to the CL ad.

Some smaller properties at 63rd Western have been, or are in the process of selling off now.

Some smaller properties at 63rd Western have been, or are in the process of selling off now.

C'mon, Rover - you can't tease us like that!

I also can't breach confidences with specific information. Sorry. I value my friendships and it would be wrong. Just wanted to say that it seems to be occurring NOW, not happening at some future date. And it seems like there will be buyers....local for the smaller properties and national for the larger ones. At least that seems to be where the interest is coming from.

Uptown Candy -- owned by the same people that operate Uptown Kids -- to open in Classen Curve.

https://www.facebook.com/Uptowncandyokc

https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/988250_525666677510445_1405859347_n.png

The Journal Record - Business Intelligence for Intelligent Business (http://journalrecord.com)

Uptown Candy to open at Classen Curve
by Molly M. Fleming
Published: September 30th, 2013

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sweet or sour,
chocolate or vanilla, all of those flavors
and more will be available at Oklahoma
City’s new boutique candy store, expected
to open in the middle of November.
The store is being opened by Gary and
Carolyn Goldman, a couple who already
operate Uptown Kids, a clothing store in
the Classen Curve shopping center.
Their new store, Uptown Candy, will play
off the same name and be joined next
door.

Uptown Candy will include 941 square feet
of retail space filled with the heart’s desire
of candy lovers.

Gary said the couple did not plan on being in the candy business when they opened Uptown
Kids.

“(Opening the store) is probably in part due to the inspiration of our product mix sales at
Uptown Kids,” he said.

He said the sales trends of the customer and the lack of a boutique candy shop in the area
led them to create the plan for the store.

Carolyn said the store will be similar to a Dylan’s Candy Bar.

“We’re going to do more of a modern candy store,” she said. “We want to do today’s
generation of candy store. For example, instead of doing gift baskets, we’re going to do sugar
cubes, which will use Plexiglass boxes instead of wicker baskets. We’re going to have really
cool, modern, edgy designs.”

The interior of the store will have bright-colored cubic designs, displaying the bulk candy and
packaged candy for sale. The interior was designed by architect Rand Elliot.

Gary said the store will sell candy in options for people who have various dietary
requirements, such as sugar-free and natural ingredients.

They are also working on their own line of candy.

“Our goal is to really break through the market and do things you see in big cities,” he said.
“We looked to see what other people are doing around the country and then we put a
Classen Curve twist on it.”

Part of that twist will be a caramel apple bar in the store.

People will be able to choose from either hot caramel or chocolate and then dip their apple in
a variety of candy toppings.

The store will have fudge available too, though the Goldmans are still deciding if it will be
made in-house or purchased somewhere and sold in-store.

But Uptown Candy isn’t confined to its four walls. The other part of the business will be a
candy bar catering service, where people can treat guests at parties or events to a largeselection of their favorite candies.
“We just think there’s a need for that in the city,” Carolyn said.

Gary said they want the store to be a place where people can rekindle some of their favorite
childhood memories, while also making new ones with their own children.

“Candy is something that puts a smile on everyone’s face,” he said.

Complete URL: Uptown Candy to open at Classen Curve | The Journal Record (http://journalrecord.com/2013/09/30/mf-uptown-candy-real-estate/)

I guess I don't get why the stores are referred to as Uptown.

I'm sure the uptown reference has to do with "upscale" (think Uptown Girl by Bill Joel) rather than geography.

I'm sure the uptown reference has to do with "upscale" (think Uptown Girl by Bill Joel) rather than geography.

The youngsters on this board probably have no idea what you're talking about there. :eek:

More on Uptown Candy:

https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1382973_541379729272473_645262141_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1378875_536797616397351_2135690588_n.jpg

Steve's chat today mentioned Aubrey McClendon buying back Nichols Hills Plaza and Classen Curve. Not sure how far into negotiations they are at this point. It would be good for AM to finish what he started and had envisioned.

Steve's chat today mentioned Aubrey McClendon buying back Nichols Hills Plaza and Classen Curve. Not sure how far into negotiations they are at this point. It would be good for AM to finish what he started and had envisioned.

I really hope that happens.

Especially because it would be interesting to see what he is willing to pay with his own money rather than that of shareholders.

I really hope that happens.

Especially because it would be interesting to see what he is willing to pay with his own money rather than that of shareholders.

And it is hard for someone to finish what they thought someone else had in mind. If he can fill back up NHP and make it like CC, it would be great for that area of town. I am curious if he is still set on a grocery store over there and local stores only. I know CC has welcomed Lululemon and rumors of a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse are still swirling.

More on Uptown Candy:

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1378875_536797616397351_2135690588_n.jpg

That pic makes me feel like I'm on an acid trip.

That pic makes me feel like I'm on an acid trip.

Imagine what Wayne Coyne would do when walking into this place...

That pic makes me feel like I'm on an acid trip.

Maybe you are on an acid trip. :eek:

Okay, I went back through all the building permits and have pieced together the latest plans for Classen Curve.

They will be adding two buildings.

The one on the east end is about 8,500 square feet and is the likely spot for the long-rumored for Ruth's Chris Steakhouse; their typical size is 7,900 to 10,000 SF. Also notice the tons of parking behind.

The other building (to the west) looks to be more retail shops.

Note they plan to take out the awkward double entry drive off Grand just north of Cafe 501.

The plans at this point are only for the parking and landscape. When they file the plans for the buildings, we'll be all over it. Plus, they'll have to file for a liquor license.




http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/classencurve102813.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/classencurve102813a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/classencurve102813b.jpg

I'll still be going to the Ranch, Red Prime and the Metro for my steaks. Eat Local and all that. Our restaurants are as good or better, IMO. Hope Ruth's Chris doesn't drive anybody out of business.

Thought of something that might fit nicely in CC or NHP: Dean & Deluca. They seem to be rather exclusive with their locations and their merchandise is on the higher end of the price spectrum. But, it would be fun to see, even with Whole Foods nearby.

I'll still be going to the Ranch, Red Prime and the Metro for my steaks. Eat Local and all that. Our restaurants are as good or better, IMO. Hope Ruth's Chris doesn't drive anybody out of business.

They might be the death blow for Opus (how that place is still open boggles my mind)…but they're not going to beat out Ranch, Red, or Mickey Mantle's for sure.

No potential tenants listed other than what we already know, but interesting read nonetheless. Will be looking forward to seeing big names announced to really generate excitement.

Hopes high for further development at Nichols Hills Plaza, Classen Curve | News OK (http://newsok.com/hopes-high-for-further-development-at-nichols-hills-plaza-classen-curve/article/4745876)

As I posted on the article itself, the original design problem (store fronts facing an interior parking lot) is going to be hard to over come. The stores should have faced the street.

As I posted on the article itself, the original design problem (store fronts facing an interior parking lot) is going to be hard to over come. The stores should have faced the street.

I think it can work if there are some big name tenants announced that will draw in customers. It has to become a destination though.

I think it can work if there are some big name tenants announced that will draw in customers. It has to become a destination though.

Well let me just go on record as saying - in 10 years some people will still be wondering why Classen Curve is a failure.

Well let me just go on record as saying - in 10 years some people will still be wondering why Classen Curve is a failure.

Very true. It is awkward getting in and out as well as being cold and uninviting.

Do you think that the outlet mall will face the same short lifespan due to its stores facing away from the street?

Do you think that the outlet mall will face the same short lifespan due to its stores facing away from the street?

+1

Shopping centers all across the nation, especially those built during the 2000s, were built that way. Classen Curve's problem is that it has few national retailers to draw shoppers. Chesapeake made a HUGE mistake in insisting that all the tenants be local.

+1

Shopping centers all across the nation, especially those built during the 2000s, were built that way. Classen Curve's problem is that it has few national retailers to draw shoppers. Chesapeake made a HUGE mistake in insisting that all the tenants be local.

This. There's nothing inherently wrong with the plaza, except it's 3/4 empty.

Well let me just go on record as saying - in 10 years some people will still be wondering why Classen Curve is a failure.

I was thinking about this the other day when I drove by it. The only problem I can see with facing the streets is that it's a relatively deep lot bordered by a small highway like section of classen that is bordered on the other side by a cemetery. I guess you could've made some of the retail front military on the other side and some front classen, but in this case I think it would make accessing all the shops more difficult. I do think the part along east side should've fronted grand, but based on this lot specifically, I don't have a huge problem with the design. I'm interested to see how they plan to link all of the developments, since the design obviously isn't changing, that will be key.


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Double post

The Curve will become part of a whole shopping lifestyle center with the new owners. They didn't buy it to let it be. They will develop it out as part of the whole area and not treat it as a separate property. I know some on here really want it to fail because it doesn't fit a particular notion, but don't bet on it. It has location, affluent adjoining neighborhood, and an owner with money and plans.

The Curve will become part of a whole shopping lifestyle center with the new owners. They didn't buy it to let it be. They will develop it out as part of the whole area and not treat it as a separate property. I know some on here really want it to fail because it doesn't fit a particular notion, but don't bet on it. It has location, affluent adjoining neighborhood, and an owner with money and plans.

+1

I was thinking about this the other day when I drove by it. The only problem I can see with facing the streets is that it's a relatively deep lot bordered by a small highway like section of classen that is bordered on the other side by a cemetery. I guess you could've made some of the retail front military on the other side and some front classen, but in this case I think it would make accessing all the shops more difficult. I do think the part along east side should've fronted grand, but based on this lot specifically, I don't have a huge problem with the design. I'm interested to see how they plan to link all of the developments, since the design obviously isn't changing, that will be key.

They could have made an internal street network similar to what was done at Scottsdale Quarter.

They could have made an internal street network similar to what was done at Scottsdale Quarter.

They kind of did.


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Do you think that the outlet mall will face the same short lifespan due to its stores facing away from the street?

I suspect by about 2024 the OKC outlet mall will have faded into the "Whatever happened to XXXXX, it used to be so nice" status. Outlet malls tend not to stay around for the long-run.

They could have made an internal street network similar to what was done at Scottsdale Quarter.They kind of did.


They made a parking lot with a 3' grass median. Take a look at Scottsdale Quarter to see what they should have done. What they call a 'street' at Classen Curve should have been the delivery and trash corridor.

They made a parking lot with 3' grass median. Take a look at Scottsdale Quarter to see what they should have done.

I know what scottsdale quarter did, I'm just saying, they kind of did add a roadway through it. Though I agree, it's not as effective as the site plan for scottsdale quarter.


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I know what scottsdale quarter did, I'm just saying, they kind of did add a roadway through it. Though I agree, it's not as effective as the site plan for scottsdale quarter.


Another mistake was that the 'streets' in CC should have tied into the existing grid in the area so it was integrated to the surrounding neighborhood instead of just being a strip shopping center with its back to all the people driving by. Like I said, these new owners have their work cutout for them.

+1

Shopping centers all across the nation, especially those built during the 2000s, were built that way. Classen Curve's problem is that it has few national retailers to draw shoppers. Chesapeake made a HUGE mistake in insisting that all the tenants be local.

But bigger mistake was the design of the long, meandering center and the spaces that provided very little depth. It made it very hard to form a retail synergy and was unattractive to national tenants.

I suspect the Curve will always mostly be mom and pops and most national tenants will go around/to the north of the triangle at classen curve part, where there is a much better chance of a shopping center being designed by shopping center people and not a starchitect.

Another mistake was that the 'streets' in CC should have tied into the existing grid in the area so it was integrated to the surrounding neighborhood instead of just being a strip shopping center with its back to all the people driving by.

Yeah I agree, I've always thought that was shortsighted. It's extremely frustrating when trying to get into the cc from those neighborhood streets.


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Yeah I agree, I've always thought that was shortsighted. It's extremely frustrating when trying to get into the cc from those neighborhood streets.


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I thought it was a compromise with the neighborhood, they were getting a lot of traffic where they did not want it and one of the streets had a tendency to jam since people not from there would not realize how bad it was to get out that way.

I thought it was a compromise with the neighborhood, they were getting a lot of traffic where they did not want it and one of the streets had a tendency to jam since people not from their would not realize how bad it was to get out from there.

I remember hearing something to that effect but I didn't follow this very closely back then. That would make sense.


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I thought it was a compromise with the neighborhood, they were getting a lot of traffic where they did not want it and one of the streets had a tendency to jam since people not from there would not realize how bad it was to get out that way.

So the blind led the blind and they fell into a ditch. Who would have thought...

I agree. The important piece to this puzzle is the Triangle and the undeveloped land along Grand. If those are properly developed (especially as mixed use) it will make Classen Curve proper (and NHP) successful by association.

Besides, I have always viewed "the street" that CC fronts as the median-divided lanes that run through the development itself. By that measure CC is at zero setback with angled parking on the fronts of the buildings. This will be more evident when the area south of Upper Crust (where the rumored Ruth's Chris is located) is brought online. The real PARKING LOT is south of that.

They did add Lululemon which is a national retailer and the center doesn't have that much vacancy; what there is it mostly at the far south end.

Bringing in Ruth's Chris would be a big difference maker and at the same time allow them to completely reconfigure the odd ingress/egress and parking:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/classencurve102813.jpg

Here is the latest lease plan from Glimcher.

I've highlighted the vacancies in yellow; they are close to being fully leased:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7954d1401220671-classen-curve-cclease.jpg

The area marked "future development", if developed, will change the entire character of the center.

Their plans for that part of the center have been approved.

My bet is Glimcher is busy figuring out the master plan for CC, The Triangle, the vacant land to the north and NH Plaza.

Then, they will lease up the centers and develop the vacant space pretty quickly. They are developer/investors and operate REIT's, so they need to get things done, full and income flowing.

They also have dozens of big centers across the country and relationships with virtually every regional and national chain.

I would expect them to drop in something like REI and/or Crate & Barrel (just speculation) on the vacant parcels then fill in the rest with smaller tenants.

The make money off the smaller spaces, they need big anchors as a draw, so I'm sure they are working on getting that part done.