Got plans from Lingo Const. today my contact says it will start moving very rapidly over the next couple months.

I am glad to hear the Lingo will be the general contractor on this project. They do great work.

Downtown Development posted a nice pic of the building:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BZSe66yCQAAeSMo.jpg:large

That makes for a good "before" picture. Will be great to see the "after" photo.

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/urban-development-buildings/4459d1379349455-rock-island-plow-building-plownew1.jpg

I wonder if they'll repaint the wording along the side to make it legible again. I can make out the second word "TRACTORS" -- just barely -- but not the first word.

Judging by the rendering above, they're going to leave it alone.

There are two schools of thought on ghost signs. One is to repaint over the old one (restoration) and the other is to stabilize and protect the historic sign (preservation). There are good examples of both approaches in OKC, and I don't feel passionately about one over the other, as long as they are well done. I see the appeal of both.

That said, if this project is utilizing tax credits, HP standards would likely require preservation of the historic paint rather than restoration.

I understand completely. I'm just concerned about the poor folks walking by who have to strain, strain (to the point of headache) trying to make out what the words are. :)

Maybe they could put up an informational sign somewhere on that east facade that has some historical background on the building along with a large sized older photo showing the letters more clearly. I tried looking up such a photo myself, but had no luck.

^

In fairness, that's Lower Bricktown.

Are they also in BT proper?

First, Bricktown is not a preservation district. Second, repainting of old ghost signs (as opposed to stabilization/protection) is actually COUNTER to hard-core preservation standards. It's true; look it up. Like I said, I don't have a personal preference, and understand the appeal of both approaches. Third, Bricktown does not control the banners displayed in the district.

I understand completely. I'm just concerned about the poor folks walking by who have to strain, strain (to the point of headache) trying to make out what the words are. :)

Maybe they could put up an informational sign somewhere on that east facade that has some historical background on the building along with a large sized older photo showing the letters more clearly. I tried looking up such a photo myself, but had no luck.

I can make out the word "tractors". That is all.

I did research and I was wayyy off:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/10910972786_8bb406e030_b.jpg

Commercial Warehouse Co.

By the way Sid, in pointing out that BT is not an HP district, I am not agreeing with that omission, only chronicling it. During its formative years as an entertainment district there was actually a very active pushback on any type of formalized HP approach, which included derailing efforts to place the district on the National Register of Historic Places (it's not).

Many of the design guidelines now in place of course mimic HP and encourage an HP-type approach to exteriors, but it is only in the pursuit of tax credits that HP is actually REQUIRED. Were it a preservation district things like the stuff done to the JDM building would be impossible. Personally, I would be OK with that.

In the case of the Rock Island Plow Building, from a casual review of the rendering it appears that a pretty solid HP approach is being undertaken. The Fox-Vliet (Kingman) building is an excellent example of good HP in Bricktown. In fact, few buildings in OKC have had that level of HP on their exteriors. True HP involves the approach taken to windows, doors, overhead entrances, paint removal, careful repointing of brick, etc., and as mentioned encourages PRESERVATION of ghost signs.

That said, the Hudson-Essex building in the Automobile Alley district offers an excellent example of restored (repainted) ghost signs, and I am a huge fan. The Hudson-Essex is NOT, however, a good example of historic PRESERVATION, including radical replacement of the historic windows AND repainting of the ghost signs.

I can make out the word "tractors". That is all.

I did research and I was wayyy off:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/10910972786_8bb406e030_b.jpg

Commercial Warehouse Co.

Actually both are correct. One sign was painted over the other. Which begs the question when restoring a ghost sign: which history of this building will I choose, and which history will I choose to bury? It's one of the reasons HP dictates not covering ghost signs.

By the way, the best ghost signs on this particular building are on the BACK (opposite) sides.

By the way, the best ghost signs on this particular building are on the BACK (opposite) sides.

Yep, those are the ones that are covered up by the NBA Playoffs banner. Unfortunately, there are no retrometrookc pics showing that west face in detail--at least not in the Bricktown collection. Will could probably go deeper!

I can make out the word "tractors". That is all.

I did research and I was wayyy off:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/10910972786_8bb406e030_b.jpg

Commercial Warehouse Co.

That's amazing! I came across a VERY similar old photo, but with yet another sign on it:

http://dl.dropbox.com/s/5nlo5iywsta3ms6/KentuckyFriedChicken_Plow.jpg

This building has a more colorful and varied history than I had ever guessed!

:Smiley112

I've heard they have a big tenant ready to take most or even all the office space in this building.

Trying to firm up details.

I've heard they have a big tenant ready to take most or even all the office space in this building.

Trying to firm up details.

Can you tease us with what kind of business it will be? O&G? Law Firm? Accountant? Graphic Design?

From Wade Scaramucci:


Plow details are confidential still but there will be some more media announcements before xmas and also construction start early Q1. The ground and lower ground can be used for restaurant / retail or office.

Heard that they are completing their construction pricing and hope to start work in February.

Also, they now have an official website:

The Plow in Bricktown, Oklahoma City (http://plowokc.com/)

First, Bricktown is not a preservation district. Second, repainting of old ghost signs (as opposed to stabilization/protection) is actually COUNTER to hard-core preservation standards. It's true; look it up. Like I said, I don't have a personal preference, and understand the appeal of both approaches. Third, Bricktown does not control the banners displayed in the district.

I work for a SHPO affiliate and we partner with our young professional branch on ghost sign tours around town. I'd say we're pretty hard core, given the preservation battles we're fighting.

Also, while I agree that Bricktown unfortunately has little control over street banners, how is Bricktown not a preservation district? It doesn't have a district-wide designation like Automobile Alley does (that's a conversation we should maybe have, perhaps it should seek a listing on the Register, which doesn't inhibit new construction but only helps preservation) but it's hard to argue that preservation doesn't have both de facto and de jure (codification in urban design code) importance.

Heard that they are completing their construction pricing and hope to start work in February.

Also, they now have an official website:

The Plow in Bricktown, Oklahoma City (http://plowokc.com/)
Great news, I am extremely excited to see this building come to life again.

I work for a SHPO affiliate and we partner with our young professional branch on ghost sign tours around town. I'd say we're pretty hard core, given the preservation battles we're fighting.

Also, while I agree that Bricktown unfortunately has little control over street banners, how is Bricktown not a preservation district? It doesn't have a district-wide designation like Automobile Alley does (that's a conversation we should maybe have, perhaps it should seek a listing on the Register, which doesn't inhibit new construction but only helps preservation) but it's hard to argue that preservation doesn't have both de facto and de jure (codification in urban design code) importance.

What I mean is that it doesn't have an official designation as a historic preservation/conservation district, which was actively campaigned against by property owners early in its existence. Same with National Register designation. You're right in that some elements of HP are codified, but something like JDM, for instance, would have been strongly frowned upon or even disallowed in a true HP district. Lots of other examples of where HP principles were ignored due to this. Some OK, some shameful.

I work for a SHPO affiliate and we partner with our young professional branch on ghost sign tours around town. I'd say we're pretty hard core, given the preservation battles we're fighting.

Also, while I agree that Bricktown unfortunately has little control over street banners, how is Bricktown not a preservation district? It doesn't have a district-wide designation like Automobile Alley does (that's a conversation we should maybe have, perhaps it should seek a listing on the Register, which doesn't inhibit new construction but only helps preservation) but it's hard to argue that preservation doesn't have both de facto and de jure (codification in urban design code) importance.


Bricktown IS listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but under a thematic nomination, not a district nomination.

A couple buildings are listed individually (Wells Fargo). The Wells Fargo Building also has OKC HL overlay zoning on top of the Bricktown zoning.

Just a note.

Has there been any word on who the tenant(s) will be?

Has there been any word on who the tenant(s) will be?

Rumor has it Tom Ward's new company will take up a large portion of the office space.

Rumor has it Tom Ward's new company will take up a large portion of the office space.

Really? That's interesting. Which reminds me, any word on what Tapstone is up to/how it's doing?

I had heard that Tom Ward was negotiating on taking all or most the space in this building but that negotiations hit a snag.

Not sure if that is going to happen or not but we should know for sure very soon.

Bricktown IS listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but under a thematic nomination, not a district nomination.

A couple buildings are listed individually (Wells Fargo). The Wells Fargo Building also has OKC HL overlay zoning on top of the Bricktown zoning.

Just a note.

Thanks for the clarification. I specifically was referring to the district nomination, which was actively campaigned against. No question about individual buildings, which are naturally nominated...individually. The Wells Fargo status is especially cool; have read that plaque many, many times. An often ignored jewel of downtown.

I saw a district nomination at work when I was involved with Automobile Alley, and saw the many, many hours John Calhoun put into it.

Bricktown IS listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but under a thematic nomination, not a district nomination.

A couple buildings are listed individually (Wells Fargo). The Wells Fargo Building also has OKC HL overlay zoning on top of the Bricktown zoning.

Just a note.

Thematic nominations aren't district nominations. I knew a professor who loved barns and was doing a thematic nomination on historic barns across Oklahoma. Did not know that about the Wells Fargo, which urbanized is right is vastly underappreciated. If it weren't obscured by the Reno guardrails (ie., Paul Brum planning for you) it would be a great streetscape asset.

Thematic nominations aren't district nominations.

????? Isn't that basically what cafeboeuf said in the post you responded to?

Is there a thread about or pictures of the Wells Fargo building? What is its address?

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/8054694956_85127377fd_h.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/8054633716_ccbd73611d_h.jpg

Hate that those two buildings are painted...

I do not remember this being painted bright red like that. Is this a recent thing?

I don't know how I missed it...

hate that those two buildings are painted...

like.

I do not remember this being painted bright red like that. Is this a recent thing?

I don't know how I missed it...

I think Whiskey Chicks did that a few years ago.

Construction will start on this project in March.

From shawnw.

Should see construction starting here soon:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/plow021814.jpg

Was just informed that construction work has officially commenced on this project.

Probably won't see a lot of outward signs for a while, as the contractor (Lingo) has a great deal of due diligence since the building has been in such disrepair for so long.

However, with Lingo and AHMM (architects) involved, you can count on this being done right and becoming a special project upon completion.

Can't wait to see this beauty come back to life.

Was just informed that construction work has officially commenced on this project.

Probably won't see a lot of outward signs for a while, as the contractor (Lingo) has a great deal of due diligence since the building has been in such disrepair for so long.

However, with Lingo and AHMM (architects) involved, you can count on this being done right and becoming a special project upon completion.

Can't wait to see this beauty come back to life.

I think this is my favorite project going on right now. I absolutely love this building and can't wait to see it brought back to life.

Steve's update.

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/3954556?embargo=1


Construction crews will begin setting up at the Rock Island Plow Building in Bricktown next week as work ramps up on renovating the 105-year-old, boarded up building
Lingo Construction is tasked with building a new, 21st century building inside an early 20th century building. Scaramucci said the contractor will fix any damaged brickwork – a task complicated by the lack of any existing comparable brick. Renovations are expected to be completed within one year.
.

Renovation set to begin on Rock Island Plow Building in Oklahoma City | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/renovation-set-to-begin-on-rock-island-plow-building-in-oklahoma-city/article/3954556)
(Mobile w/ video)

This and Mideke - that's a LOT of new office space on one street.

Indeed. Kingman, ACM, Sherman Iron Works and the ACOG headquarters. Oklahoma Avenue has become quite the office row. Also, great to see so many Bricktown thread icons on the front page of OKCTalk. We had a couple of years around here when you sometimes had to dig deep to find one.

Some new renderings of this project from the AHMM website:



http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7588d1398186485-rock-island-plow-building-plow2.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7589d1398186486-rock-island-plow-building-plow3.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7590d1398186487-rock-island-plow-building-plow4.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7591d1398186488-rock-island-plow-building-plow5.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7592d1398186488-rock-island-plow-building-plow6.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7593d1398186489-rock-island-plow-building-plow7.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7594d1398186490-rock-island-plow-building-plow8.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7595d1398186498-rock-island-plow-building-plow9.jpg

LOVE that first floor.

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Love all the windows being opened up. That building is going to shine.

Love it.

AHMM has got it going on.

OKC is lucky to have so many of their projects.

Thought we were getting a first floor restaurant space for that lively corner...

Holy F@#k that is awesome... Do we know if it is fully leased yet?

I don't think they've finalized any deals yet. I know they were open to restaurant/retail but don't think they've signed anyone.


LOVE the contrast of the old wood beams, columns and ceilings with the clean modern touches.

The lighting is really nice and different as well.

It's just a very active corner on weekends just with passers by. If it had something to draw those people in, man, it would be sweet...

I've always thought this building would be some stunning open office space, and somehow these renderings beat even my high expectations. Would love to move into this space, unfortunately I'm guessing the rent will be rather high.

Construction fence has gone up around this building. Thanks to shawnw for the photo:


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7800d1399901726-rock-island-plow-building-plow051114.jpg

Great to see that building put to use, it's one of the buildings everyone passes if you park near Harkins/Bass Pro and walk to the canal area and it's always bothered me it's sat there vacant for so long.

Didn't get a chance to take a pic, but noticed when walking by the Plow last night that the rickety awning on the west side of the building had been removed, so things are actively being done.

Darn.... that was my favorite part of the building.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

Didn't get a chance to take a pic, but noticed when walking by the Plow last night that the rickety awning on the west side of the building had been removed, so things are actively being done.

Is that parking lot going to be owned by the new owners of the Plow?

That lot has some valuable parking spaces.

Is that parking lot going to be owned by the new owners of the Plow?

That lot has some valuable parking spaces.

Yes, same owners.

Will be interesting to see if they still sell the spots for $20-30 each on game nights...