My GF took this today from inside Neon

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Sweet! We needed a coffee joint in the Plaza.

Is Neon coffee opening this week?
https://www.instagram.com/p/COLKOS7hzRn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Guess they're having a "stress test"

https://www.reddit.com/r/okc/comments/n6ndsb/opening_monday_i_stoped_by_neon_coffee_in_the/

Went for the free food test at Neon. Had the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on the donut bun. Loved the taste and the bun isn't overpowering. I just drink cold brew, but it is pretty decent.

I went today to try the donuts and got the Chocolate. They are a good size and not bad. I am not really a jelly donut-style type person, so I will just stick with the sandwiches. It was busy and the staff has it down to a science already. I think this place will be a hit!

The outside space was completely full around lunch time today

Went for the free food test at Neon. Had the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on the donut bun. Loved the taste and the bun isn't overpowering. I just drink cold brew, but it is pretty decent.

I went today to try the donuts and got the Chocolate. They are a good size and not bad. I am not really a jelly donut-style type person, so I will just stick with the sandwiches. It was busy and the staff has it down to a science already. I think this place will be a hit!

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http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12black1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12black2.jpg

They have already done all dirt work and started foundations and footings for this project. Moving fast now.

^

Thanks.

I'll get out there with my drone.

A new sign just went up on this empty lot next to Up/Down. Something called "The District" financed by Bank 7. Wasn't able to get a photo, but here is the location.

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^

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/1625nw16a.jpg

^

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/1625nw16a.jpg

Is this residential above commercial?

Is this residential above commercial?

I believe so.

Fantastic infill for that lot.

Nice! Glad this is commercial, was worried that lot was just going to be another giant townhome.
Plaza doesn't have much room left to grow so any expansion they can eek out the better.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12black1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12black2.jpg

Foundations are well underway.

Just south are some great renovated live/work units that are now for lease.

And on the SW corner, there are two apartment buildings; the north structure has been fully renovated and is quite nice. Renovation is in progress for the south building and the rents are cheaper there.

All owned by the Strubles and you can see more photos and lease info. here: https://www.180realtyok.com/all/residential

So much great infill happening in the core.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321a.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321b.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321c.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321d.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321e.jpg

Here is a little before and after.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321f.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321c.jpg

The building on the southeast corner of NW 12 and Blackwelder looks so much better post-renovation. They have definitely moved pretty quickly on it. It's also great that they're going to build out more frontage on NW 12 to hide the parking in the lot just east of it.

Earlier this spring, before the lots on the northeast corner of NW 12 and Blackwelder were fully cleared, that land was listed for sale for a few days up to maybe a week or two. I can't find the old listing now but I believe they wanted something like $1.6 million for the whole thing. Might've also included the land south of NW 12 and east of the already renovated building; I can't remember. Then the listing was pulled and the last remaining house was demolished. It is a little sad to lose the original housing stock but the under construction homes are a pretty solid upgrade. I really appreciate that they aren't doing big amounts of concrete in front of the units like the condos at NW 13 and Klein. Also, big points for not pointing the garages straight out into the street. Do we know if those are planned to be for-sale or for-rent?

The Noble REH project "behind" (west of) the Native Lands Apartments is a big upgrade, too. They've also been renovating the older house just west (1715 NW 11) and it looks pretty sharp. Now we need someone to do something with the abandoned church on the northwest corner of NW 12 and Blackwelder, and by "to do" I mean save it, please - don't demolish it!

Incidentally there was supposed to be a similar detached row-house development - by different developers - at NW 11 and Ellison prior to the pandemic. That land sold again in March 2021 but I believe the rezoning got final approval by Council so it seems plausible that more infill is on the way there.

Now we need someone to do something with the abandoned church on the northwest corner of NW 12 and Blackwelder, and by "to do" I mean save it, please - don't demolish it!

I looked at that church when it was for sale a few years ago and fantasized about making it a live/workspace for me.

I'd still like to do that at some point and I've been looking hard at the area west of Classen and slightly north of Sheridan. I'd prefer something with a big, open interior space.

I think we jumped the shark on that with OnCue...

https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5646493

It is too bad, I guess, that they had to clear those houses but at this point I'd be fine if they somehow magically forgot their plans altogether and just left it vacant. I'm sure they'll still eventually build but the longer I live in the area the less convinced I am that we need an OnCue nearby. The 7-11 at NW 10 and Western is not great but I would wager that the issues most people have with it will not be solved by OnCue. And that's without getting to the slip lane/intersection geometry for the Classen/NW 13/Western intersection. Already the Scooter's Coffee has made the situation worse and that particular dial is gonna get turned up to an 11 once the OnCue is built.

I looked at that church when it was for sale a few years ago and fantasized about making it a live/workspace for me.

I'd still like to do that at some point and I've been looking hard at the area west of Classen and slightly north of Sheridan. I'd prefer something with a big, open interior space.

I have no idea if it's for sale at all but you should try to get the old Greek Orthodox Church at NW 8 and Western. That is an awesome building!

I looked at that church when it was for sale a few years ago and fantasized about making it a live/workspace for me.

I'd still like to do that at some point and I've been looking hard at the area west of Classen and slightly north of Sheridan. I'd prefer something with a big, open interior space.

Pete,years ago when I lived in Houston, an acquaintance had a home in the Heights that was an old small converted church. The interior space was great for parties!

Foundations are well underway.

Just south are some great renovated live/work units that are now for lease.

And on the SW corner, there are two apartment buildings; the north structure has been fully renovated and is quite nice. Renovation is in progress for the south building and the rents are cheaper there.

All owned by the Strubles and you can see more photos and lease info. here: https://www.180realtyok.com/all/residential

So much great infill happening in the core.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321a.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321b.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321c.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321d.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321e.jpg

They put up a new sign with updated concept drawings. I like the new looks!
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New shop opened this weekend next to Aurora.

Grinmore (https://www.grinmorestore.com/)

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New shop opened this weekend next to Aurora.

Grinmore (https://www.grinmorestore.com/)

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Well fortunately they don't have much cash tied up in inventory.

yeah but how are they paying rent with some shoes, shirts, and hats?

yeah but how are they paying rent with some shoes, shirts, and hats?

They sell online as well. I am guessing they make enough online to pay their rent. I am sure they will get some TikTok influencers to spread the word. :tongue:

Tell me you're old without telling me you're old.

Tell me you're old without telling me you're old.

Right? The shop is actually a very pleasing place to walk into. It is not cluttered with throw-away inventory and your eyes can focus on the products the shop owner wants to highlight. I have no doubt this shop owner has a way of showing you everything you need with a tablet or telling you how to find them on your phone. We are at the beginning of a paradigm shift in shopping. We no longer want to walk into Dillards with a sea of overpriced lame styles.

Right? The shop is actually a very pleasing place to walk into. It is not cluttered with throw-away inventory and your eyes can focus on the products the shop owner wants to highlight. I have no doubt this shop owner has a way of showing you everything you need with a tablet or telling you how to find them on your phone. We are at the beginning of a paradigm shift in shopping. We no longer want to walk into Dillards with a sea of overpriced lame styles.

You're telling me that the hallmark of shopping for the last 50+ years: walking into a store, finding just an amazing article of clothing, only to find they don't have it in your size...you're telling me that hallmark is going to....GO AWAY????

You're telling me that the hallmark of shopping for the last 50+ years: walking into a store, finding just an amazing article of clothing, only to find they don't have it in your size...you're telling me that hallmark is going to....GO AWAY????

My memory insists that there is an episode of Portlandia with a boutique that literally sells one specific sweater--as in a single size and only one in the whole store. But I have spent waaay too much time googling and couldn't find any trace. Maybe I dreamed?

The Blackwelder Cottages are now listed for pre-sale: https://www.redfin.com/OK/Oklahoma-City/1304-N-Blackwelder-Ave-73106/home/71749298

~2,000 sq ft for $460k

The Blackwelder Cottages are now listed for pre-sale: https://www.redfin.com/OK/Oklahoma-City/1304-N-Blackwelder-Ave-73106/home/71749298

~2,000 sq ft for $460k

Seems a tad high if you ask me, but what do I know. Not sure what demo they are looking to attract at that price.

Seems a tad high if you ask me, but what do I know. Not sure what demo they are looking to attract at that price.

I can't speak to the quality in-person, but numerous properties in Classen Ten-Penn have sold for $225-245/sqft in the last 6 months. $234/sqft for new construction actually fits in with those numbers quite reasonably, I suspect.

I can't speak to the quality in-person, but numerous properties in Classen Ten-Penn have sold for $225-245/sqft in the last 6 months. $234/sqft for new construction actually fits in with those numbers quite reasonably, I suspect.

I know the quality will be worth the money, I just feel there is a certain demographic that lives in this area and interacts with the plaza district that will in no way be able to afford a home at that price.

I know the quality will be worth the money, I just feel there is a certain demographic that lives in this area and interacts with the plaza district that will in no way be able to afford a home at that price.

This is pretty much just what it costs to buy within walking distance to the plaza now.

I know the quality will be worth the money, I just feel there is a certain demographic that lives in this area and interacts with the plaza district that will in no way be able to afford a home at that price.

Gentrification

This is pretty much just what it costs to buy within walking distance to the plaza now.

Then I guess we should just count on this being the new norm in Ten Penn. I understood it for Gatewood, but even 16th street has a 1.8 million dollar home on one side and boarded up vacant for years no lawn mowed, and trash everywhere, on the other side. I actually really like the idea of these smaller homes that are close together and community green space that is shareable with Neighbors. Just wish it was in my price range.

The Blackwelder Cottages are now listed for pre-sale: https://www.redfin.com/OK/Oklahoma-City/1304-N-Blackwelder-Ave-73106/home/71749298

~2,000 sq ft for $460k

LOL. This used to be murderer's row at one time -- and the Flaming Lips compound as well.

did the lips move?

did the lips move?

Pretty sure only Wayne still lives around there, not sure if the others even still live in OKC anymore.

There are certainly differences between renting and buying but I did want to defend this development in the sense that there are both somewhat affordable and very affordable apartments close by. As Pete pointed out, the Native Lands apartments across the street (owned/managed by the same developer) range from $550/month in the older building to $1000/month in the renovated building. And just a block away at NW 12 and Gatewood are the Gatewood Manor apartments, which are in rough shape but rent for $450/month. At least for the time being, this area is the very definition of a mix of income levels and affordability. Now whether those conditions will remain in place long-term I can't say.

Pretty sure only Wayne still lives around there, not sure if the others even still live in OKC anymore.
All of them live in OKC. Even Michael moved back to OKC a couple of years ago after probably close to 20 years in the Cincinnati area.

Pretty sure only Wayne still lives around there, not sure if the others even still live in OKC anymore.

AFAIK, only Michael Ivins lives outside of OKC (Northern Kentucky last I heard). Wayne, Steven and Derek Brown all live in OKC.

AFAIK, only Michael Ivins lives outside of OKC (Northern Kentucky last I heard). Wayne, Steven and Derek Brown all live in OKC.
soonerguru, Michael moved back to OKC a couple of years ago after a lot of years in the place you mention, the Cincinnati/northern Kentucky area. I’ve had a few conversations with him when running into him at shows, or at places like the Homeland on 18th haha.

You’re right about the rest of them (I think Steven may live in Edmond now, at least the last I heard) and also Matt Duckworth and Nicholas Ley (both drummers) are in OKC. Nick teaches at ACM@UCO. Derek Brown, who you mentioned, is also at ACM as the manager of their business development center. I had a business meeting with Derek just this past week.

I’m not sure where Jake Ingalls (Spaceface) lives,. He’s a Memphis guy, so he might be the lone exception.

These guys are still in OKC and every one of them contributes to the community in some way. We’re fortunate to have them.. And Wayne still lives in Classen-Ten-Penn. I doubt he’ll ever leave. He’s pretty deeply embedded, with a full studio on site among other things.

His across the street neighbor, Tyrone Meade of Chainsaw Kittens and Defenestration fame is in the process of moving back to China, however.

soonerguru, Michael moved back to OKC a couple of years ago after a lot of years in the place you mention, the Cincinnati/northern Kentucky area. I’ve had a few conversations with him when running into him at shows, or at places like the Homeland on 18th haha.

You’re right about the rest of them (I think Steven may live in Edmond now, at least the last I heard) and also Matt Duckworth and Nicholas Ley (both drummers) are in OKC. Nick teaches at ACM@UCO. Derek Brown, who you mentioned, is also at ACM as the manager of their business development center. I had a business meeting with Derek just this past week.

I’m not sure where Jake Ingalls (Spaceface) lives,. He’s a Memphis guy, so he might be the lone exception.

These guys are still in OKC and every one of them contributes to the community in some way. We’re fortunate to have them.. And Wayne still lives in Classen-Ten-Penn. I doubt he’ll ever leave. He’s pretty deeply embedded, with a full studio on site among other things.

His across the street neighbor, Tyrone Meade of Chainsaw Kittens and Defenestration fame is in the process of moving back to China, however.

Ahem, Tyson (I know this must be autocorrect).

^^^^^^^^^^
HAHAHAHAHAHA yeah, DEFINITELY autocorrect! And too much time has expired for me to go back and change it, I swear sometimes I’d just like to turn autocorrect off.

I shared this on the EatAroundOKC (Damn I miss Tim's site and actually contributed a few reviews to it) facebook page 11 years ago today.... At that time El Pollo Rico was the only restaurant down there and I was usually the only person in the restaurant.... The area sure has made some huge strides since those days but I still miss this burrito.... It was one of my favorites in town.

I shared this on the EatAroundOKC (Damn I miss Tim's site and actually contributed a few reviews to it) facebook page 11 years ago today.... At that time El Pollo Rico was the only restaurant down there and I was usually the only person in the restaurant.... The area sure has made some huge strides since those days but I still miss this burrito.... It was one of my favorites in town.
We used to go down and eat at a Mexican restaurant also, and really enjoyed it. Been here in Gatewood since ‘94, and the Plaza was empty. He was good, remember getting the special one day, squid bodies stuffed with grapes. Miss that one.

Neon about to get some slick signs:

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/neon081721a.jpg

Here is a little before and after.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321f.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12blackwelder051321c.jpg

Signs are up for three of these little shops and one for 180. Below are the websites for each shop. I like the variety already.
https://www.haas-house.com/
https://moondrakeco.com/
https://boutiquebarokc.com/

^

Thanks!

Such a great little project.

Yesterday I saw a lot of movement on Blackwelder south of the Plaza District. Midwest Wrecking tore down 3 or 4 houses on 12th and Blackwelder. The live/work garage apartments, I believe the Strubles are developing, are close to complete. And then a sign went up on Blackwelder just North of ParkPl. Photo below of sign.

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Found some renderings on the noblereh.com website.

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This location has started to move.

There is now a nice little corridor of small residential infill development popping up along Blackwelder from 10th to 23rd running directly through the Plaza.

I mapped out the current projects underway along with the (somewhat) recently completed ones to get a visual of how that stretch is developing. I hope we continue to see the area around the Plaza become more and more dense.

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I think another infill project (NW 22 and McKinley) was approved at Council today.

They've also continued to move on the townhomes north of the live/work units at NW 12 and Blackwelder, as well as the townhomes at NW 11 and Ellison.

^^ I haven’t heard of the project at 22nd and McKinley. Do you know which lot this will be on?

It will be the southwest corner of NW 22 and McKinley (1600 and 1604 NW 22). It appears to be a 3-story building with 12 units. It's SPUD-1317; here's a link to the related Planning Commission minutes: https://okc.primegov.com/portal/viewer?id=25250&type=2

^^Thanks. That looks like a great project. Really hope it gets built.

It will be the southwest corner of NW 22 and McKinley (1600 and 1604 NW 22). It appears to be a 3-story building with 12 units. It's SPUD-1317; here's a link to the related Planning Commission minutes: https://okc.primegov.com/portal/viewer?id=25250&type=2

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Blackwelder Cottages (NE corner of N Blackwelder Ave and NW 12) continues to move forward pretty quickly. They have the first one framed in and footings poured for all the houses that will face Blackwelder. It appears to me that they are still working on grading the land for the units behind those.

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All four of the Noble REH for-sale units behind (to the west of) Native Land apartments are framed in and two have their windows in, as well. This is called Plaza Rows, if I remember correctly. There are four townhomes at 1709 NW 11. Then they are restoring an existing house at 1715 NW 11, which looks incredible in person, and building a new detached house behind that at 1713 NW 11.

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Then across the street at 1138 N Blackwelder the "ModQuad" is framed up, as well. I think these 4 units will be rentals but I am not sure about that.

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A couple of blocks away at 1145 and 1151 N Ellison Ave, two lots have been cleared and graded in the last month. It appears to me that they've graded the plot for 5 detached townhomes facing NW 11, as approved by Council, despite the subsequent change in ownership.

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Anyway, it's really impressive to see the upward change in density in this small area.