Is Urban Wineworks still open?

Is Urban Wineworks still open?

I believe so.

Yes it is, they were closed for about a week around New Years. Sign on the door said power was out. But back open got a bottle last night

Pretty sure there are numerous bars (not clubs) just in the Brady District alone that do not sell food or sell it on a very limited basis. Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of these, but the ones that come to mind are: Valkyrie, Soundpony, Yeti, Bar 46, Caz's (totally separate from the restaurant, right?). I think there are more just in the that one district. I can think of quite a few others in Tulsa too. Why does Tulsa seem to have such a different bar scene? However, I don't think Grandad 's serves food, right?

Pretty sure there are numerous bars (not clubs) just in the Brady District alone that do not sell food or sell it on a very limited basis. Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of these, but the ones that come to mind are: Valkyrie, Soundpony, Yeti, Bar 46, Caz's (totally separate from the restaurant, right?). I think there are more just in the that one district. I can think of quite a few others in Tulsa too. Why does Tulsa seem to have such a different bar scene? However, I don't think Grandad 's serves food, right?

You can get a tasty, high-calorie hot dog at Soundpony.

Pretty sure there are numerous bars (not clubs) just in the Brady District alone that do not sell food or sell it on a very limited basis. Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of these, but the ones that come to mind are: Valkyrie, Soundpony, Yeti, Bar 46, Caz's (totally separate from the restaurant, right?). I think there are more just in the that one district. I can think of quite a few others in Tulsa too. Why does Tulsa seem to have such a different bar scene? However, I don't think Grandad 's serves food, right?

My guess is because of the slightly different culture up there. This isn't really a case of one is better than the other though. Tulsa, as far as I know, doesn't have as many dance clubs, ultra-lounges, or country oriented bars as OKC does. As far as bars like the ones you listed, OKC will likely start to see more of these kind of places within the next few years, and yes there is a difference between them and places that are primarily restaurants that happen to have a bar.

Pretty sure there are numerous bars (not clubs) just in the Brady District alone that do not sell food or sell it on a very limited basis. Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of these, but the ones that come to mind are: Valkyrie, Soundpony, Yeti, Bar 46, Caz's (totally separate from the restaurant, right?). I think there are more just in the that one district. I can think of quite a few others in Tulsa too. Why does Tulsa seem to have such a different bar scene? However, I don't think Grandad 's serves food, right?

What does it matter if a bar serves food or not? A person can get just as drunk just as easy at a booze only bar as a bar with no food. No offense to you, but you have pushed this narrative that alcohol only establishments are somehow superior with nothing to back this up except that Tulsa is having some success with that model. Good for them...but have you thought that maybe consumers in different markets act differently? Do people really care that much one way or another?

I can say this. I would like to think I am somewhat typical of young professionals in this city. I much prefer going to a place that serves both food and drink because a) going to a drink only bar guarantees I will be smelling like an ashtray before the night is over, b) since we have such poor public transit and taxis in this city, I like to pace my drinking by being able to order food, and c) lots of restaurants around town can pad their profit margin with booze sales so they've stepped up their cocktail and drink offerings, many times exceeding that of a comparable bar.

Understand that the Blue Dome is a VERY young area. If I am correct its only really been around in its current form since 2011. Most bars aren't expected to make a profit after year 2 or 3, but after that they better start making some cash to stay afloat. They may find it difficult do so by being a drink only establishment with limited hours, so don't be surprised if a few start opening to lunch or dinner crowds. And it won't be the end of the world if that is the case.

Actually, Bricktown has more establishments, but it doesn't feel like it for one very obvious reason. Tulsa's Brady District is much more walkable and intimate. It covers much less area but it is dense and always looks active at night. Bricktown draws a lot of people but is far less intimate feeling.

We've been round and round about Tulsa vs OKC "bar districts". Bricktown has far more bars than any district in Tulsa but again, I get why there is a perception discrepancy.

This perception shows the importance of placemaking when it comes to developing districts. It wouldn't be difficult at all to retrofit Bricktown to have a more intimate feel. Then again, part of what makes it unique is the fact it was a former warehouse district and has maintained that gritty, warehouse district feel.

This perception shows the importance of placemaking when it comes to developing districts. It wouldn't be difficult at all to retrofit Bricktown to have a more intimate feel. Then again, part of what makes it unique is the fact it was a former warehouse district and has maintained that gritty, warehouse district feel.

It all starts with the canal and the woefully underutilized canal level and canal side ground level. If Bricktown could beef up that part of the district, it would go a long way toward making it more intimate.

It all starts with the canal and the woefully underutilized canal level and canal side ground level. If Bricktown could beef up that part of the district, it would go a long way toward making it more intimate.

Isn't there plans to do that? Not on Hogan's turf but upper Bricktown?

Back to discussion the Plaza District, this is the location of the proposed pub:

Blair Upholstery - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Blair%20Upholstery)

I couldn't agree more. This is why I feel like Bricktown is as much of an opportunity within its own success. Building after building is being built that degrades the pedestrian environment and is really just vertical sprawl. None of the hotels are going to be vibrant street level centers. I was hoping that when DOKC Inc took over Bricktown that they'd see this opportunity but by essentially hiring an event coordinator instead of a district planner, I'm not optimistic that Bricktown will make necessary adjustments to evolve correctly. When all the land is filled up, it will be really hard to lift up the quality then.

That being said, there are a couple developments that are an improvement. The Steel Yard is my favorite right now.

Off topic. My apologies.

With DOKC at the helm, Bricktown now DOES have a very talented planner in AJ Kirkpatrick. Bricktown now benefits from having a well-oiled multi-faceted DOKC staff involved wherever their respective skill sets call for it. I have two different meetings next week involving separate planning-oriented topics, and AJ will be attending both. Mallory (the new program manager dedicated to the district) is a relationship builder, and Bricktown needed that, too.

Agree it's off-topic. If you'd like to discuss that more, let's move future conversation to the Bricktown thread.

I'm told it's a "different type of concept" and will go into a building that is changing hands; there is a signed letter of interest.

Waiting for the sale to close before revealing more, at the wishes of the involved parties.

A pub? A PUB? REALLY?

Saint's is a pub. There's already a pub. You could argue that Mule is a pub. What about an actual restaurant? That would be a benefit to the area.

A pub? A PUB? REALLY?

Saint's is a pub. There's already a pub. You could argue that Mule is a pub. What about an actual restaurant? That would be a benefit to the area.

Should have more details soon. I'm told it will be different from Saints.

I heard a rumor this building on blackwelder is supposed to become a restaurant.


6016

I heard a rumor this building on blackwelder is supposed to become a restaurant.

Let me see what I can find out.

They did a "what should this property become?" feedback process on Popularise:

https://popularise.com/cities/4/neighborhoods/11/projects/14/view

I said I want them to talk the owners of the Shoe Gypsy into reopening. Their shoes were much better suited to the Plaza crowd than the Nichols Hills crowd. I really miss them.

Regarding the farmhouse, Jeff Struble has plans to renovate the bottom floor for commercial (flex retail/office) and the upper floor into residential. Several restaurants were interested but nothing panned out. Personally, I think it's a better route as a transition from the residential into the commercial area. I don't think that end of the district can handle another restaurant until some parking issues are resolved. There are plans to increase walkability and parkability on Blackwelder between 15th & 16th in the works.

And since I just said the p-word, I'll go ahead and throw out that we are waiting to hear on some funding approval for a parking study similar to Western Avenue study done by OUIQC. I'm anxious to do the study and see the results so we can first learn how to manage existing parking better, maximize underutilized space, and increase lighting, safety and walkability on the residential streets surrounding the district. There are many opportunities that don't require big parking lots, and its my goal is to explore all of them as first priority. I have to keep repeating to myself that parking is a good problem, because it's not a fun one!

I heard a rumor this building on blackwelder is supposed to become a restaurant.


6016

That would be cool. In Charlotte, historic houses converted to bars/restaurants are a pretty big deal in the Dilworth district. The establishments have quite a bit of charm and character as well. It would be nice to have that take off here.

Oklahoma City developer purchases two neglected buildings | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/oklahoma-city-developer-purchases-two-neglected-buildings/article/3928526)

Oklahoma City developer purchases two neglected buildings | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/oklahoma-city-developer-purchases-two-neglected-buildings/article/3928526)

Pete, are you still hearing pub concept for the Plaza space?

Pete, are you still hearing pub concept for the Plaza space?

Yes, that building will be half pub, half retail.

Details soon.

Nice!

Every time I look through the thousands of old photos I have, I find something new I haven't noticed before. I've had these two photos for a couple years but didn't know where it was. Since the last time I really looked at it, I've been to the Plaza District and know it well. Here's what the district looked like in the early 70's.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9322497/Photos/16th%20Indiana1.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9322497/Photos/16th%26Indiana.jpg

The ornamental brick cupola was the dead-giveaway.

Here's a modern StreetView (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.485974,-97.541081,3a,75y,56.89h,86.97t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sR8EXmauP3AGuoU27nwrSmA!2e0?hl= en)

Very cool!

Just goes to show how sharply things dropped off in the 80's and 90's. Went from a fully-leased, vibrant retail center to virtually abandoned and certainly run-down.

This is from the Plaza District Facebook page:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/261686_10152172445305831_1578694170_n.jpg

I don't think the improvement in the Plaza would have happened without improvement downtown either. I think it's a perfect example of how city improvements spread centrifugally out from the center. A great core leads to great areas surrounding it. Did we not have a great core, the kind of people who have developed the Plaza might not have stayed here to do so.

^

Totally agree, betts.

Every time I look through the thousands of old photos I have, I find something new I haven't noticed before. I've had these two photos for a couple years but didn't know where it was. Since the last time I really looked at it, I've been to the Plaza District and know it well. Here's what the district looked like in the early 70's.


The ornamental brick cupola was the dead-giveaway.

These are amazing! I've never seen photos from the 70s. In fact, we don't have photos of the district between 1940-1990s. A photo here and there of a building, but not much. Can I ask where you found these?

Kenyon Morgan Collection

Kenyon Morgan Collection Photos | Retro Metro OKC (http://www.retrometrookc.org/kenyon-morgan-collection-photos)

The quality of those two photos is fantastic. I feel like I should be able to step right into them, directly into my childhood. And I didn't even grow up here. But the familiarity of the Plaza combined with the fact that the cars in there match a very specific time in my life give me a really odd feeling of deja vu.

Those pictures were taken in July of 1973. The Plaza hosted the World Premiere of Dillinger in July of '73 (you can actually see that on the sign). Director John Milius was there along with Ben Johnson and Michelle Phillips. The famous scene of the killing of Dillinger at the Biograph was shot downtown at the old Midwest Theater. Many other scenes were filmed in the Skirvin and elsewhere in the state.

Yeah I found that movie and watched it not long ago. The fake blood from the killing shot went all over the north alleyway wall of the Midwest Theater. It was gone not long after that.

Alleyway I'm talking about.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Midwest%20Theatre/Midwest-21.jpg

By the way, if you showed that photo out of context to the average person, there's no way they would know it was Oklahoma City. The building on the left was the Security Building. The empty lot on the right was the Baltimore Building, which was on the corner of Harvey and Sheridan. If you were standing in front of the Devon Rotunda, that's about where this photo would be.

Will, Nice pix of the old Midwest! I can't find those old Plaza pix in the Kenyon Morgan Collection. There are three galleries and I looked through all of them. Am I missing it or are they no longer there?

No, there are about a hundred not on there that show tons of random houses, and little markets and street shots around town.

No, there are about a hundred not on there that show tons of random houses, and little markets and street shots around town.

Those would be so cool to see. Did they have them up on the site at one time?

Those would be so cool to see. Did they have them up on the site at one time?

Most aren't posted and we're working on getting them posted here.

Alleyway I'm talking about.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Midwest%20Theatre/Midwest-21.jpg

I wonder what it would take to get Devon to place a historical marker in the approximate location...

Here's a modern StreetView (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.485974,-97.541081,3a,75y,56.89h,86.97t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sR8EXmauP3AGuoU27nwrSmA!2e0?hl= en)

What's interesting is how much has changed since googlemaps streetview came through. The Mule space was just under construction, DNA galleries was still in its old spot, the furniture and bedding store was still there and depending on where you are looking, the convenience store across the street from Saint's was still in business. If you look at the C-store from in front of Saint's, it was still a C-store, if you look at it a little further west, it had already been painted over to match the dance studio next door. I would be curious to know the lease agreement for the Plaza Discount Store and when that is up. You could fit about four businesses the size of Urban Wineworks in that space and probably more than double your rents.

Went to the State of the Plaza meeting last night at PhotoArt Studio and got to hear from several guest speakers.

Among them were Kristen Vails, David Wanzer, Aimee Struble (Jeff Struble's wife), the owners of Curiosidade's Guatemala (Jesse and I forget the other guy's name), the Dig it owners, Velvet Monkey owner and a few others.

Kristen Vails was first and she talked about how far the district had come. A few of the exciting things she mentioned were partnering with Positively Paseo to renovate several homes in the Classen-Ten-Penn neighborhood. I think it was five or ten if I remember correctly. She also mentioned that they received a grant for $85,000 to build a playground at the Gatewood area but they have to raise $8,500 first and then the entire thing will be built in a day on May 3rd.

Also speaking was the owner of The District House which is just east of the Parish. He said there will be a coffee bar, snacks, desserts, wine and beer and hot sandwiches as well as seating for about 300 people in the combined spaces.

The owners of the Guatemalan restaurant spoke and they said they hope to have the restaurant open by April 11th. When it was over, I talked to them and he said they are going to be doing Guatemalan food, but some authentic Mexican food as well. I told him they should specialize on different kinds of Tequila since there is no one else in the district doing that. He said their margaritas will their focus for now. He also said the Struble's own the lot to the west of them and they are trying to buy it from them but he is not sure what Jeff is going to do.

Aimme Sturble spoke at the end and she talked about 1601 N Blackwelder Avenue.

http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/sketches/picfile/2715/R062622560001pA.jpg

This property will be Aimee's office on the ground floor with room for one more office in the area and a coffee bar. The upstairs area will be a two bedroom, two bath apartment for rent for around $1,200/month.

I hadn't heard about District House:

https://www.facebook.com/districthouseokc

https://scontent-a-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1959523_10152008327618528_1121059061_n.jpg


It is not fully operational yet, but expect coffee, wine, beer, hot sandwiches to be served here soon!

Also in the Plaza District Facebook post, they say they are now 96% occupied (!) and will open 4 businesses this year, District House being one of them.

I can guess two others: the pub and retail store going into the old Blair Upholstery building. The 4th may be Chiltepes restaurant re-opening.

Also in the Plaza District Facebook post, they say they are now 96% occupied (!) and will open 4 businesses this year, District House being one of them.

I can guess two others: the pub and retail store going into the old Blair Upholstery building. The 4th may be Chiltepes restaurant re-opening.

That would be my guess. With the Upholstery shop going away and getting replaced, it seems like really the only places that should be switched out are the Plaza Discount Store and the convenience store across the street from Lyric. That is all of the 16th street fronting businesses, then they will have to work into places off 16th street like the Bomb Shelter and The Mule.

I know they are mostly full (and being rehabilitated at a very fast rate), and I suppose the ultimate best and highest use of them is the housing for which they were originally intended, but I have always thought that the large houses fronting 16th between Plaza's commercial district and Classen would be amazing candidates for adaptive re-use as bed & breakfast inns and/or funky retail. That would be the ultimate gateway to the Plaza from Classen.

The model I'm thinking of is Portland's Nob Hill (http://nwpdxnobhill.com/) area, though similar places exist elsewhere. I think the neighborhood's rapid residential gentrification might preclude that at this point though.


http://www.yourroadmaptohome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/1Nob-Hill-Boutiques-758594.jpg

I grew up in the '70s on the northwest corner of 15th & Kentucky, just a couple of blocks from the Plaza District now. I remember walking to the movie theatre many times, passing the Humpty Dumpty supermarket on the corner before the TG&Y. It was sad to see the neighborhood go so far downhill after I grew up and left. It's equally wonderful to see what it's becoming today. It used to be a busy retail area but now it's a destination. Too cool!

I hadn't heard about District House:

https://www.facebook.com/districthouseokc



I'm really looking forward to have this in the neighborhood.

They will open at 6:30am Mon-Sat which means I'll have a nice place for a early-morning cup of coffee on the weekdays, and a great Saturday morning hangout.

I missed this but what bldg is District House going into?


I don't think the improvement in the Plaza would have happened without improvement downtown either. I think it's a perfect example of how city improvements spread centrifugally out from the center. A great core leads to great areas surrounding it. Did we not have a great core, the kind of people who have developed the Plaza might not have stayed here to do so.

Yes, absolutely. It's a matter of raising not just expectations but also ideas for what is possible.

Just saw that it's just east of the Parrish. That's interesting, I forget the name of the coffee shop that went under there, but it was just ahead of it's time.

Just saw that it's just east of the Parrish. That's interesting, I forget the name of the coffee shop that went under there, but it was just ahead of it's time.

Coffy's Café is what you are thinking about. It was a but further west where Dig It is now.

Coffy's Cafe - Inner City Northside - Oklahoma City | Urbanspoon (http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/1458442/restaurant/Inner-City-Northside/Coffys-Cafe-Oklahoma-City)

I hadn't heard about District House:

https://www.facebook.com/districthouseokc

https://scontent-a-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1959523_10152008327618528_1121059061_n.jpg

The owner is also the Pastor at the Parish.. Pretty cool guy his name is Kenny Deason

We'd love OKC talk input on our parking study!
7053
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PlazaDistrict

We'd love OKC talk input on our parking study!
7053
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PlazaDistrict

Done and done.

We'd love OKC talk input on our parking study!
7053
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PlazaDistrict

Done also.

I know Kenny and he's a good guy. They've been working on the coffee shop next door for some time. Haven't visited them in a while.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma City's booming 16th Street Plaza District is experiencing growing pains, and officials are tackling it with a fresh study. New businesses are set to open in the area, which is bringing along concerns for parking.
Oklahoma City and the Institute of Quality Communities at the University of Oklahoma are working on a study to find a solution for the district's parking woes. On Friday, Shane Hampton was busy counting cars every hour, on the hour –- covering the entire district between Classen and Penn. on NW 16th Street.

"It's a little hidden village between two neighborhoods," executive director Kristen Vails of the Plaza District Association said.

The village, catering to the arts community, isn't much of a secret anymore. It has gained popularity in recent months with restaurant and bar openings. Plus, the district's "Live On The Plaza" event draws large crowds on the second Friday of each month. In a city where just about everyone drives, parking is now the topic of conversation.

Read more here: Growing Plaza District Curbs Parking Concerns With Study - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25040707/growing-plaza-district-curbs-parking-concerns-with-study)

I still honestly don't think there are any major parking problems. Just because you can't park right in front of your destination does indicate any major parking shortages. This is not bad though, at least the area is growing and successful.

I'm a Plaza regular, as I live within a three minutes. I've never had a parking problem, even during Live on the Plaza when thousands are there. I'm always able to park within two blocks of my destination. But for some, I guess that's too far.


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I hope they do not create any more surface lots. I'm watching this very closely.

There isn't a lot more leasable space left in the area, so it's hard to imagine they will need much more parking, even with the new pub.