That parcel is outside the area defined for those purposes as "downtown." The dividing line is 13th. Developments in downtown have no contiguous parking requirements. This change was made in the late 90s. Before then if you wanted to develop something in the core you basically had to acquire additional property and even knock down buildings if necessary to satisfy suburban-style parking requirements.

I would like to know how many projects fail because of the city requiring max parking. This building is actually on the corner of 14th and Broadway, with a very nice size (60) existing parking lot and the city is requiring an additional 78 spaces? How does the city come up with these numbers?

This really seems ridiculous. Are other cities this stringent on parking requirements for businesses?

This really seems ridiculous. Are other cities this stringent on parking requirements for businesses?

Yes and no. Some cities don't require any on-site parking while others are still applying suburban building codes everywhere. OKC seems to be making the transition slowly.

Iguana is expanding their kitchen and adding a covered patio with outdoor fireplace:

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

I know this has been here for a while, but just found out that my cousin painted this. It's pretty sweet
http://blog.newsok.com/bamsblog/files/2011/08/womb-zach-gray-photo.jpg

Can't see it

It's the Womb building.

I know this has been here for a while, but just found out that my cousin painted this. It's pretty sweet
http://blog.newsok.com/bamsblog/files/2011/08/womb-zach-gray-photo.jpg

Your cousin is the famous graffiti artist from New York Maya Hayuk?

well he helped graffiti it with this one chick from new york. but he does lots of stuff here in OKC

Family and I drove through Automobile Alley tonight after dark, as well as SOSA, Deep Deuce, Midtown and the Film District. I just have to say WOW. Lived here for several years and come to downtown often, and every time I drive through, it gets better and better. Kudos OKC! By the way, the old Central Middle School, if you haven't seen it at night, check it out - classy and romantic. The neon in AA is just divine. This is one family ready to sell our oversized SF home in Edmond and rent above a business in AA. If you've got 3 bedrooms (or empty space to convert), we've got $2000 a month.

$2000 month for a 3 bed DT, good luck

$2000 month for a 3 bed DT, good luck

Depending on how much space you want that's not a crazy number for the downtown area. There are expensive areas and still reasonably priced areas in and around downtown depending on a multitude of factors (i.e. how big are these rooms?). I was renting a nice studio for only $500 (although prices went up when I was there) in the heart of Midtown last year so close to $2,000 is at least within reason. You make it sound completely ridiculous.

You could get a very upscale apartment in the Montgomery, or many similarly beautiful old buildings, with 2 bedrooms for $2,000. So 3 bedrooms for $2,000 probably isn't impossible, it's just kind of a tough find downtown due to inventory. While the price isn't a big problem, that problem is that 3 bedrooms don't really exist except in exceptional living units, like the Brownstones at Maywood Park, which we know are million-dollar homes. The market has mostly adopted to the need for studios and 1 bedrooms..

$2000 month for a 3 bed DT, good luck
IIRC that is already being paid for two bedroom apartments in the Montgomery.

Thanks. Never hurts to periodically check with those in the know. I keep close tabs on real estate on centraloklahomaproperties.com, downtownokc.com and of course I troll this site everyday for the latest. While I understand the prices and dynamics of a metropolitan downtown, in my opinion, limiting housing to studios and two beds is short-sighted and limits diversity in ages and incomes. I seem to remember the consultant presenting the downtown housing study mentioning that a mix of types and prices is essential. "Strollers are the mark of a healthy downtown housing market" he said. I read about the East Bricktown units, which I will certainly check out, but basic apartment living isn't our goal.

I once lived in a mixed-use loft space and loved the early morning strolls and getting to know every baker and bike shop owner. We want to be part of a thriving downtown neighborhood where we can walk to work and our 2 urban-minded kids can see other kids and safely walk or ride bikes to the Y together for some bball or Browns for a donut while hot husband and I are chatting with neighbors and sipping coffee at Slingers and not worried about a yard to mow or roof to replace. Nothing fancy, nothing contrived. You get my drift. Two grand should be enough, in my opinion.

What is this S&B burger place pictured a few pages back? Can't find anything else on it.

What is this S&B burger place pictured a few pages back? Can't find anything else on it.

It's awesome!

What is this S&B burger place pictured a few pages back? Can't find anything else on it.

Gabriel Iglesias (comedian) was here last Sunday to do a show and he tweeted that he was at S&B Burger Joint.

What is this S&B burger place pictured a few pages back? Can't find anything else on it.

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=27560

Thanks. Didn't see the new Midtown sub-forum.

Gabriel Iglesias (comedian) was here last Sunday to do a show and he tweeted that he was at S&B Burger Joint.

Oh Shoot, I missed Fluffy.

If you really want to live downtown, you should give a 2 bedroom a try. We have 3 kids and have been in a 2 bdr apt. for the last 4 years. You get used to it pretty quickly.

Impressive Sid. You must be one hell of a negotiator/mediator. You're right, thanks for the reminder. We've talked about splitting a large bedroom with floor to ceiling shelving or a murphy bed.

Still holding out hope that developers will listen to the housing study and include 3 beds in future projects downtown. Options and diversity are good.

Oh Shoot, I missed Fluffy.

I did too. I was busy that night but I'm going to try and go to his Tulsa show on May 17th. =)

Great photo of AA courtesy OKC.biz:

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

A great new addition for this area.

http://newsok.com/city-arts-center-in-oklahoma-city-will-move-from-state-fair-park-to-downtown/article/3661892

A great new addition for this area.

http://newsok.com/city-arts-center-in-oklahoma-city-will-move-from-state-fair-park-to-downtown/article/3661892

The article mentions they were interested in the site since it is likely to be on the future streetcar line. Should be a feather in the streetcar advocates' cap. It hasn't even been built yet but is helping to encourage development.

If you the opportunity to do develop the building/lot across the street from Pachinko Parlor and Sara Sara Cupcakes into anything you wanted or whatever you thought would be successful there, what would you do? For me, I would do something like Katy Trail Ice House in Dallas. I think whatever goes in should incorporate outdoor seating/patio space. I'm sure Steve Mason would love to hear everyone's ideas.

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&authuser=0&biw=1680&bih=880&tbm=isch&tbnid=T8DD4_XIx-a_DM:&imgrefurl=http://elumandme.typepad.com/elumandme/2011/04/katy-trail-ice-house.html&docid=o1ANat_pIs5SHM&imgurl=http://elumandme.typepad.com/.a/6a013485ccccb6970c014e60fb86af970c-800wi&w=800&h=600&ei=AEaHT5_-A8Ws8AGK2eChCA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=611&vpy=327&dur=204&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=169&ty=94&sig=101267314042638392329&page=1&tbnh=156&tbnw=195&start=0&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0,i:87

http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/assets_c/2011/03/icehouse-thumb-510x381-109619.jpeg

I'd like to see a bar with a small dance floor. Not a club - a bar.

Katy Trail Ice House is very popular and would fit great there.

I think that looks awesome. Iguana gets that kind of feel on Taco Tuesday during the summer, I feel like that could add just one more destination for people in that area.

Damn

This Sat. Lunch time, noonish.
Limited to an hour, including to/from 13th/Stonewall(ish).
Enjoyed Mama E's last trip, two weeks ago.
Leo's (all BBQ actually) has been nixed by she who doesn't wanna smell like Q all afternoon
Family Affair no longer does Saturdays.

So I'm now thinking about lunch options in AA or basically anywhere that is within two miles of 13th/Stonewall and not Bricktown.) TO meet her schedule we have a need to:
Stay close in;
Avoid folks who excel at slow motion service;

Fast food places like T-Bell, McD's, Carls, Quizno, Subway, Sonic, etc. are not on the radar.

Who are our best options in AA or Midtown for good AND quick?

Beatnix, Foodies Express, Markies perhaps. Personally a big fan of Kaisers. H&8 could benefit with something other than Ludevine.

Still missing a real diner imhop.

Irmas if pretty quick and good. Get a Choc beer.

Beatnix, Foodies Express, Markies perhaps. Personally a big fan of Kaisers. H&8 could benefit with something other than Ludevine.

Still missing a real diner imhop.

Thanks UP. Looks like we'll go enjoy Foodies in about an hour when she gets free from her event. Thought about Beatnix too, but we're really not coffee folk most days. May hit Kaisers next go around.

on edit:

Foodies had a closed sign in the north window and a handwritten sign by the door. Something about May 7 but I couldn't make it out as I needed to get on to another option.

We popped over to Kaisers. Taste was in the yeah, it's ok range rather than being in the hot dang that's good stuff range. But credit where it is due. They were busy, busy, with folk sitting inside and out and they seemed to be trying to play catch up. Not excessively, but it showed.

The kettle chips were good. The bison burger was more eh, ok. Her sweet tater fries were good. Turkey club was also just it'll do. Friendly folk, but not real prompt. Again, busy, busy impacted that. Perhaps a hand short, or so it seemed.

We passed on getting ice cream as we were short on time.

All in all, it feels a bit destined for the been there, may go back ... someday list.

I do find myself wishing Foodies, or even Blvd. Cafeteria, had been open. I'm odd and like Blvd., if only because being in your 50's and feeling like your table is the kid table is really kind of interesting in its own way.

If you the opportunity to do develop the building/lot across the street from Pachinko Parlor and Sara Sara Cupcakes into anything you wanted or whatever you thought would be successful there, what would you do? For me, I would do something like Katy Trail Ice House in Dallas. I think whatever goes in should incorporate outdoor seating/patio space. I'm sure Steve Mason would love to hear everyone's ideas.

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&authuser=0&biw=1680&bih=880&tbm=isch&tbnid=T8DD4_XIx-a_DM:&imgrefurl=http://elumandme.typepad.com/elumandme/2011/04/katy-trail-ice-house.html&docid=o1ANat_pIs5SHM&imgurl=http://elumandme.typepad.com/.a/6a013485ccccb6970c014e60fb86af970c-800wi&w=800&h=600&ei=AEaHT5_-A8Ws8AGK2eChCA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=611&vpy=327&dur=204&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=169&ty=94&sig=101267314042638392329&page=1&tbnh=156&tbnw=195&start=0&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0,i:87

http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/assets_c/2011/03/icehouse-thumb-510x381-109619.jpeg

Why is this being asked? Are Pachinko Parlor and Sara Cupcakes going out?

I went to Katy Trail Ice House for the first time ever this past weekend and had a blast. A very fun and laid back atmosphere, which was lacking in that area. Much different vibe from the typical scene.

Why is this being asked? Are Pachinko Parlor and Sara Cupcakes going out?

I went to Katy Trail Ice House for the first time ever this past weekend and had a blast. A very fun and laid back atmosphere, which was lacking in that area. Much different vibe from the typical scene.

Nevermind, I need to learn to read better.

Some photos of the newly-covered Iguana patio courtesy Urban Pioneer:


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/iguana6212a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/iguana6212b.jpg

Also new to AA is a neon sign for the Family and Rec Schlegel's location on the West side of the street. I want this area to look like the Vegas Strip with all the signs.

This is the new Schlegel's Sign

http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa408/wschnitt/IMG_0124.jpg

More neon for AA, this time at 1025 N. Broadway:


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/1025nbroadway.jpg

SWEET!!!! I love it. Now I hope the broadway wine merchants sign gets fixed.

Awesome!!!

More neon for AA, this time at 1025 N. Broadway:


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/1025nbroadway.jpg

Pete, did you put this up for me because of my love of neon??

Score another historic renovation.

Score another historic renovation.

What building are you referring to?

Sorry, 1025, the one Pete posted.

Sorry, 1025, the one Pete posted.

not sure that is a historic building but either way it has been occupied for a long long time

Hmm, county assessor has no information on this parcel, but you're right it looks barely post-war, and I'm sure the scale was originally larger considering the other original buildings on that intersection, and the Marion and Cardinal Engineering bldg scales.

Hmm, county assessor has no information on this parcel, but you're right it looks barely post-war, and I'm sure the scale was originally larger considering the other original buildings on that intersection, and the Marion and Cardinal Engineering bldg scales.

building is from 1920 looks like habitat for humanity renovated it in 1995 ... sold to current owner last year

Is that the building that housed the H4H Renovation Station before they relocated in the old hardware store across the street(?)

Yes, I believe so, but I'm not sure about any old hardware store.

That part I am 99.9% sure about...unless they relocated again since the last time I was there (it has been a while), it definitely was a hardware store previously. I was in there a couple of times to pick stuff up when I was working Maint with McDonalds a lifetime or two ago....seems it was a local mom-n-pop place that had been there for a couple of decades???

That part I am 99.9% sure about...unless they relocated again since the last time I was there (it has been a while), it definitely was a hardware store previously. I was in there a couple of times to pick stuff up when I was working Maint with McDonalds a lifetime or two ago....seems it was a local mom-n-pop place that had been there for a couple of decades???

Bolton's Hardware. They had everything. The problem at times was finding it. Good place.

Ding Ding Ding...that was it!

For those craving more retail on Auto Alley, Wayne Cone just announced Dwelling Spaces (ultra-trendy home store in Tulsa) will be opening a location next to the Womb on 9th.

http://www.dwellingspaces.net/

What building next to the Womb? Dwelling Spaces is a great addition for this area!

I believe it's the structure directly east; the pink building below.

They were putting in storefront windows there a couple of months ago:

https://images.nonexiste.net/popular/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Cakeday-didnt-have-anything-planned-Heres-a-few-snaps-of-the-Womb-Art-Gallery-in-Oklahoma-City-It-is-a-project-of-Wayne-Coyne-and-the-Flaming-Lips-One-of-the-more-interesting-spots-in-my-city1.jpeg

Great news! Dwelling Spaces is easily one of the coolest Oklahoman-owned stores in the state. Also, Mary Beth is way cool in her own right. Good fit.

Cool store indeed, though I'm not so sure how well the "Don't hate the 918" shirts will do here lol.

Cool store indeed, though I'm not so sure how well the "Don't hate the 918" shirts will do here lol.

Maybe they'll sell some "Be alive in the 405" shirts at this location...