Cool night time shot of Auto Alley with lots of neon and more to come:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7872323152_15aac2b44b_b.jpg

And another:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7813049498_941686370c_b.jpg

Lululemon's grand opening begins Thursday at noon.

Post #670 is an awesome pic! I've officially made that my background on my phone.

Steve mentions Rodeo Drive in LA here in connection with a new retailer. It seems to be getting more of a Melrose Ave. feel to me though if we're comparing it to LA shopping districts.

http://newsok.com/prestigious-lululemon-among-new-retailers-opening-along-automobile-alley-in-oklahoma-city/article/3704744

The Plenty Mercantile is new news. Sounds like a great concept for 807 N. Broadway:

http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/sketches/picfile/2729/R010320444001rA.jpg


The final addition to this mix will be the Plenty Mercantile, which is set to open by Thanksgiving at 807 N Broadway. Brittney Melton, her mother Traci Walton, and friend and business partner Chris England say they were attracted to the area by the success of another retailer, Shop Good, 3 NW 9.

“We are a sustainable lifestyle store,” Melton said. “We chose the word mercantile because it allows us to incorporate a wide variety of goods. We'll have lighting, furniture, house wares and some fun stuff in there as well. We have modern designers who are producing consciously — socially responsible or environmentally friendly.”


Read more: http://newsok.com/prestigious-lululemon-among-new-retailers-opening-along-automobile-alley-in-oklahoma-city/article/3704744#ixzz24qkiEuIj

This is exciting news. They were working on the building when I went by today. We can't get too much retail on Broadway, as far as I'm concerned.

That neon horse always gives me good/bad memories of the Mint Bar's neon sign in Sheridan, Wyoming

This is good news for retail on Auto Alley, but that place will not truly thrive until the pedestrian crossing issues are addressed and the place becomes more friendly for pedestrians. I've been down there twice this week during the lunch hour and crossing the street was a like navigating a gauntlet of death metal. None of the drivers obeyed the crosswalk signs and stopped to let us cross the street--they just sped down the street at 40 mph. But who can really blame them? The damn crosswalk signs are barely even visible and there are no street markings. It's ridiculous.

The city definitely needs to address the issue. I'm going to email the council about it now.

They need more traffic lights.

There are lights at 4th, 5th and 6th but no more until you reach 10th.

Considering most the activity is between 7th and 9th, they need at least one and probably two lights with pedestrian crossings.

What is the curb-to-curb width of Broadway through AA?

About 68 feet according to Google Earth.


Very wide, as there is parking on both sides, four lanes of traffic and a center turn lane.

Back-in angled parking has been discussed for this section of street in the past and with the proposed streetcar route following Broadway, I would expect something to change sooner rather than later.

The Plenty Mercantile is new news. Sounds like a great concept for 807 N. Broadway:

http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/sketches/picfile/2729/R010320444001rA.jpg

...
You should see photos of that building circa 1996-98, before the tin and layers of paint were removed from the facade. It was unrecognizable. It won a statewide Oklahoma Main Street Program award for best facade renovation under $10,000 in (I believe) 1999.

In that case, we have room to do what needs to be done:



By these standards, we could have 4 travel lanes, two parking lanes, two bike lanes all within 68 feet. Or am I missing something?

If we do parking protected bike lanes, we can install bulb-outs at the intersections, thereby dramatically decreasing the distance to cross travel lanes unprotected. 24' less to be exact. Crossing Broadway would then not only be safer, but normal pedestrian crosswalk would probably suffice to get traffic to stop without the need for signalization.

Has a plan like this been proposed in the past?

I would like to see these changes - but definitely prefer the bicycle lanes between the sidewalk and parking lane, then a couple traffic lanes. Is there any possibility the streetcar could run down a bike lane? Not sure if that is a viable idea given potential liability issues but could expedite the streetcar's time to travel down Broadway.

Cyclists typically have a hard time navigating over the steel rails. I would suggest either taking out a northbound travel lane or the northbound parking lane.

Yeah true - duh! Didn't even think about that. You can tell I haven't been on my bike in quite a while.

incorporating the streetcar for a redesign is an absolute must! good catch CaptDave!

Lululemon was hopping today. There was a continuous line at the cash register while I was there. Hope they stay busy!

Can't wait to get my yoga pants. LOL

Who owns the two surface parking lots on the NE and SW corners of 5th and Broadway? It seems like both of these would be prime spots for retail development especially considering the way the district is going.

Who owns the two surface parking lots on the NE and SW corners of 5th and Broadway? It seems like both of these would be prime spots for retail development especially considering the way the district is going.

SandRidge.

In this rendering, it shows them built out:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1564&d=1337168316


BTW, if a new tower goes up at 4th & EK Gaylord, that will really accelerate lower AA development and thus tie the whole district more into downtown and Deep Deuce.

SandRidge.

In this rendering, it shows them built out:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1564&d=1337168316


BTW, if a new tower goes up at 4th & EK Gaylord, that will really accelerate lower AA development and thus tie the whole district more into downtown and Deep Deuce.

Are you sure about the NE Corner? I thought the Land Run people were talking about putting their 4 story building there.

Yes it would! Also, provide much needed TOD to the new streetcar line. Those few blocks are some of the most vacant along Broadway and their developments will really help create a more sustainable street wall that attracts more walking/riding/and transit use.

Not to mention what it will do for housing in Deep Deuce. You could roll out of bed minutes before needing to be at work.

Nice AA shot:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8181/7998438299_397b4113f4_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/absolutwade/7998438299/in/photostream)

photo by Beau Wade (http://www.flickr.com/photos/absolutwade)

That tall 3 story building directly behind Hideaway Pizza -- I don't know the name of it -- but I think (not 100% sure) that this is an old photo of it:

http://theoldmotor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/OKCI.jpg (http://theoldmotor.com/?attachment_id=59480)

Great shots. You guys are making me want to go out a get a nice DSLR. I could spend hours doing that and love looking at the work so many of you have done.

Heh, well, not me personally. I have a cheapo camera.

But there are some talented and dedicated folks out their (some carting about some pretty serious equipment) that are creating (essentially) an awesome photo documentation of this city-in-transition. I always try to give credits to the author and/or linkbacks to the original source for the images that I come across.

Hmmm... so a hockey player is excited that OKC is going to get a Lululemon Athletica?

Guess so, as he's posting a pic of it to his twitter page (http://twitter.com/tubes33) :

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A3afni9CEAAy7OQ.jpg (http://twitter.com/tubes33/status/249562331061817344)

Doing that yoga thing:

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/527384_210965669034338_155929214_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/61437_208637682600470_669394775_n.jpg

from their facebook page:
lululemon athletica Oklahoma City Showroom (http://www.facebook.com/lululemonoklahomacity)

All that outdoor light is nice, but if you had pedestrians walking by, that might feel kind of awkward for the ladies in the class.

I don't know if anyone has already posted this, but has anyone heard about Plenty Mercantile going in between 7 and 8th on Broadway?

I don't know if anyone has already posted this, but has anyone heard about Plenty Mercantile going in between 7 and 8th on Broadway?

Yes, I've been watching their space. I've seen some work being done there, but it seems rather sporadic. I'm hoping it will open soon though.

Noticed Christmas Lights going up on Broadway!


Eeeeeee!

Couples wanting to conduct marriage ceremonies in unique settings in OKC have a lot of choices:
Farmers Market, Myriad Gardens, Bricktown, along the river, etc....

or this:

http://distilleryimage3.instagram.com/1047dfd61ae411e2b12812313804cec1_7.jpg (http://instagram.com/p/RA6NKeKIxb)

https://irs0.4sqi.net/img/general/width960/23915270_y5GtphnWo894DqHv6dgzPxJhLTUV575Wvx9YGFA_w uc.jpg (https://foursquare.com/v/the-caliber/4f9b55bde4b05baf77a13262)

on the rooftop of The Caliber (http://ohspacerocks.com/2012/03/15/the-caliber).

(photos evidently taken just a couple of days ago)

But wait, you ask, what is 'The Caliber' referenced above?
(ok, maybe you didn't ask... but I'm gonna answer anyway :))

"The Caliber is a large, completely open floorplanned, New York-style loft event space, overlooking Oklahoma City’s Automobile Alley district. "
...

"The Caliber is ideal for Black Tie Galas, Wedding Receptions (consider holding a rooftop ceremony) Posh Parties, Exclusive Corporate celebrations."

from The Caliber | Oh Space (http://ohspacerocks.com/2012/03/15/the-caliber)


View from the outside:
http://ohspacerocks.com/wp-content/plugins/dopwgg/uploads/b8y8XhXcDesgj4RgqTOmEAdLzDCWQ8y3MwEm7BOpFScCfbHZ7Y HyCSmN91YBDXgjY.jpg


View from the inside:
http://ohspacerocks.com/wp-content/plugins/dopwgg/uploads/TLF1deXkZpYfQW99RtEf1DQcWgPEx9Q6PPSfrx9WespskD5P9L EM8HW7srSZTtjhc.jpg


View of Automobile Alley from the window:
http://ohspacerocks.com/wp-content/plugins/dopwgg/uploads/5c2w4HZd2k2MeXNL5qcKs5y6Y19WSja9Y6EbNA6qADNk3SR1Q7 brNeKZfBy16EDnf.jpg


Or better yet, just watch this:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEZyjdTeG3M

This is a very slick, professional quality video -- with some quite stunning imagery of Automobile Alley thrown in as well.

You could say that The Caliber is definitely something ELSE!

The Caliber is a very unique place. I actually went to the wedding in the pics above, it was a very cool setting. And as for the apartment that is just below the rooftop....wow, its like stepping into pretty much the coolest antique store that ever existed. Whoever is responsible for decorating it did an amazing job and probably spent a good fortune on it. A very interesting and unique apartment/event space to say the least.

The only thing that could be improved upon is the rooftop. The wedding party did an awesome job of decorating it but outside of that there didnt seem to be much up there. Maybe some type of landscaping and seating areas would help

The Caliber is a very unique place. I actually went to the wedding in the pics above, it was a very cool setting. And as for the apartment that is just below the rooftop....wow, its like stepping into pretty much the coolest antique store that ever existed. Whoever is responsible for decorating it did an amazing job and probably spent a good fortune on it. A very interesting and unique apartment/event space to say the least.

The only thing that could be improved upon is the rooftop. The wedding party did an awesome job of decorating it but outside of that there didnt seem to be much up there. Maybe some type of landscaping and seating areas would help

You were at that wedding? Cool. Looks like that was a killer setting and a stunning view.

Oh, and the "apartment that is just below the rooftop", could you be referring to this?

http://ohspacerocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/photo-art-studio1.png (http://ohspacerocks.com/2012/03/14/photo-art-studio)

You were at that wedding? Cool. Looks like that was a killer setting and a stunning view.

Oh, and the "apartment that is just below the rooftop", could you be referring to this?

http://ohspacerocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/photo-art-studio1.png (http://ohspacerocks.com/2012/03/14/photo-art-studio)

Ya the wedding was really nice, and was even better because of the stellar weather we had. I was a little worried about how the late October weather would be but turned out perfect.

And yes, the apartment just below the roof is the one in all those pics youve posted as well as the video. It was the epitome of eclectic.

http://ohspacerocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/photo-art-studio1.png (http://ohspacerocks.com/2012/03/14/photo-art-studio)

PhotoArt is in the Plaza District, not AA. I'm pretty sure this photo is of their space in the Plaza.

PhotoArt is in the Plaza District, not AA. I'm pretty sure this photo is of their space in the Plaza.

Oops, you're quite right. As Emily Litella said... "Never mind".
:redface:

More neon for AA:



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

I'd bet that will really help their business

I'd bet that will really help their business

Why such a debbie downer?

Isn't that the place that has that random residential unit or two above it?

I remember one being up for rent just last month or so.

Why such a debbie downer?

Huh?

From the 9th Street Facebook page:


There's a new neighbor on 9th street! Opening on 10am this Friday in the east end of the Womb gallery - Dwelling Spaces Congrats and welcome to the neighborhood

http://www.dwellingspaces.net/

The store in Tulsa is probably my favorite store in Oklahoma, and Mary Beth is one of my favorite Oklahomans. Should be a great thing for OKC and downtown.

bought something here today. nice shop!

Some photos of the freshly-opened Dwelling Spaces on 9th, courtesy of ghost and We Heart OKC:



http://weheartokc.com/wp-content/uploads/dwelling_20.jpg

http://weheartokc.com/wp-content/uploads/dwelling_1.jpg

http://weheartokc.com/wp-content/uploads/dwelling_2.jpg

http://weheartokc.com/wp-content/uploads/dwelling_8.jpg

http://weheartokc.com/wp-content/uploads/dwelling_19.jpg

She really knows how to merchandise.

More neon for AA:



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



I really like this. Totally unique destination store. Believe it or not a lot of people scuba. Throw in some surfboards and you would have me going in there.

Dwelling Spaces looks like a mini Urban Outfitters.

Dwelling Spaces looks like a mini Urban Outfitters.

Dwelling Spaces is so much cooler than Urban Outfitters. It's not a fake hipster chain clothing store.

Dwelling Spaces is so much cooler than Urban Outfitters. It's not a fake hipster chain clothing store.

I don't think it's fake. They sell real hipster chain clothing.

I saw a new wine bar is going in behind Schlegel's Pro Shop on the East side. Peloton Wine Bar

I saw a new wine bar is going in behind Schlegel's Pro Shop on the East side. Peloton Wine Bar

So, all French wine then? :)

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/529659_409651789071933_270067308_n.jpg

Wine bar and tapas:

http://www.facebook.com/pelotonwinebar

Fine addition!

So, all French wine then? :)

Very funny

New Nichols Energy sign... Courtesy UrbanPioneer:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/nichols.jpg

Here's a photo of it going up... We are all over this town.

From BoulderSooner:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/nichols2.jpg

can someone take a day and night photo of AAlley looking south?

I'd love to see the district now with all of the development/signs/lighting but unfortunately I will not be visiting the city anytime soon. ... :(

I'm not sure if anyone has linked this, but Automobile Alley has a GREAT looking website now... Welcome to Automobilealley.org | Automobilealley.org (http://automobilealley.org)