It's not even overhead "wires" like we've seen in the US. It's actually overhead "wire." We saw a train with the single catenary wire in Barcelona and you barely even noticed it's there.
The funny thing is about those wires is when I was in Tokyo I barely noticed them, I noticed them more in the pictures that I took than I did in person.

That pic is not Tokyo, it is the "no zone" in Fukushima. Just saw a Fukushima Ghost Town slideshow (http://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20120117&t=2&i=559512069&w=&fh=&fw=&ll=700&pl=390&r=2012-01-17T204524Z_01_SR1E81H0ZQT21_RTRRPP_0_JAPAN) and seeing all those wires in the pic reminded me of some discussions on here.

You ought to see the wires in Hanoi. They almost become an architectural feature. I had all my pictures on my cell phone, which died irretrievably, or I'd post a couple here. One wire is almost invisible.

I'm sorry, there's always a side. Always. To say that there's not a side or to be oblivious of that is either so incredibly stupid that would be shocking for you, Rover. I'm not making money off of this and the only dog I have in this fight is that I want to see OKC thrive into a great city, and I pay attention, and know what is what so don't give me this "fair and balanced" malarkey.

In fact most TV news employ monikers like "News on your side."
7 on your side - Google otsing (http://www.google.ee/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=7+on+your+side#bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=3cd05062573ef338&q=on+your+side+news)
It seems to be a theme with ABC affiliates in particular. This concept implies that "we're on your side, not on the side of people who have financial interests in public affairs."

The bottom line is that these seasoned journalists have no excuse for doing such surface level stories, research, and not digging into what everyone on this board knows about these issues. In fact it's incumbent on them to know more than message board people, and it's embarrassing that they don't.

It's not a matter of "thoroughness of research" it's that the only way you can be so inept as a journalist is if you're doing it on purpose. You leave out viewpoints, issues, arguments, and tons of sources purposefully and that is what is at play the last few times the Oke has covered a major downtown issue.

edit: personal attacks self-removed out of respect

My point was is that it is fair and balanced when one agrees, and biased and one sided when it is of a different perspective. It's like the refs calling a game for ones favorite team. They are never fair. Lol

I think some of the opposition is coming from a local architect, who objects to an overhead wire. I agree that AA is the corridor most appropriate for the streetcar -- and historically Broadway had one.

The sign is killer. Love it.

I don't understand why people object to overhead wires.

http://www.photoeverywhere.co.uk/west/usa/san_francisco/columbus_avenue_streetscene5979.jpg

San Francisco is one of the most high regarded, respected cities in the US and they have overhead wires everywhere for their streetcar. I am not comparing OKC in any say to San Francisco and its streetcar will not be what theirs is, but I am simply showing that an overhead wire isn't necessarily a bad thing.

slight correction, the SF wires are for their trolley bus lines (not streetcar). We have them in Seattle also; I think only SF and SEA trolley bus lines remain in the US; Vancouver has them in CA.

anyway, I agree with the thought that overhead wires are no big deal (particularly the single wire that is required for streetcar). But I did want to correct the previous poster to the photo.

It's not even overhead "wires" like we've seen in the US. It's actually overhead "wire." We saw a train with the single catenary wire in Barcelona and you barely even noticed it's there.

http://csrescolloque2008.u-strasbg.fr/images/tram_432.jpg

See the wire?

I think only SF and SEA trolley bus lines remain in the US; Vancouver has them in CA.



Dayton, OH still runs bus routes close to downtown on trolleybuses. I always liked them. 4289

On News 9 last night -

'Quiet Zone' In The Works For Trains In Downtown OKC - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/23087698/quiet-zone-in-the-works-for-trains-in-downtown-okc)

Dayton, OH still runs bus routes close to downtown on trolleybuses. I always liked them. 4289

Trolleybuses are Soviet junk.

Guess I'm in the minority on here, I would prefer no overhead wires, that's just me.

Guess I'm in the minority on here, I would prefer no overhead wires, that's just me.

Why?

I don't really notice them in Downtown Denver and we have pretty much all underground utilities in downtown.

ditto Seattle, and we have electric trolleybuses which I mentioned before which means even more wires than DEN and most cities, but you don't still notice. Transit wiring /= utility wiring

OKC's problem IS overhead utility wires, transit wires will be nothing by comparison and may infact be welcomed.

Why?It's not a big deal, really. However, if someone came up to me and said, Campbell, we're building you a street car system, you can choose for it to have over head wires or we can bury them and do something like charging by electromagnetic induction, I would prefer the wireless charging.

That being said, I'm not as against the overhead wires as I was. I did some research and found that most cities have street cars with overhead wires and they aren't that bad. Still, if I had the choice, I would pick no overhead wires. If it costs bukoos of money to install some sort of wireless charging system or is found to be unhealthy for people, then I understand, but otherwise its juust personal I guess

If it costs bukoos of money to install some sort of wireless charging system or is found to be unhealthy for people, then I understand, but otherwise its juust personal I guess

Yes, personal doesn't cost bukoos...meaning the thought of it. Actual installment would ;-)

Yes, personal doesn't cost bukoos...meaning the thought of it. Actual installment would ;-)I meant out of personal preference lol, but I know what you mean. It's not really that big of deal. What I really hate more than anything is the freakin utility lines. Now I think EVERY one of them should be buried, except the massive power lines.

I share your opinion and have a vision that OKC will ask/require utilities to bury lines with new development. This requirement could be in effect for the 1 mile radius from the CBD, then extended to 2 miles; or there could be different degrees of burying (within the downtown districts, all lines underground. 1 mile from downtown districts, most lines buried - single family housing exempted, so on). I'd make this required for every commercial district; particularly those that are dense and/or at least midrise.

I think this could be an easy way for OKC to tackle the problem while doing so without breaking the utilities and/or developers. Same plan could be done for sidewalks, curbs, urban lighting, bus stops/shelters, etc.

I meant out of personal preference lol, but I know what you mean. It's not really that big of deal. What I really hate more than anything is the freakin utility lines. Now I think EVERY one of them should be buried, except the massive power lines.

I like the ones that are in the back alley ways. They provide urban grit...which is exactly what overhead streetcar wires will do. The city doesn't have to be pristine.

It's not a big deal, really. However, if someone came up to me and said, Campbell, we're building you a street car system, you can choose for it to have over head wires or we can bury them and do something like charging by electromagnetic induction, I would prefer the wireless charging.

That being said, I'm not as against the overhead wires as I was. I did some research and found that most cities have street cars with overhead wires and they aren't that bad. Still, if I had the choice, I would pick no overhead wires. If it costs bukoos of money to install some sort of wireless charging system or is found to be unhealthy for people, then I understand, but otherwise its juust personal I guess

Well that is very fair.

The Bindery Project (36 NE 10th) looks like it's moving forward. Seeking approval from the Downtown Design Review Committee for it's plans to convert and add on to structure creating two living units:

http://www.ahmm.co.uk/resources/res.aspx?p=/FCF175F18A83EC9F832D303E3393C083C234259939195E3030 3C14A5AC4A14E1/10001_Front%20view.jpg

http://www.ahmm.co.uk/resources/res.aspx?p=/FCF175F18A83EC9F832D303E3393C083C234259939195E30EB BB008F587341F1/10001_garden.jpg

this project just submitted to be on the agenda for the DTDR

Case Item Summary: All elevations: a) remove existing windows and infill select openings b) install insulated windows all elevations except upper level north elevation c) install structural ties at upper and lower levels to stabilize exterior walls d) install exterior lighting; North elevation: e) replace framing and maintain openings on upper level windows f) construct new exterior wall behind existing north wall with connecting open terrace upper level, patio lower level g) install glass storefront with clear fritted??? glass along street frontage h) install new flush metal door at street level north elevation i) install sliding glass doors in exterior wall at lower level courtyard behind existing north wall at street East elevation: j) remove existing windows and existing infill at east elevation k) install new windows and infill select openings at east elevation; l) replace portions of parapet at east elevation m) install drains and scuppers at east elevation n) install two metal entry doors with sidelights at east elevation o) remove existing window opening at northeast corner of east elevation and install open portal to outdoor storage/patio at east elevation p) install two-story architectural metal panel cladding at southern end of east elevation West elevation: q) install two-story architectural metal panel cladding at southern end of west elevation r) install new windows and infill selected window openings South elevation: s) remove existing windows and infill upper level t) remove existing overhead door at lower level u) cut opening in upper level south elevation and install full height fixed glass with sliding door v) construct covered terrace with architectural metal panel exterior cladding over new garage w) construct open terrace with metal railings extending from covered terrace over new garage x) construct 750 square foot attached one-story concrete block garage with overhead door y) install new paved access to garage from alleyway at south elevation 3.Sidewalks & Site Amenities z) install paver walkways within site and along perimeter of fencing aa) install patios at east courtyard; 5. Landscaping cc) install landscaping and irrigation within site and within Storefront Zone at NW 10th St frontage 6.Fencing dd) install 7' tall fencing and gates of ???????

also another shipping container store coming to 9th??

this was submitted on aug 13th
Case Item Summary: install 400 sq ft shipping container as retail shop; install sidewalks within site; install sidewalk at frontage; install signage??????; install landscaping and irrigation; install public art; and provide a recommendation to the Board of Adjustment for a variance to the minimum height requirement.

12 NW 9TH ST
OKLAHOMA CITY OK 73102

A few retail updates in Auto Alley too. (If these have been mentioned I apologize, I've been mia from Okctalk)

1. Lululemon has moved out of it's space along auto alley.
2. A "coming soon" sign for Four Star fitness between 8th & 9th along Broadway.
3. We know the Cricket Wireless is gone, but I've seen a few contractors going in and out as of lately. I think something should be "coming soon" here too.
4. It looks as if ADT security has also moved out from it's space along 8th & Broadway. For Sale/Lease sign is up.

Again this could be old news for most of you.

That's great to hear about the Bindery Building. I took photos of it maybe a month ago.

this project just submitted to be on the agenda for the DTDR

Case Item Summary: All elevations: a) remove existing windows and infill select openings b) install insulated windows all elevations except upper level north elevation c) install structural ties at upper and lower levels to stabilize exterior walls d) install exterior lighting; North elevation: e) replace framing and maintain openings on upper level windows f) construct new exterior wall behind existing north wall with connecting open terrace upper level, patio lower level g) install glass storefront with clear fritted??? glass along street frontage h) install new flush metal door at street level north elevation i) install sliding glass doors in exterior wall at lower level courtyard behind existing north wall at street East elevation: j) remove existing windows and existing infill at east elevation k) install new windows and infill select openings at east elevation; l) replace portions of parapet at east elevation m) install drains and scuppers at east elevation n) install two metal entry doors with sidelights at east elevation o) remove existing window opening at northeast corner of east elevation and install open portal to outdoor storage/patio at east elevation p) install two-story architectural metal panel cladding at southern end of east elevation West elevation: q) install two-story architectural metal panel cladding at southern end of west elevation r) install new windows and infill selected window openings South elevation: s) remove existing windows and infill upper level t) remove existing overhead door at lower level u) cut opening in upper level south elevation and install full height fixed glass with sliding door v) construct covered terrace with architectural metal panel exterior cladding over new garage w) construct open terrace with metal railings extending from covered terrace over new garage x) construct 750 square foot attached one-story concrete block garage with overhead door y) install new paved access to garage from alleyway at south elevation 3.Sidewalks & Site Amenities z) install paver walkways within site and along perimeter of fencing aa) install patios at east courtyard; 5. Landscaping cc) install landscaping and irrigation within site and within Storefront Zone at NW 10th St frontage 6.Fencing dd) install 7' tall fencing and gates of ???????

Glad to see this building getting some love. Walked by it several months ago, didn't realize this was set to be renovated so soon.

That's great to hear about the Bindery Building. I took photos of it a month ago... and just realized I never made a Set of it..

Bindery Building (July 22 2013) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157635205095378/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/9364876434_b3a89feb9b_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/9362098409_1a981a0fdf_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/9362097107_365ebd2eaa_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/9362092001_a5a4b5eb00_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/9364865978_1fb450ef02_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/9362084135_a4f368326a_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/9362082419_e12d9fb2dc_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/9364854846_ffe522dcf8_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/9364854038_b5e2f4acc0_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/9362074543_c4d63cc88e_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/9364850790_1b639af30a_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3714/9364849616_84cbded274_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/9364848702_5693db09f1_b.jpg

Great pics as usual

The Bindery building being restored will make a great example for the restoration of many dilapidated building throughout the city that would normally be demolished. Specifically I'm thinking of the Central Park, Film Exchange building.

I was told by the architect that the Bindery / Jesus Saves project has changed since those last renderings.

Should have something new on this in about a week.

I had the opportunity to see the Plenty rooftop at an event they held tonight. It's not quite complete but it is going to be pretty fabulous. They've got a very cool bar and great plans for the part that's not yet complete. It's going to be an excellent event space. I was dying to take pictures, but figured they should post the first photos themselves, at a time of their choosing.

Plenty Mercantile has posted a very brief video of one of their workshops on the rooftop:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=530519783687270

Don't know if that is the event that Betts went to, but it does show (somewhat) the kind of view you can get up there. I took a few screenshots from the video:


http://dl.dropbox.com/s/1c9bzzw70c8fww7/Plenty_Rooftop1.jpg

http://dl.dropbox.com/s/q1itlf4n74rippi/Plenty_Rooftop2.jpg

http://dl.dropbox.com/s/mnmt37hx9kt11fo/Plenty_Rooftop3.jpg

Nice!

Are those trees and grass on the south part of the roof?

Nice!

Are those trees and grass on the south part of the roof?

Do you mean the east side? Those do appear to be on the roof in planters. Here's another pic from that workshop clearly showing a tree in a large wooden planter:

https://sphotos-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/602841_268877906570747_206734199_n.jpg

Looks nice up there. Need someone with a good camera to go up top and take some hi-res photos from this vantage point.

Ah yes, east side.

Looks like that's a fenced off area where they don't want people walking with trees in planters.

Shop Hop set for Thursday on Oklahoma City's Automobile Alley (http://newsok.com/shop-hop-set-for-thursday-on-oklahoma-citys-automobile-alley/article/3884006)

Came across some info on a neat antique store in AA...

Les Debris (LesDebris.com - Home (http://www.lesdebris.com))

Cute name.

They posted a bunch of pics of their inventory on their facebook page. Here's a sample.

https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1235468_598160720207412_15037818_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1235948_598161590207325_580569882_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1003382_598161746873976_1190353971_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1170873_598162520207232_1058755576_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q71/s720x720/1237179_598160873540730_1422891904_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/264513_598162720207212_1540953993_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/559219_598162040207280_119306947_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q71/s720x720/1187201_598163303540487_1537746216_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1235349_598162710207213_241878815_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q71/s720x720/1236763_598162876873863_1504802311_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1240046_598162123540605_1976766289_n.jpg

Some of this stuff looks like it would fit right into The Caliber!

Source: https://www.facebook.com/lesdebrisokc

4490

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/other-urban-development/4490d1379687791-automobile-alley-general-thread-plentyrooftop.jpg

This is the Plenty Mercantile rooftop last night during Shop Hop. Sorry it's grainy and dark. iPhone camera.

^

Very cool!

Thanks so much for sharing.

Duncan's Bindery in Oklahoma City is to become upscale housing | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/duncans-bindery-in-oklahoma-city-is-to-become-upscale-housing/article/3889549)

Here's another one of the Plenty rooftop, from their Facebook page:

https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1383490_275832035875334_1916159321_n.jpg

From Steve's chat today:


Gary T 10:21 a.m. Have you heard any rumblings of renovations or new businesses going in between the Metropolitan and AA? I would think the infill would happen pretty quickly once construction of the Metropolitan apartments start.

Steve Lackmeyer 10:22 a.m. Expect some pretty rapid and impressive development between I-235 and Midtown and along Automobile Alley once the Metropolitan is built and the Central High reopens as the new home of the OCU Law School. What I'm tracking now is mind boggling.

Steve with the tease... I wish I could read his mind.

Automobile Alley is definitely OKC's most unique urban district already. It's the district that to me really seems uniquely OKC rather than an imitation of something somewhere else. The one thing I really think it needs is more late-night bars and restaurants. Things in Auto Alley still close shop pretty early for the most part. I am sure these improvements will come as more residential is built there. I can't wait to see what developments Steve is teasing about.

Of course we now know that the streetcar will run on Broadway, and likely Robinson. TOD.

Here's another one of the Plenty rooftop, from their Facebook page:

https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1383490_275832035875334_1916159321_n.jpg

The Chamber is have a Sunset Reception at Plenty next Tuesday 10/22 from 4-6:00pm. I believe they will have it on the roof top. Free beer wine and food. I believe that Café 501 is doing the catering. Anyone can attend and there is no cost.

The one thing I really think it needs is more late-night bars and restaurants. Things in Auto Alley still close shop pretty early for the most part. I am sure these improvements will come as more residential is built there. I can't wait to see what developments Steve is teasing about.

Automobile Alley has great potential, but still a ways to go. My wife and I ate at Hideaway after 9pm on a Friday night a couple weeks ago and then walked over to Deep Deuce Grill. We literally saw zero people the entire walk. It was pretty unbelievable. More residential and night life are still badly needed for this district to be vibrant.

Automobile Alley has great potential, but still a ways to go. My wife and I ate at Hideaway after 9pm on a Friday night a couple weeks ago and then walked over to Deep Deuce Grill. We literally saw zero people the entire walk. It was pretty unbelievable. More residential and night life are still badly needed for this district to be vibrant.

I agree. I am speaking appearance-wise Auto Alley seems to be the most polished. However, it needs foot traffic and more people there after 9PM.

From Steve's chat today (10/11/2013):

Gary T 10:21 a.m. Have you heard any rumblings of renovations or new businesses going in between the Metropolitan and AA? I would think the infill would happen pretty quickly once construction of the Metropolitan apartments start.

Steve Lackmeyer 10:22 a.m. Expect some pretty rapid and impressive development between I-235 and Midtown and along Automobile Alley once the Metropolitan is built and the Central High reopens as the new home of the OCU Law School. What I'm tracking now is mind boggling.

A little more info from Steve's chat today:

10:00 Comment From Gary T You said last week that what you were tracking in the way of rapid and impressive development between 235 and Midtown was "mind boggling". Can you give us any more hints without giving anything away? Are we talking retail? Housing? Office? All of the above?

10:01 Wait a bit. The next 60 days will be a very exciting time for downtown.

Yeah, I saw that come across. That's an awfully large encompassing area. Obviously a lot of that is residential so was he speaking of the Western Avenue District and/or Uptown 23rd Street corridor?

Just posted on the Auto Alley Twitter feed that this new store will be opening Nov. 21st; not sure where exactly:

http://trademenswares.com/

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

Pete, I think that is going into the old Frontier Country Marketing Association space next to Broadway Wine Merchants. Exciting. I might have to buy some long pants (that aren't motorcycle pants) for the first time in far too long. Perhaps even a tie..?

Just posted on the Auto Alley Twitter feed that this new store will be opening Nov. 21st; not sure where exactly:

Trade Men's Wares | Rugged Sophistication for the Modern Gentleman (http://trademenswares.com/)

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

That's pretty exciting. This type of shop is right up my alley.

^ If so, that would put them at 822 N Broadway.

I know some sort of recording studio is going in right next to that at 816 N. Broadway, the old Design Build space.

That's pretty exciting. This type of shop is right up my alley.
I see what you did there.

By the way, I have come to my senses. There will not be any tie-purchasing.

Sid, if you think you're excited about that you should head over to the Paseo thread and get a gander at the new hat shop.

Just posted on the Auto Alley Twitter feed that this new store will be opening Nov. 21st; not sure where exactly:

Trade Men's Wares | Rugged Sophistication for the Modern Gentleman (http://trademenswares.com/)




http://youtu.be/mPKe9OfWs-M

Okay, yes, Trade will be going in at 822 N. Broadway and NextStar Recording Studio will be going in at 816.

Both of these are immediately south of Broadway Wine Merchants, in Chris Salyer's building:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXClvHsCYAAMg2w.jpg

OKC Chamber reception event held at the Plenty rooftop:

https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1005333_279517382173466_1125533298_n.jpg

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=279517382173466&set=a.164434183681787.15932.125154924276380&type=1

This is fun.

Plenty Mercantile have installed a teeter totter in front of the store. Some visitors from Colorado noticed and took a ride.

http://goodgriefgirdie.typepad.com/.a/6a012875e93d9c970c019b0038aabf970b-pi

http://goodgriefgirdie.typepad.com/.a/6a012875e93d9c970c019b0038a9b2970b-pi

Source: hold on........... - Good Grief Girdie's blog (http://goodgriefgirdie.typepad.com/blog/2013/10/hold-on.html)

Were the Colorado visitors kind enough to share their weed?