Awesome! Although, I thought it was only going to be one lane each way... still great though.

It appears in that picture that the street area shown will have two traffic lanes in one direction and one traffic lane in the other direction. Is that correct?

^ yes

It appears in that picture that the street area shown will have two traffic lanes in one direction and one traffic lane in the other direction. Is that correct?

Yes but if you think about it, it makes sense. Two lanes coming into downtown (encourages more people to come in) and one lane going out (makes it harder to leave/aka encourages public transit use and walkability).

I noticed the angled parking there yesterday, and I have to say it makes the biggest positive difference to that area. It now feels like Main Street USA instead of a collection of old buildings on the edge of downtown. If they would just add more hardscaping and trees, the area would be incredibly attractive.

It appears in that picture that the street area shown will have two traffic lanes in one direction and one traffic lane in the other direction. Is that correct?

Keep in mind the streetcar route will be heading north on Broadway, so this would provide a passing lane for cars.

Southbound, it will follow Robinson.

I suspect this is why there are two lanes north and only one for south.

Keep in mind the streetcar route will be heading north on Broadway, so this would provide a passing lane for cars.

Southbound, it will follow Robinson.

I suspect this is why there are two lanes north and only one for south.

Sadly, it's now two lanes south and one lane north. But given concerns many Automobile Alley merchants have about the streetcar, perhaps moving the streetcar completely to Robinson would be best anyway.

It's actually the other way around, Pete. The new striping allows for one lane of northbound travel, two southbound.

Yes but if you think about it, it makes sense. Two lanes coming into downtown (encourages more people to come in) and one lane going out (makes it harder to leave/aka encourages public transit use and walkability).

It should be a turning lane.

I think it really improves the feel of Auto Alley. My concerns are that now there is no center turn lane, which allowed easier crossing of the road for pedestrians. So my question is whether crosswalks will be installed on the streets without signals (8th & 9th).

Pete, I know that it was eluded to that all this could be undone when the streetcar is installed in the northbound lane. I hope that isn't the case.

I agree with the introduction of crosswalks (I would specifically place one at 8th), but disagree that the center turn lane necessarily allowed for easier crossings. The new configuration slows traffic and effectively makes it a shorter crossing, with the angled cars providing protection (though I wish the blocked-out-by-paint portions (what is the technical term for this?) would be eventually replaced by curb extensions. To me, the old configuration was more or less just a super-highway in the middle of an urban street. It rendered the street effectively un-crossable except at intersections with traffic controls. I mean, I know people (myself included) DID cross the street, but frankly I considered it inadvisable during busy times.

They should install traffic signals with crosswalks on every block of this stretch.

As it is, there are only lights at 6th, 10th and 13th and 23rd.

This is a hold over from when there was no I-235 and all the downtown traffic from the north came down Broadway.

Vancouver had these lights that always flashed green until a pedestrian pushed the walk button then they changed. I wouldn't mind seeing those here instead of the fourway lights.

^^^^^^^^^

I agree wholeheartedly. When I was E.D. at Automobile Alley Main Street I suggested this, and I'm not naming names but suffice to say the idea was not well received. I'm guessing that attitude has changed in the 15 years since.

Vancouver had these lights that always flashed green until a pedestrian pushed the walk button then they changed. I wouldn't mind seeing those here instead of the fourway lights.

Stillwater has at least one of these next to campus along Hall of Fame Ave. The light is off until a pedestrian presses the button. The light then goes to yellow, then to red. After a several seconds, it goes to flashing red which allows drivers to treat it like a stop sign and proceed forward if there are no pedestrians. After another short time, the lights go off allowing traffic to pass through without stopping...until the next pedestrian hits the button.

The only issue is that some drivers forget that flashing red means its basically a stop sign and you can go after stopping. Sometimes a little horn action brings this to their attention.

It should be a turning lane.I agree

The streetcar will travel south on Broadway, right? If so, the extra southbound lane makes more sense.

Keep in mind the streetcar route will be heading north on Broadway, so this would provide a passing lane for cars.

Southbound, it will follow Robinson.

I suspect this is why there are two lanes north and only one for south.

Yes, but isn't the opposite true (see my post #1043 above on page 21). It's 2 lanes coming SOUTH into downtown, ONE lane going NORTH out of downtown. My theory in post #1043 explains why I think that is recommended.

Steve's update.

Street changes transform Automobile Alley | News OK (http://newsok.com/street-changes-transform-automobile-alley/article/3952828)


A years-long effort to make Automobile Alley a less hostile place for pedestrians became a reality over the weekend as contractors eliminated a rarely used fifth center turn lane and created about two dozen angled parking spaces.
Sitting in Coffee Slingers at 1015 N Broadway during rush hour Monday, I saw no chaos, no confusion, no major traffic back-ups. I did see, however, people enjoying an easier walk across the narrower street and a very changed appearance.

I noticed the BMI Imagenet neon was taken down yesterday between Ghost and 4 Star Fitness. Have they moved out?

Energy FC is moving in!

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=pressreleases.article&articleID=D44A73DF-B0C1-E311-B564-000C296FBAA9)

7375

Awesome use of that space.

Energy FC is doing a fantastic job in promotion and professionalism.

That's definitely an improvement! Cool!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's definitely an improvement! Cool!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Does this count as a green development?

Energy FC is moving in!

Energy FC (http://www.energyfc.com/index.cfm?fa=pressreleases.article&articleID=D44A73DF-B0C1-E311-B564-000C296FBAA9)

7375

Hmm, interesting. Great PR move.

I haven't needed to cross the street in Auto Alley since the new configuration of angled parking. Hopefully it is making it safer for the people that do cross.

Why can't the city install more of these signs in the middle of the road where there are crosswalks?
7480
They are inexpensive and they can be bolted into the asphalt or concrete. In fact these should be all over Bricktown and Automobile Alley.

I say this too because I was nearly hit by a car in Bricktown over the weekend. Middle of the day and I was crossing in a pedestrian crosswalk with the signal showing that I had the right to walk. Woman was making a right hand turn on red, she clearly saw me coming, made eye contact while she was on her phone, then she accelerated trying to make the turn before I could safely cross. Luckily I was quick enough to jump back avoiding an injury.

Drivers need to be reminded of the state law as much as possible.

Pete, I know that it was eluded to that all this could be undone when the streetcar is installed in the northbound lane. I hope that isn't the case.

The route recommendation continues forward with support for streetcar traversing northbound. When it is installed, northbound parking is slated to be changed from the angled parking format back to parallel parking. This is absolutely necessary as cars backing up would reduce streetcar travel times through the area to 8 - 12mph.

Auto Alley can't have it both ways. It can't be parking mecca and infringe on the performance of the overall streetcar system. Plus, the whole idea is to support pedestrian accessibility to the area. This is a good compromise. Plus, we are discussing adding center island stops which would also serve as pedestrian refuge zones for people attempting to cross the street. It will definitely help with enabling crosswalks to be installed at those intersections without traffic lights.

Also keep in mind that the city financed garage on 10th street is also coming. So things may all level out in few years once all of the assets are built.

I haven't needed to cross the street in Auto Alley since the new configuration of angled parking. Hopefully it is making it safer for the people that do cross.

Why can't the city install more of these signs in the middle of the road where there are crosswalks?
7480
They are inexpensive and they can be bolted into the asphalt or concrete. In fact these should be all over Bricktown and Automobile Alley.

I say this too because I was nearly hit by a car in Bricktown over the weekend. Middle of the day and I was crossing in a pedestrian crosswalk with the signal showing that I had the right to walk. Woman was making a right hand turn on red, she clearly saw me coming, made eye contact while she was on her phone, then she accelerated trying to make the turn before I could safely cross. Luckily I was quick enough to jump back avoiding an injury.

Drivers need to be reminded of the state law as much as possible.

I certainly understand your point but I doubt the woman that you referenced would have paid any attention to a sign.

The route recommendation continues forward with support for streetcar traversing northbound. When it is installed, northbound parking is slated to be changed from the angled parking format back to parallel parking. This is absolutely necessary as cars backing up would reduce streetcar travel times through the area to 8 - 12mph.

Auto Alley can't have it both ways. It can't be parking mecca and infringe on the performance of the overall streetcar system. Plus, the whole idea is to support pedestrian accessibility to the area. This is a good compromise. Plus, we are discussing adding center island stops which would also serve as pedestrian refuge zones for people attempting to cross the street. It will definitely help with enabling crosswalks to be installed at those intersections without traffic lights.

Same thing happened to me several months ago. I've taken the Chicago/NYC approach, by flipping the person off or slapping their hood/trunk if they try to float on through while I am in the crosswalk with a walk signal.

These people will never learn if you don't slap them on the wrist. Hate to be hostile.

Oklahoma City's Automobile Alley gets new restaurant, neighborhood pub | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/oklahoma-citys-automobile-alley-gets-new-restaurant-neighborhood-pub/article/4880020)

Cool blog article by Steve:

Automobile Alley - Looking Back | News OK (http://newsok.com/automobile-alley-looking-back/article/4946853)

Just a note: the tour he mentioned was a part of the Shop Hop event, and coordinated by Downtown Oklahoma City, Incorporated.

More neon for the Alley:


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

I noticed there has been working going inside this building (new framing, etc.) The new wine place is opening to the South of this. I believe this is the old Frontline space. Anyone heard of anything.
8532

I noticed there has been working going inside this building (new framing, etc.) The new wine place is opening to the South of this. I believe this is the old Frontline space. Anyone heard of anything.

Waters Edge Winery is actually taking a good chunk of the space to the north, on both the 1st and 2nd levels.

I believe the remainder is just being remodeled to a white shell for now.

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/retail-services/7347d1397086555-waters-edge-winery-we2.jpg

What ever happened with the Automobile Alley study conducted a few years ago? The study asked for public input and there seemed to be a lot of great ideas of how to develop properties on 9th street specifically, but seems to have ever come of it.

What ever happened with the Automobile Alley study conducted a few years ago? The study asked for public input and there seemed to be a lot of great ideas of how to develop properties on 9th street specifically, but seems to have ever come of it.oh... I think there was a downtown retail study earlier this year that is to be commenced...is that what you're talking about? I honestly don't remember any study a few years ago. Hopefully so,etching good comes out though

Sara Kate Studios is coming together.

8850

Has anyone heard if Ghost Design is moving on 9th and Broadway? I rarely see anyone there anymore and there were boxes on everyones desks that looked like some moving was going on.

More neon; this time for the Energy shop (thanks to Urban Pioneer for the photo):


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/energy082214.jpg

Like

Has anyone heard if Ghost Design is moving on 9th and Broadway? I rarely see anyone there anymore and there were boxes on everyones desks that looked like some moving was going on.

I seriously doubt it.

They moved in just 3-4 years ago and have invested a lot into their space.

I seriously doubt it.

They moved in just 3-4 years ago and have invested a lot into their space.

I finally saw a couple people last week. Maybe they just live up there name "Ghost".

From the Journal Record:

A move of their own: Urbane owners follow downtown action for shop on Automobile Alley

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record September 5, 20140

OKLAHOMA CITY – Downtown housing availability is increasing. When people move into a new place, they often need furniture and accessories. Urbane Home & Lifestyle wants to meet that desire with its relocated store at 1015 N. Broadway Ave.

Co-owners Ben Davis and Scott Wagoner started their store on Western Avenue two years ago. They were tired of traveling outside of Oklahoma City to satisfy their tastes for furniture.

“We wanted to open something that had traditional but modern design,” Wagoner said. “There weren’t too many stores willing to take a chance on out-of-the-box styles.”

Davis is a city planner by trade, and he researched the best areas in the city for the shop. They settled on Western Avenue because of the surrounding wealthy neighborhoods.

“It was a good place to start while we were waiting on downtown,” Davis said.

The business partners watched downtown develop and thought about leaving Western. During the annual 2013 Holiday Pop-Up shops, they set up inside one of the domes. One night, developer Steve Mason dropped into their temporary location.

“The pop-up shops are a wonderful way for building owners to meet retailers, and for businesses to practice,” he said. “The pop-up shops are a wonderful way for retailers and for landlords looking for tenants.”

Mason wasn’t looking for a tenant at the time, but it wouldn’t be long before he needed one. Antique store Treasures Past closed earlier this year, leaving Mason with an empty space in his building on Automobile Alley. He hadn’t forgotten about Urbane. Davis said they emailed Mason frequently to ask about space availability.

“Because they were politely relentless, it kept them on my list,” Mason said.

He said he thinks the store’s friendly service and product lines will appeal to people living and working downtown.

Davis said he and Wagoner have expanded their merchandise since moving to the area. The store is twice as large as their last place, allowing 3,300 square feet for displays. That allowed them to add Gus Modern furniture and other new home accessories lines. Davis and Wagoner also revitalized the space, painting the walls and exposed ceilings gray to allow the colors of the merchandise to pop.

“There are quite a lot of new housing units going in downtown,” Davis said. “Since they are new modern spaces, they’ll want new modern furniture that we carry.”

The owners will celebrate the store’s grand opening Sept. 18 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Customers can receive 20 percent off any one item, including furniture. Refreshments will be offered. The celebration will culminate with the Automobile Alley Shop Hop, the monthly event where the area’s Broadway Avenue shops stay open later, offering discounts and giveaways.

I stopped in Urbane on Sunday afternoon. The new space is really nice, and much more impressive than their Western location. I'm a tax bracket below their target demographic, but the merchandise was impressive.

Auto Alley has their Christmas lights up and for the first time the Buick building is decked out. From the Fitzsimmons Architecture FB page:

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10710895_10152930236538804_9081423986281927426_n.j pg?oh=55e80c21d78bc6fdf88fa01da8ac4a23&oe=54DE037A

And also from Fitzsimmons, the Pontiac Building:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10409173_10152930245353804_5224344036839940053_n.j pg?oh=8af67b00fd61a51cb3ffa0ecd10d9fbe&oe=54E169A6&__gda__=1427728560_ed3a838a4636dd64e4400fe935217b4 3

Every year Auto Alley seems to light up more and more buildings. It would be cool to one day drive down Broadway and have them all lit up!

like!

I look forward to Auto Alley's Christmas lights more than CHK's nowadays... Love seeing the walls of color!

Every year Auto Alley seems to light up more and more buildings. It would be cool to one day drive down Broadway and have them all lit up!

It looks great every year and I drive this area every evening on my way home.
I was thinking that one day that 10th street would light up. The drive down Broadway and then west on 10th street.

Man, that blue on the Buick building is stunning! I can't wait to drive over there and see it in person.

You can see it from I235 it is so bright!

Auto Alley has their Christmas lights up and for the first time the Buick building is decked out. From the Fitzsimmons Architecture FB page:

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10710895_10152930236538804_9081423986281927426_n.j pg?oh=55e80c21d78bc6fdf88fa01da8ac4a23&oe=54DE037A

Nice pic. It would be cool to note the urban development changes in this area through a few years of A-Alley Hanging Christmas Lights pics.

It would be even cooler if the OK Contemporary museum was built right on Broadway with hanging lights like this as well, maybe even all year.

Plus, in two years the streetcar will travel through this area. If we do Automobile Alley right, with the lighting elements like neon and light strands, with a welcoming streetscape, with a 2-4 story dense scale, and placemaking - it could resemble this (substitute Russian monuments and onion domes for the OKC skyline):

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/Nevsky_Prospect,_St._Petersburg,_Russia.jpg

Nice work, Spartan.

As I went by this morning I saw a new space called Salon 822 on the east side next to the recording studio. If that's been mentioned before please feel free to delete.

^

No, that's new. I saw the building permit but never posted about it.

Is that the space Trade Mensware was in?

Is that the space Trade Mensware was in?

I think so, I've walked past there a few times lately and there have been people in there working.