I'm writing Urban Outfitters today to suggest the 1101 Broadway building. It's looking really nice and I still think it would be a superb Urban Outfitters. I know they looked downtown and I haven't heard that they've selected a site. I think the AA area is developing enough that they might be willing to think about a store in that area.

I heard the land Belanger owns is going to be developed by a company that specializes in small markets such as Wichita, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, etc. and that there would be a chance this apartment complex would be the nicest in the city. If I can come up with the name of the development company I will post a link to their site to show previous work. I am in no way saying this is a done deal but I do think there is a real chance it happens.

I heard the land Belanger owns is going to be developed by a company that specializes in small markets such as Wichita, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, etc. and that there would be a chance this apartment complex would be the nicest in the city. If I can come up with the name of the development company I will post a link to their site to show previous work. I am in no way saying this is a done deal but I do think there is a real chance it happens.

I've heard it was being developed by a firm out of Houston

Believe me Steve - it isn't you. I already took about 6 weeks off but it only seems to have gotten worse. Maybe 6 weeks isn't long enough.

Kerry, I was wondering about that. Since I was gone and I wasn't too active on here, what happened to your username, and what is the deal with "Just the facts" ?

If we get the quiet zone, there is a lot of open land north of 8th St. that would be great for residences. That's where, I believe, Bert Belanger had some plans for apartments. There is other open land, as well as existing buildings, between 9th and Deep Deuce that could be utilized as well.

It is absolutely preposterous that they have been working on that quiet zone since 2005.

I have purchased a couple of mid century modern pieces from Treasures Past. They seem to always have quite a few, although I have not been in the new location.

They do have some midcentury stuff, and it is outrageously priced.

Not if you understand the art of haggling and are willing to walk away. :smile:

I just looked through the window and didn't see much. I've got more furniture than I need right now (can you say three storage units) and so don't need to look in any stores with furniture. It seemed to me, though, that there was a lot of what a friend of mine who was a picker when he was in college called "brown furniture"....the frequently oak replicas of tudor and other earlier styles of furniture created in the 30s and 40s. I'm sure the mid century modern is expensive to acquire, but that seems to be selling and, to me, seems like it might be more appealing to people in the area. Although, Rawhide definitely appears to pull in higher end buyers and their stuff would combine nicely with furniture from an earlier era. Maybe that's the plan.

video of The Womb

http://www.okcfox.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/kokh_vid_3780.shtml

I'm guessing its been discussed before, and I'm probably in the minority, but IMO that whole Womb Gallery is an eyesore from the exterior - from the psychedelic exterior to the "lady parts" inspired doors, I find it out of place and quite frankly hideous. What they do with the inside I don't really care, but I personally think its a step backwards and I feel for surrounding businesses that have to look at it every day. I'm curious where the line is drawn between graffiti and exterior painting or mural. Wasn't there a studio a few years ago (around NW 12 and Western) that had to repaint their exterior because the mural they painted was deemed graffiti? Either way, I hate it, but it may just be a personal taste thing.

I like it. I think it's quirky and adds a little more of an organic feel to the area. It definitely doesn't look like a created area. Compare Automobile Alley to a "lifestyle center" and personally, I think they look sterile by comparison. I go by it a lot and it's kind of a visual "pick me up" personally. I realize it too, is just my opinion ane personal taste.

I also like it. I think it adds some unique character to the area...

I'm guessing its been discussed before, and I'm probably in the minority, but IMO that whole Womb Gallery is an eyesore from the exterior - from the psychedelic exterior to the "lady parts" inspired doors, I find it out of place and quite frankly hideous. What they do with the inside I don't really care, but I personally think its a step backwards and I feel for surrounding businesses that have to look at it every day. I'm curious where the line is drawn between graffiti and exterior painting or mural. Wasn't there a studio a few years ago (around NW 12 and Western) that had to repaint their exterior because the mural they painted was deemed graffiti? Either way, I hate it, but it may just be a personal taste thing.

It's the only iconic "art" building we have in OKC. It is an actual artpiece, created by a world-famous artist, and it celebrates local art. It's the only "public art" we have in OKC that has any impact whatsoever. I completely disagree with your opinion, but defend your right to state it here.

I like it. I think it's quirky and adds a little more of an organic feel to the area. It definitely doesn't look like a created area. Compare Automobile Alley to a "lifestyle center" and personally, I think they look sterile by comparison. I go by it a lot and it's kind of a visual "pick me up" personally. I realize it too, is just my opinion ane personal taste.

+1

AA can turn into our own little version of M Street in Georgetown.

It's the only iconic "art" building we have in OKC. It is an actual artpiece, created by a world-famous artist, and it celebrates local art. It's the only "public art" we have in OKC that has any impact whatsoever. I completely disagree with your opinion, but defend your right to state it here.

Surely you mean "in addition to Stage Center" which is it's sculptural counterpart.

I heard if you have 5 votes on the horseshoe you can paint the streets purple. Maybe thats next.

I love it, and clearly most of you haven't been to Philly, King of beautiful building murals.

I'm all for murals. I often photograph them when traveling. However, I just think this one is pitiful. But, like I said, I'm probably in the minority.

I LOOOOVE IT! The exterior, although it's actually changed nearly perpetually since they started painting it, is the work of prominent New York artist Maya Hayuk and really is an awesome cultural asset to the city. This gallery will really bring a much needed injection of credible alternative art of a national or even world class to the city. Me and my wife went to opening night and had a blast, we also got to go to Broadway wine and Hideaway on foot making it an altogether very pleasurable evening. It's so nice to finally see something that may be construed as shocking or jarring in downtown OKC again. I love all the work that has gone in to improving downtown but we've been in need of something that was kind of outside the "plan" down there.

I like it. I think it's quirky and adds a little more of an organic feel to the area. It definitely doesn't look like a created area. Compare Automobile Alley to a "lifestyle center" and personally, I think they look sterile by comparison. I go by it a lot and it's kind of a visual "pick me up" personally. I realize it too, is just my opinion ane personal taste.

Hell Yeah, everyone can use a bit of color in their lives..

I'm all for murals. I often photograph them when traveling. However, I just think this one is pitiful. But, like I said, I'm probably in the minority.
So are you saying that you wouldn't have put it on a t-shirt when you were doing screenprinting?

So are you saying that you wouldn't have put it on a t-shirt when you were doing screenprinting?

For myself? No way. For a paying customer? Whatever floats their boat.

i cant get the video to play, can someone post pics?

I too like the The Womb mural. Its a great place to take pictures as well and my out of town friends loved it.

I also love it and when I move my office will have a view of it from my window. I love to see all of that color and imagine it will be great in the winter when all of the green of the trees is gone.

I agree its a nice addition of color and alternative art. There is way too much homogenized art around....

I too like the The Womb mural. Its a great place to take pictures as well and my out of town friends loved it.

I went to take pics of it the other day and ran into another girl who was taking photos of it, and asked a few questions about it.. I see people checking it out all the time. I think it's a hit.

Spartan, are you going to post the pics? LOL

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

Interesting protest in front of our building the other day. Someone noted the other day that this is part of the grand marketing strategy for the area.

"Lease space to conservative legislator who will then draw liberal protesters who will become regulars at Coffee Slingers and then buy furniture while amped up on caffeine." LOL

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We are becoming a diverse big city and Auto Alley is in the middle of it!

Imagine if your car just happened to be parked there, haha...

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

Is this a final rendition or more of an exploratory item (such as with the Merc a while ago)?

Spartan, are you going to post the pics? LOL

Sure, here ya are.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZC4fqZAcOTQ/TjM1or_4UbI/AAAAAAAABAs/hNKO1eyAfV0/s1600/2011-07-28_14.36.23.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acRnis8ZeCI/TjM1ojJ992I/AAAAAAAABAk/6txP5UjuWfY/s1600/2011-07-28_14.35.23.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBXDRBXWfHc/TjM1odtoh9I/AAAAAAAABAc/acT_CAqkaII/s1600/2011-07-28_14.34.17.jpg

Yes, this DID just happen in OKC, and yes, it's awesome.

LOVE IT! Bigfoot sounds awesome. XD

Again, I know I'm in the silent minority, but I don't get it. However, I would have loved to have seen the building covered in a huge urban subway art type graffiti mural. This just makes me want to puke.

There is a segment of people who don't get anything but traditional design, art, music, etc. I don't think this is meant to appeal to that group. Thankfully the city now sees the value in this kind of diversity and embraces it rather than prohibits it. Welcome to the 21st century OKC. We've been stuck in the past too long.

There is a segment of people who don't get anything but traditional design, art, music, etc. I don't think this is meant to appeal to that group. Thankfully the city now sees the value in this kind of diversity and embraces it rather than prohibits it. Welcome to the 21st century OKC. We've been stuck in the past too long.

I agree with everything you've said and I still hate the building. I honestly think it's a pretty crappy example of graffiti art. There isn't much original or artistic about it. This seems like a project that a High School art class could pull off. Who can't paint a rainbow?

That said I'm glad the area is drawing interest and developing a personality. I don't have to like everything in an area to love the city and what is happening.

Also, reasonable minds can differ and it not be because one side is urban and sophisticated and the other isn't.

I agree with everything you've said and I still hate the building. I honestly think it's a pretty crappy example of graffiti art. There isn't much original or artistic about it. This seems like a project that a High School art class could pull off. Who can't paint a rainbow?

That said I'm glad the area is drawing interest and developing a personality. I don't have to like everything in an area to love the city and what is happening.
Yep, it all goes back to art (and pretty much everything) being subjective.

I agree with everything you've said and I still hate the building. I honestly think it's a pretty crappy example of graffiti art. There isn't much original or artistic about it. This seems like a project that a High School art class could pull off. Who can't paint a rainbow?

That said I'm glad the area is drawing interest and developing a personality. I don't have to like everything in an area to love the city and what is happening.

Also, reasonable minds can differ and it not be because one side is urban and sophisticated and the other isn't.

My thoughts exactly. Looks like the scribbles you see on someone's notepad when they are bored. Traditional taste has nothing to do with it. I often stop and take photos of really cool urban graffiti, but this is just sad.

Anyone ever notice how pot heads are intrigued by geometric lines and bright colors? That isn't a slam, just an observation.

Again, I know I'm in the silent minority, but I don't get it. However, I would have loved to have seen the building covered in a huge urban subway art type graffiti mural. This just makes me want to puke.

I'm not trying to be rude, but didn't you already write this exact post? What's the point of saying you don't like it over and over? We get it. You don't like it. Most people disagreed with you the first time. Let's move on...

My thoughts exactly. Looks like the scribbles you see on someone's notepad when they are bored. Traditional taste has nothing to do with it. I often stop and take photos of really cool urban graffiti, but this is just sad.

Love to see one of those pictures to understand your version of cool urban graffiti.

And, art isn't necessarily useful for getting mass consensus. It is often intended to appeal to narrow segments and to make others notice, and hopefully to feel or think. It is often more polarizing than unifying. Since this is now a hot topic here, I guess it achieved its goal. And to the credit of whoever had to sign off on this, the acceptance of something that isn't "popular" is a good sign for the city. Tolerance of a variety of ideas, philosophies and styles is the way this city will grow and mature.

Photo's from within Treasures Past next to Coffee Slingers.

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I'm not trying to be rude, but didn't you already write this exact post? What's the point of saying you don't like it over and over? We get it. You don't like it. Most people disagreed with you the first time. Let's move on...

You'll survive..... so "let's move on."

Anyone ever notice how pot heads are intrigued by geometric lines and bright colors? That isn't a slam, just an observation.

Lol. Not really. I believe you're thinking of another DRUG, because pot does not have that affect on you. Stay Classy.

If it was designed for pot heads, it would be made of nacho cheese. LOL

Spartan: thanks for posting the pics. Not my style at all but if the neighbors (those that have to look at it everyday) don't object...why not?

No problemo Larry. The funny thing is, one neighbor (Susan Anthony) did object, whilst the whole project was championed by Steve Mason. The city just wasn't able to say no to Wayne Coyne who has already done so much for the community, as has Mason obviously.

While I don't think a single home/property owner should get their way, if the majority said "No", then that would be another thing. Of course, if one doesn't like it they can move. As far as i know, there is nothing preventing the owner from doing such things inside the building or in an area not seen by the general public. I take it that there isn't a HOA or the like in that area? Historic design rules in place to prevent such things etc?

If it was designed for pot heads, it would be made of nacho cheese. LOL

Now this, I can agree to. ;P

My question too Larry, is Automobile Alley considered a Historic District? If not, are any of the buildings on the Historic Register independently? Does an area have to be comprised of a certain percentage of historic buildings to be a Historic Overlay? Or does an area that has many buildings listed independently on the register, get "promoted" to a historic district, after passing a certain threshold? Sorry if that's confusing.

Not confusing but I have no idea. But i take it that it isn't or that building isn't or it wouldn't have been allowed?
ON EDIT: for what its worth, from Wiki...

Automobile Alley Historic District is an upscale Urban neighborhood in Oklahoma City, located roughly along North Broadway Avenue in Downtown Oklahoma City. The district contains numerous low and midrise heritage buildings, restaurants, and shops and is listed in the National Historic Register of neighborhoods.
Didn't see it addressed over at the DowntownOKC site...

It is also labeled that over at the Level's site: http://www.levelokc.com/area/districts

trivia note from: http://www.okchistory.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=282:automobile-alley-oklahoma-citys-original-car-row&catid=42:places&Itemid=78
Stated that 95% of all cars sold in Oklahoma were "distributed" in OKC. Other places mentioned that over 50 of the 70 or so dealerships were located along Automobile Alley.

As an advocate of the arts, even art I don't appreciate, I am 100% for the womb and its mission.

However, I'm not sure the anatomical representation on the front door was the best choice, even though it actually makes sense given what the place is called.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tX2B9q141wk/Tknug7axcwI/AAAAAAAAN8Q/ErDIl-BamPQ/womb-door.jpg

(if you don't think that's what that is, then you didn't go to the opening to experience the simulated womb (pink balloons) inside those doors)

As an advocate of the arts, even art I don't appreciate, I am 100% for the womb and its mission.

However, I'm not sure the anatomical representation on the front door was the best choice, even though it actually makes sense given what the place is called.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tX2B9q141wk/Tknug7axcwI/AAAAAAAAN8Q/ErDIl-BamPQ/womb-door.jpg

(if you don't think that's what that is, then you didn't go to the opening to experience the simulated womb (pink balloons) inside those doors)

It pushes the envelope, and kudos to them for doing that. I think it's a refreshing way to look at art, with a hilarious twist, in a sort of self-mocking way. This is very "big league city" so to speak and I dig it.

There can be a LOT of symbolism relating to "the womb" so they can have fun with that concept for a long time. I think of the womb as a place of birth and beginning, so in a sense, perhaps it can serve and function as a birthplace of counter culture for OKC for years to come.

I'm with you on that, Spartan. But if anyone thinks that this images pushes the envelope, well, then, you ought to have a look at some of the offerings by the student artists at the OU art school ... this is tame by comparison.

Here's a great video of the new Hideaway on AA:

http://vimeo.com/27827632

I'm with you on that, Spartan. But if anyone thinks that this images pushes the envelope, well, then, you ought to have a look at some of the offerings by the student artists at the OU art school ... this is tame by comparison.

Haha... you're very right my friend.

The Hale Photo building has collapsed inside. Too Bad!

That building would make for an excellent live / work space.

The owners should at least put in on the market rather than let it sit vacant and rot. The City needs to be more proactive with these properties.

The City needs to be more proactive with these properties.

AA does have it's own organized association. Do the Hales still own it?

Yes.