Pete, what do you believe the future of this whole area/project looks like?

https://newsok.com/article/5602520/ou-foundation-withdraws-arena-plans

From the article:


Rieger explained to councilors the foundation still hopes to develop the land but will explore other options. The development could be reconfigured any number of ways both financially and in terms of what is included in the project.


The OU Foundation has no timeline going forward about future development, Rieger said.

I still think OU wants to eventually build an on-campus arena on the east stadium lots but it's probably at least 5 years out from happening.

As for UNP, I foresee more residential development especially apartments. I'd like to see more aviation-related businesses on the east side to take advantage of airport access.

They had run an extensive campaign promoting this project in order get the TIF money (I saw frequent promoted ads on Facebook) but there was a pretty good public backlash to the point they realized they didn't have the support to get the public money.

Also, have to wonder if the quick and permanent canceling of these plans has something to do with the new OU president.

I noticed last week when listening to KOKC 1520AM, the new host of the morning show is from Norman. Every morning last week he had a reporter from the Norman Transcript and few other people on to talk about what TIF districts are and to talk specifically about the details surrounding the UNP. He definitely seemed to be urging listeners to contact City Council members and engage in the conversation about the situation. Maybe he could be brought in on the great TIF discussion around the whole metro. Get more exposure on the subject.

They had run an extensive campaign promoting this project in order get the TIF money (I saw frequent promoted ads on Facebook) but there was a pretty good public backlash to the point they realized they didn't have the support to get the public money.

Also, have to wonder if the quick and permanent canceling of these plans has something to do with the new OU president.

So is this arena project completely dead? Or are they going to try and move forward with private donations and/or self funding?

So is this arena project completely dead? Or are they going to try and move forward with private donations and/or self funding?

It seems to be completely dead.

There doesn't seem to be a clear next step regarding a new on-campus arena or anywhere else.

Has anybody heard a date on when the Carmax is supposed to open? It seems like they broke ground on it a long while ago.

Construction trailer is now gone so I expect they are getting close and may be open within the month.

This would be a perfect place for the OKC Metro's first Cost Plus World Market, I'm surprised OKC doesn't have one now especially with the liquor laws changing.

This would be a perfect place for the OKC Metro's first Cost Plus World Market, I'm surprised OKC doesn't have one now especially with the liquor laws changing.

The one in Tulsa is great. I was delighted to see them open it in the middle of town and not in the exburbs - no reason okc won’t get one or two soon.

CycleBar coming soon to shopping center beside Legacy Park next to La Madeleines. 1513115132

Found the updated CBRE map at the below link...then click on flyer.

Proposed businesses at UNP:
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar by Torchy's
Burlington by Guitar Center
Petsmart by Guitar Center (assume the ENP location would close)
Carmax by Chuck E Cheese

New businesses shown but not listed as Proposed:
La Z Boy by Chuck E Cheese
Ranch Steakhouse by Hibdons

Also shows future buildings north of Crest and a proposed activity center north of Embassy Suites.




http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/Looplink/Profile/Profile.aspx?LID=17991282&STID=CB0003&LL=true

This is a quoted tweet from a couple of years ago, and the link is inactive. I noticed some dirt work going on next to Hibdon's. Any word on whether this is still going to be The Ranch, or will it be something else?

This is a quoted tweet from a couple of years ago, and the link is inactive. I noticed some dirt work going on next to Hibdon's. Any word on whether this is still going to be The Ranch, or will it be something else?

LOL. Threw me off when it said The Ranch by the Hibdons. I thought....wait, the Ranch is by the Mathis Brothers (ie owned). Mind is moving a little slow today

www.destinationnorman.com/data shows the Ranch Steakhouse at this same location.

Does anyone know if they are still building The Ranch next to Hibdon Tires and across from Chili's (NW corner of Conference Drive and 24th Ave)? Forms are up for concrete and utilities are in.

Does anyone know if they are still building The Ranch next to Hibdon Tires and across from Chili's (NW corner of Conference Drive and 24th Ave)? Forms are up for concrete and utilities are in.

I don’t know for sure but the post above yours from January suggests it is.

Not exactly UTC, but does anyone know what is happening on the land that was just cleared on Robinson just east of 24th NW? Between the bank and the ambulance station. The land is being cleared completely.

They put up the construction sign finally, The Ranch steakhouse is officially coming! It'll be nice to finally have a good steakhouse on the south side of the OKC metro.

They put up the construction sign finally, The Ranch steakhouse is officially coming! It'll be nice to finally have a good steakhouse on the south side of the OKC metro.

Yep. There goes my wallet and gut.

They put up the construction sign finally, The Ranch steakhouse is officially coming! It'll be nice to finally have a good steakhouse on the south side of the OKC metro.

Did anyone ever confirm this Ranch is the same steakhouse as the Britton one? I thought I remember people questioning it way back when it was first announced

Did anyone ever confirm this Ranch is the same steakhouse as the Britton one? I thought I remember people questioning it way back when it was first announced

Yes it is. I had dinner Friday night at The Ranch on Britton and asked about it.

Yes it is. I had dinner Friday night at The Ranch on Britton and asked about it.

Thanks! Great get for Norman. Easily my favorite steakhouse in town.

Sold for a cool 63 mill.
Dallas investors buy big retail power center in Norman, Oklahoma
https://oklahoman.com/article/5635400/dallas-investors-buy-big-retail-power-center-in-norman-oklahoma

was at Hudiburg Subaru this weekend, and overheard that they have land on the north end (apparently on the north side of where the frontage road turns back to go to 24th, to build their new location here. Currently hoping for an October 2020 opening. sounds like a total of 8-10 acres were purchased, but only 5 acres is going to be used for Subaru.

was at Hudiburg Subaru this weekend, and overheard that they have land on the north end (apparently on the north side of where the frontage road turns back to go to 24th, to build their new location here. Currently hoping for an October 2020 opening. sounds like a total of 8-10 acres were purchased, but only 5 acres is going to be used for Subaru.

You are the second person I have heard this from. Seems to be happening. A lot of Subaru drivers in Norman. I'll be happy to drive less for my oil changes !

https://www.news9.com/story/41449097/group-collecting-signatures-to-overturn-university-north-park-funding-vote Group Collecting Signatures To Overturn University North Park Funding Vote

Does anyone know when the next phase of UNP is going to get started/if it is going to get started? The phase I am referring to is the one between the hotels and Crest on the Eastside.

Ranch Steakhouse is now open and doing curbside takeout and delivery. Some pretty bad timing on the opening, for sure.

Ranch Steakhouse is now open and doing curbside takeout and delivery. Some pretty bad timing on the opening, for sure.

Yep. Not a dang thing they could do, aside from just keep the building shuttered for now. It stinks, considering, under normal circumstances, this is not a bad time to open a restaurant.

Yep. Not a dang thing they could do, aside from just keep the building shuttered for now. It stinks, considering, under normal circumstances, this is not a bad time to open a restaurant.

I was a little surprised that it doesn't appear they are running any type of specials either. When I was on their FB page...it appeared everything is menu price. Maybe not 50% off like Broadway for dinner special for two would be great.

I was a little surprised that it doesn't appear they are running any type of specials either. When I was on their FB page...it appeared everything is menu price. Maybe not 50% off like Broadway for dinner special for two would be great.

That does seem weird. I am not sure why they wouldn't have some kind of COVID-19 promotions.

Anyone know what is being built/the dirtwork is for immediately north of the Terra Apartments?

I was a little surprised that it doesn't appear they are running any type of specials either. When I was on their FB page...it appeared everything is menu price. Maybe not 50% off like Broadway for dinner special for two would be great.

They really need to cut their prices for carry out orders. I've been to the north location and was fine paying for the high prices because the service was exceptional. When you're not getting the service you shouldn't have to pay for it.

Anyone know what is being built/the dirtwork is for immediately north of the Terra Apartments?

Based on the renderings released awhile ago, this is going to be single-family homes.

15921

Based on the renderings released awhile ago, this is going to be single-family homes.

15921

I am wondering if this is outdated, but that Town Center development is pretty much dead as a door nail, right?

I am wondering if this is outdated, but that Town Center development is pretty much dead as a door nail, right?

There is a sign across from Torchys that advertises who did the financing for that part of the project. I don’t know if it is completely dead but it does seem more and more likely to never happen.

15944

Those are going to be some weirdly placed single-family homes if that's what happens there.

Dear diary, next month will be year #15 since the original discussion on the TIF district that would come to be known as UNP/UTC. I’m told I just need to be patient and wait a little longer for the Lifestyle Center work in the next phase to begin.

http://medcorepartners.com/press/medcore-partners-plans-188-unit-community-norman-ok/

Looks like it is going to be Senior Housing on the Northside of University Town Center.

Rendering from here - http://medcorepartners.com/project/norman-senior-living/

16023

Hudiburg Subaru is now under construction.

Norman Development FB page is reporting that Moore Norman Technology Center has purchased 25 acres from UNP.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1501252776744024&id=831499700386005&sfnsn=mo

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/unp080620a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/unp080620b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/unp080620c.jpg

Nice! What all will this be part of development entail? I mean possible corporate tenants?

Nice! What all will this be part of development entail? I mean possible corporate tenants?

Probably none. This is likely a relocation of an existing MNTC campus to UNP, from the outside looking in. The whole UNP development has been a disaster, unfortunately. City Council had a chance to help it with the new arena. But no, that would have been too good for Norman.

Nice! What all will this be part of development entail? I mean possible corporate tenants?

I believe it will be a campus for the Moore Norman Technology Center (vo-tech).

Probably none. This is likely a relocation of an existing MNTC campus to UNP, from the outside looking in. The whole UNP development has been a disaster, unfortunately. City Council had a chance to help it with the new arena. But no, that would have been too good for Norman.

As far as a new arena. The citizens have been vocal about no more TIF funding.

As far as a new arena. The citizens have been vocal about no more TIF funding.

More proof Norman does not know what it needs or wants. It is sad, really. they were sold a false bill of goods with UNP, so I get their disgust. But the arena would have helped a ton there, and that ruined goodwill cost Norman for a long time. A technology center won't help anyone by being located there, in my opinion. But it is better than a vacant lot, I suppose.

More proof Norman does not know what it needs or wants. It is sad, really. they were sold a false bill of goods with UNP, so I get their disgust. But the arena would have helped a ton there, and that ruined goodwill cost Norman for a long time. A technology center won't help anyone by being located there, in my opinion. But it is better than a vacant lot, I suppose.

As a Normanite, I agree with the sentiment. Sure it would be nice to have a new arena, but I don't trust any leadership in the area to fulfill what they propose. Started with the upscale UNP development that is anchored by Target and some car dealerships. Exciting upscale gets for us. And then Norman Forward that promised a complete overhaul of soccer fields, new baseball/softball fields, youth sports complex, etc. And now they need another $140M to complete it? That seems like some excessive cost over-runs.

The arena not getting built here is best thing that could have happened for OU and Norman.

Ive never understood why someone would want to move basketball so far off campus and put it next to an Office Depot and Dress Barn with parking lot views. the location of a university basketball venue should not be located in an area with the atmosphere of an interstate truck stop. IMO everyone involved dodged a bullet. No reason to continue to throw good money after bad.

"new urbanist community" lol.

The arena not getting built here is best thing that could have happened for OU and Norman.

Ive never understood why someone would want to move basketball so far off campus and put it next to an Office Depot and Dress Barn with parking lot views. the location of a university basketball venue should not be located in an area with the atmosphere of an interstate truck stop. IMO everyone involved dodged a bullet. No reason to continue to throw good money after bad.

As an alum and season BB ticket holder I agree. Akin to putting lipstick on a pig.
As a voter I share in the sentiments of many residents that TIFS are not a good deal for the taxpayers or schools.

The arena not getting built here is best thing that could have happened for OU and Norman.

Ive never understood why someone would want to move basketball so far off campus and put it next to an Office Depot and Dress Barn with parking lot views. the location of a university basketball venue should not be located in an area with the atmosphere of an interstate truck stop. IMO everyone involved dodged a bullet. No reason to continue to throw good money after bad.
So basically you never saw the plans, because if you did you are purposely misleading with your description of the setting. I’d rather think you just don’t know.

As a Normanite, I agree with the sentiment. Sure it would be nice to have a new arena, but I don't trust any leadership in the area to fulfill what they propose. Started with the upscale UNP development that is anchored by Target and some car dealerships. Exciting upscale gets for us. And then Norman Forward that promised a complete overhaul of soccer fields, new baseball/softball fields, youth sports complex, etc. And now they need another $140M to complete it? That seems like some excessive cost over-runs.

Not 140M. 85.6 M with the Trae Young Foundation kicking in another 4M.

Norman bond propositions enter crowded landscape
https://nondoc.com/2020/08/07/norman-bond-propositions-enter-crowded-landscape/

So basically you never saw the plans, because if you did you are purposely misleading with your description of the setting. I’d rather think you just don’t know.

Yes I saw the plans. It was sold as a fancy dressed up strip mall and big box retail next to an interstate . It ended up being a regular strip mall and big box retail next to an interstate. Either way it was never an appropriate spot for a major university to play home basketball games.

It’s funny how people always get duped by these proposed “lifestyle centers.” They promised a new oasis that will let people live in a walkable area next to retail, bars, restaurants, and OU basketball. Like that place hasn’t already existed In Norman for 100 years. Then they build a dress barn on a curvy road with taxpayer money lol.

Yes I saw the plans. It was sold as a fancy dressed up strip mall and big box retail next to an interstate . It ended up being a regular strip mall and big box retail next to an interstate. Either way it was never an appropriate spot for a major university to play home basketball games.

It’s funny how people always get duped by these proposed “lifestyle centers.” They promised a new oasis that will let people live in a walkable area next to retail, bars, restaurants, and OU basketball. Like that place hasn’t already existed In Norman for 100 years. Then they build a dress barn on a curvy road with taxpayer money lol.
So you did see it and purposely spin it incorrectly. I had given the benefit of the doubt.

Having an entertainment and dining center surrounding the venue is a good idea. Having it in the middle of a sterile parking lot is not. Moving it to a more accessible and visible area is a good idea too.

Corporate Centre was an ambitious office park consisting of 6 Class A office buildings that never got off the ground. It was first introduced back in 2008, and was supposed to be the cornerstone of University Town Center. Well looks lke this isn't going to happen.

So you did see it and purposely spin it incorrectly. I had given the benefit of the doubt.

Having an entertainment and dining center surrounding the venue is a good idea. Having it in the middle of a sterile parking lot is not. Moving it to a more accessible and visible area is a good idea too.

If OU is going to do anything they should rebuild or remodel McCasland Field House. It is a close proximity to an organic entertainment/ dining center and it doesn’t get “more accessible” than walking distance for thousands of university students. Off campus sports facilities went out of style in the 80s when everyone realized it was generally a terrible Idea.

This development was always going to be garbage from day one.

If OU is going to do anything they should rebuild or remodel McCasland Field House. It is a close proximity to an organic entertainment/ dining center and it doesn’t get “more accessible” than walking distance for thousands of university students. Off campus sports facilities went out of style in the 80s when everyone realized it was generally a terrible Idea.

This development was always going to be garbage from day one.

There’s no way McCasland could ever work as a modern basketball facility. That’s an old timers dream.

Maybe if there were sites near campus corner, which is actually a ways from student housing too

There’s no way McCasland could ever work as a modern basketball facility. That’s an old timers dream.

Maybe if there were sites near campus corner, which is actually a ways from student housing too

They figured out how to do it 90 miles north of Norman.