How is it not wasteful? The more land used in a sprawling and unhealthy manner, the more wasteful. I'm sorry, but I was thinking by cattle ranch, we were talking about suburbia as well.

And the reason OKCitians as well as other people have "fled" the urbanity and density of other cities is because WE ARE WASTEFUL. "To each their own", but one of them is obviously the way smarter way to build, sustain, and connect. The other is a free-for all to consume our land and resources while connecting it all with expensive and expansive roads, and the big SUV's needed to travel the distances between. I will never understand why people think that is okay. It's the nature of our species I suppose. To destroy and want want want. You and Spartan apparently are debating something but exactly what it is and for what reason I am clueless.

Have a nice day.

With all due respect

Then why have OKCitians fled the "Urban" ("warehousing for humans") for the Suburbs ("cattle ranch for humans")? Seems most prefer the breathing room instead of being crammed together, on top & bottom of each other. Isolation or connectivity? Have seen many an instance in Urban settings where people don't interact or know their neighbor any more than those in the burbs.

To each their own

I don't think it's a far stretch to suggest that a sizable portion of Oklahomans are against the things that go into building a civil society..

The Paseo and the Plaza District are so different in intent that I'm not sure there's a point in comparing them.

How are they different? They both are using the same urban fundamentals and thriving as urban hoods.

Now, Plaza/Paseo and Quail Springs ARE so different in intent that comparisons are useless.

The Plaza District has a much larger percentage of retail. I think there's only one actual 'art gallery' there, which is the one owned by Don Narcomey. DNA calls itself a gallery, but also sells jewelry, t-shirts and such.

The Paseo, on the other hand, is primarily galleries and studios. There are some artists on the Paseo who would prefer to do no retail at all. They rented space to use strictly for studio work, not to sell their art on the premises.

Our family really enjoys the Paseo. On the first Friday (usually date night for me and hubby)and Saturday 99% of the district is open for viewing. Friday night is more of an adult atmosphere. Saturday more for families. They are so wonderful encouraging the children to express themselves in art. We also love to attend to art festivals.

I also do quite a bit of shopping there around the holidays. I am please with the progress the district has made and intend to continue visiting the Paseo Art District.

With all due respect

Then why have OKCitians fled the "Urban" ("warehousing for humans") for the Suburbs ("cattle ranch for humans")? Seems most prefer the breathing room instead of being crammed together, on top & bottom of each other. Isolation or connectivity? Have seen many an instance in Urban settings where people don't interact or know their neighbor any more than those in the burbs.

To each their own

I'm just one person, and not a study, obviously, but I've lived in a lot of different neighborhoods around OKC, including Nichols Hills and Deer Creek. The place I knew the least number of neighbors was Nichols Hills, where we barely spoke to the people living adjacent to us, much less near us. I know at least as many neighbors downtown as I have in any other neighborhood I'ved lived in, and there's far more stopping to chat with people you don't know downtown than anywhere else I've ever lived. Just walking by them on the street (I do have two very cute dogs, but I've walked dogs everywhere I've lived), I've met people from pretty much every living option north of Bricktown, as well as the Centennial. There's a downtown bowling league, Urban Neighbors is a great place to meet people....I feel very much less anonymous here than in most other neighborhoods. The exception was Deer Creek, where we had a new neighborhood and a neighborhood pool. We knew all of our neighbors, but there weren't very many. I got tired of the breathing room, the drive, and several acres to maintain very quickly.

The Plaza District has a much larger percentage of retail. I think there's only one actual 'art gallery' there, which is the one owned by Don Narcomey. DNA calls itself a gallery, but also sells jewelry, t-shirts and such.

The Paseo, on the other hand, is primarily galleries and studios. There are some artists on the Paseo who would prefer to do no retail at all. They rented space to use strictly for studio work, not to sell their art on the premises.

The Plaza has more regular traffic to support retail, particularly pedestrians on the weekend. Paseo really doesn't, which is why it's a great restaurant/gallery district.

I found another image of Back Bay on Wiki that makes me happier because it shows more individuality and uniqueness in the brownstones.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/Boston_backbay_brownstones.jpg/800px-Boston_backbay_brownstones.jpg

I found another image of Back Bay on Wiki that makes me happier because it shows more individuality and uniqueness in the brownstones.

And I think you might agree now that back bay's housing is more architecturally significant than the typical suburban neighborhood. Those buildings look amazing.

^^And very,very expensive also and if anyone doesnt like The Back Bay from an ariel view,at street level it will blow you away!

I'm just one person, and not a study, obviously, but I've lived in a lot of different neighborhoods around OKC, including Nichols Hills and Deer Creek. The place I knew the least number of neighbors was Nichols Hills, where we barely spoke to the people living adjacent to us, much less near us. I know at least as many neighbors downtown as I have in any other neighborhood I'ved lived in, and there's far more stopping to chat with people you don't know downtown than anywhere else I've ever lived. Just walking by them on the street (I do have two very cute dogs, but I've walked dogs everywhere I've lived), I've met people from pretty much every living option north of Bricktown, as well as the Centennial. There's a downtown bowling league, Urban Neighbors is a great place to meet people....I feel very much less anonymous here than in most other neighborhoods. The exception was Deer Creek, where we had a new neighborhood and a neighborhood pool. We knew all of our neighbors, but there weren't very many. I got tired of the breathing room, the drive, and several acres to maintain very quickly.

I don't deny what you say about Nichols Hills but I am surprised. I spent a few weeks last summer looking at homes there and I found everyone there so welcoming. I was disappointed my husband decided he wanted something with land.

I am having a hard time with the negative remarks about people living anywhere other than a city. I am not trying to pick a fight with anyone I am just posting MY Opinion so take it as such please.

You say that living in a suburban area is wasteful but I am buying my Vegetables from people that grow in my area, when available, they are parked on the side of SH152 in Mustang most weekends in the summer. I have septic so I am not contributing to waste treatment and when I can I buy Beef from a local supplier. Yes I have a truck, no its Mileage is not good, I bought it when I was contracting my new house, before that I owned a Prius and I plan to get something better now that we have moved into our new home.

The most wasteful place I have ever seen was Southern California, there was never enough housing people had to commute up to 3 hours 1 way because they could not find affordable housing closer than that.

My point is this, to have a healthy urban environment you have to have a healthy Suburban environment. One will not work without the other. They both feed off the other in population and resources.

The last part of the equation is this not everyone likes to be within an area that is densely populated, it makes them nerves. I have traveled to many cities my favorite so far is London but I don’t want to live there.

What makes them architecturally significant?

This seems like a joke of a question... you'd bde hard pressed to find anyone that would disagree that Back Bay was a architectural treasure trove .... grand rows townhouses, Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, and New Old South Church..... all on a grand design with Paris as a model.

I wish I had a picture of it... but it looks like a fountain is being built in the middle of the Paseo in the island at 29th/Paseo. Does anyone know what this will look like when finished?

The platform area in the center of the square does not appear to have plumbing. And it looks like there are walkways leading to it. I'm thinking it might be a gazebo of some sort.

I see... I'm assuming (hoping) it will be in line with the Spanish feel of the district? I wonder because the retaining wall bricks they are using are the standard get-it-at-Home-Depot variety.

I see... I'm assuming (hoping) it will be in line with the Spanish feel of the district? I wonder because the retaining wall bricks they are using are the standard get-it-at-Home-Depot variety.

I imagine the bricks will get stuccoed, don't you?

I doubt it... it's this type:
http://www.gardeningforums.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=5&limit=views

I wish I had a picture of it... but it looks like a fountain is being built in the middle of the Paseo in the island at 29th/Paseo. Does anyone know what this will look like when finished?

I saw it while I was having dinner at Sauced the other day and thought it reminded me of some of the Asian District work in the middle of Classen Blvd. I didn't look at it very long, but I just saw a lot of pavers and stuff going in.

I mentioned this for Deep Deuce vs Midtown. How about a friendly inner-city rivalry amongst the Plaza and Paseo? It seems like the Plaza District is getting lots of the love recently, and justifiably so but....

How about some news and updates from the Paseo District?

Spring time is getting close and this is usually when the Paseo starts to really come to life, anyone care to share some news about this area?

Do any of us know yet what Belt is putting into his new digs?

OT: USG'60 Are you very tall and live in MWC? You look like a guy that was at the house when I was at it doing some work..

Average height and live near 23rd and May. I DO work on houses and businesses myself, however, including MWC. My finger prints are all over Paseo having had my shop there and haveing done work there from the early 70s to the late 80s. I consider it my second home. I should just call John and ask him what the latest is with his building but it's just more fun asking here.

It was the Paseo Plunge originally. There is a long conversation about it on another thread from a year or two ago. It REALLY is interesting and there are a lot of pics on the thread.

Do you have a link to that thread?

Do you have a link to that thread?

Here are a couple of content bits:

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=17705&page=1

http://newsok.com/old-paseo-plunge-undergoes-another-transformation/article/3474390?custom_click=lead_story_title

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=9926&highlight=Paseo

I think a superb restoration job was done on that building. I was just in the Paseo having lunch yesterday and it's really looking good. The stonework in the "square" previously discussed is currently sitting there with no clear purpose...no bench, no gazebo. I suspect they've been waiting for better weather to finish it, and I still think a gazebo is the most likely edifice that will be constructed there, based on how it looks.

There is (or was) an elevation of the island in the window of the Paseo Plunge. A large sculpture is going on the platform – no gazebo.

The PP building will include studio/apartment space, a coffee shop and more to be determined. So I've been told, anyway.

Thanks. I guess I'll have to wait until I get home to see the pictures. Stupid work web restrictions.

Ah, a statue will be a great addition, since it's essentially an arts district.

Looks like a new restaurant (can't tell exactly what) is going into the Paseo Village building at 2916 Paseo:

http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/sketches/picfile/2683/R047089000001wA.jpg

On Living social right now - there is a Paseo Grill deal that is really good if you've been looking for an excuse to eat here.

Paseo Grill prix fixe lunch or dinner for $20/$40 (http://www.livingsocial.com/deals/460752?rpi=82956918&ref=personalized-link-box-82956918&rui=2758318).

We opted for the dinner and used our coupon last night (for our 13th wedding anniversary).

We always love the atmosphere at Paseo Grill and we've never had a bad meal or bad service.

$40 dinner for two was amazing and was enough to feed four. We took over half of it home!

Started with a huge appetizer plate of fried green beans, two different kinds of hummus, Cherry Wood Smoked Salmon with Hearts of Palm and Artichoke Medley (served with toasted bread and pita bread).

Then two salads - larger than petite and with lots of fresh veggies.

You could choose from a selection of entrees. We did the stuffed jumbo shrimp and scallops with sides of rice and spinach. The second entree we choose was the 6oz filet (cooked perfect) with some variety of stuffed fish, mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus spears.

As usual they also served the fresh fruit and whipped cream for dessert.

Easily a $80-$90 meal for only $40.

Almost 800 coupons bought so far. I highly recommend it!

A young lady passing through the city posted a blog entry about her visit to the Red Cup:
HelloQuilala: Red Cup in OKC (http://helloquilala.blogspot.com/2012/09/red-cup-in-okc.html)

Some awesome photos there (like this one):
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5jGeRR3llg/UFj0qWZR_EI/AAAAAAAABTg/-Jtgp9KFIP0/s1600/DSC_0509.JPG

This is a very cool illustration (or painting -- whatever it is):

http://paseoartsdistrict.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/steve-whitfield.jpg

Source: Paseo Arts District (http://paseoartsdistrict.wordpress.com)

Anyone else see Paseo Grill on Jay Leno tonight in the 'Headlines' bit?

Anyone else see Paseo Grill on Jay Leno tonight in the 'Headlines' bit?

Looks like OKC was mentioned twice:

NBC TV Tonight Show Video: Jay Leno Skit ? Headlines (March 25, 2013) | WritingShares.com (http://writingshares.com/nbc-tv-tonight-show-video-jay-leno-skit-headlines-march-25-2013/)

The first for a poorly attended rally against apathy. Now that's funny.

Another local retailer setting up shop, this time in the Paseo; Ladies & Gentlemen Millinery:

Ladies & Gentlemen (http://lgfinehats.com/)

Ladies & Gentlemen | Ghost (http://www.ghostokc.com/work/branding-print/ladies-gentlemen)


http://www.ghostokc.com/sites/default/files/styles/full-width/public/gallery/FO2A1137.jpg?itok=SUnvLDKL


http://www.ghostokc.com/sites/default/files/styles/full-width/public/gallery/FO2A1124.jpg?itok=dsCfaA1I


http://www.ghostokc.com/sites/default/files/styles/full-width/public/gallery/FO2A1121.jpg?itok=QpWZp25-


http://www.ghostokc.com/sites/default/files/styles/full-width/public/gallery/FO2A1121_front.jpg?itok=rBPHWKGK

OUTSTANDING! I have secretly fantasized about opening a (non-cowboy) hat shop in OKC. That is definitely a sign of a community that is reaching a greater level of sophistication. Fashion fringe notwithstanding, there HAS to be pent-up demand.

Fabulous! Looks to offer very urban, unique hats for OKC. Hope they do very well

I've been hearing about a potential beer garden in The Paseo for a while and it looks like it is continuing to go forward...

It would be in the lot at the SW corner of 28th & Walker -- a fantastic location.

It would also be only 4 blocks north of Pump Bar and The Rise.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/paseobeer.JPG

On the SW corner of that intersection/gravel parking lot?

^

Yes, I believe so.

This area needs more high-density housing.

Agreed. A really nice high density project with retail could really breathe more life into this district. I feel like Paseo is too often an after thought in OKC's renaissance. Surely there's some land or properties with unappealing structures/houses nearby that could accommodate something.

Agreed. A really nice high density project with retail could really breathe more life into this district. I feel like Paseo is too often an after thought in OKC's renaissance. Surely there's some land or properties with unappealing structures/houses nearby that could accommodate something.

I like the area the way it is. Maybe high density along 23rd would be great, but this area already has a lot of historic apartments and cottage houses that makes the area unique. It just needs more terra cotta 2 to 3 story buildings for restaurants, stores and art galleries. It has a great vibe and doesn't need to be cookie cutterized to look like other districts.

I like the area the way it is. Maybe high density along 23rd would be great, but this area already has a lot of historic apartments and cottage houses that makes the area unique. It just needs more terra cotta 2 to 3 story buildings for restaurants, stores and art galleries. It has a great vibe and doesn't need to be cookie cutterized to look like other districts.

Agreed. I do think the beer garden addition is going to be great though.

The Paseo is one of my favorite areas in OKC simply because it is unique. It is an afterthought in OKC's renaissance because its great the way it is and doesn't really need improvement. Not every urban district has to be the same and in fact I think they should each fulfill their own purpose. The Paseo in my opinion should complement uptown nicely to create the "hipster" district for OKC. You have the art galleries and unique architecture and restaurants and then a few blocks south you have the Pump Bar, the Rise, and hopefully a live music venue if it doesn't get detailed. That is shaping up to be a real cool area.

The character of the neighborhood is just fine and yes, the high density stuff belongs on 23rd Street. However, having lived here for eight years, attending almost every First Friday and all the Festivals and being on Paseo Street almost every day, I believe that there is a misconception about the Paseo commercial district. That is, that the art galleries are the principal driver for the areas success. In my observation, the vast majority of daily visitors are patronizing bars and restaurants. Absolutely, the art related events bring a huge number of folks to walk and browse, but I have never, outside the Festival seen anyone purchase art anywhere but JRB and Twisted Root. On any non-event day or night, the overwhelming majority of visitors are either at one of the restaurants or bars, or taking engagement pictures. My point to all this is I think that the area would be improved greatly if some of the gallery space was converted to specialty retail that would be open during normal business hours and draw folks by addressing their day to day needs.

Just after John Belt finished the exterior of the old Paseo Plunge, he told me he intended to get a coffee shop or other small eatery in the front of the second floor and fill the rest with individual galleries. I was really dissappointed to hear that. Now that John has left us, I hope Joy, his wife will rethink that plan. I have hope in that regard because one gallery space has already been replaced by a very nice millinery.

The neighborhood is screaming for balance between the galleries and after hours entertainment. There needs to be more after-hours entertainment, more dining, and more diverse retail to ensure the vibrancy of the district. There also needs to be more high-density housing in the neighborhood. These facts have been obvious for more than a decade.

The neighborhood is screaming for balance between the galleries and after hours entertainment. There needs to be more after-hours entertainment, more dining, and more diverse retail to ensure the vibrancy of the district. There also needs to be more high-density housing in the neighborhood. These facts have been obvious for more than a decade.

The beer garden should help achieve this. I am looking forward to it myself.

Awesome! I've always wondered why this lot sat vacant. Can't wait to hear more about this development.

There also needs to be more high-density housing in the neighborhood. These facts have been obvious for more than a decade.

Where in the heck would you put it? Except for down by 23rd and 24th, and Walker the area is a wonderful mix ranging from single family 2 bedroom cottages to ten-plex apartment buildings with very, very high occupancy rates. If you put a "high-density" structure on the corner across from Sauced it would stick out like a sore thumb. Surely you are not proposing the demolition of functional existing housing to build something new. Given that the area is within a Historic Overlay, where you can't modernize your windows or fix a delapidated garage without approval, I'd say it will be a cold day in Hell before that happens.

I think there is going to be a new apartment complex built on the SE corner of 25th and Walker. And its a pretty large empty lot.

I think there is going to be a new apartment complex built on the SE corner of 25th and Walker. And its a pretty large empty lot.

Why do you think that?

Why do you think that?

I think he means SW corner of 25th & Walker.

We've talked about this on The Rise thread, as it's directly north; Marva Ellard is supposedly working on a housing project for the vacant lot and will also renovate some historical cottages that are immediately adjacent.

Ah, yes the SW corner. Thank you, typo.

I think he means SW corner of 25th & Walker.

We've talked about this on The Rise thread, as it's directly north; Marva Ellard is supposedly working on a housing project for the vacant lot and will also renovate some historical cottages that are immediately adjacent.

Yes, I've read some of that but I'm not incredibly familiar with it. Thank you for clarifying.

Does anyone know anything about this new concept going in at the old Twisted Root location? From what I can tell, it looks like the same management putting a new spin on things.

12560 12561

^

Yes, that's exactly right.

Been working on this slowly but surely for quite some time.