wow, thanks Platemaker - it really is coming along quite nicely.

Another great downtown district, GO OKC!

Awesome looking pics!!!

Wonder if Bricktown is thrilled about another "district" coming together this close to their territory?

The Film District is no threat to Bricktown. It has such a different feel that it will never be a second Bricktown. The first time I ever saw it, way before any renovation, I envisioned it as a retail area, with occasional scattered restaurants. But I like what they're doing there now too. We need lots of different areas near downtown, and the presence of one should not mean we cannot have others. Most cities have scattered pockets of businesses, retail and restaurants, and that drives people to want to live near it. They're all good promoters of downtown living.

if anything, Film Row has the same feel/potential as AAlley.

It will be very nice for the CBD to be ringed by such a diverse set of urban districts: AAlley, Bricktown (and LoBrick), Deep Deuce, Film Row, Flatiron/Triangle, and Midtown - all seem to be quite organic, urban (maybe not LoBrick), and have a different audience appeal.

Now, we need to get residences/rentals in each district so that there is 24 hour activity - the businesses will come!

The district that I question is the Arts District. It just seemed like they drew a fill-in pen on that one because the real Art area is around the Civic Center. Was it necessary to stretch it to the OKC Memorial and to MG and on to Cox/Ford Center. I would rather they create a 'convention/entertainment' district that includes Cox, Ford, then on down to the new Convention Center (assuming it will be located on the other side of Ford). The area in and around MG should be the Festival District (since that is where the top Festival events are held). The memorial area could be part of midtown or just by itself since it is a National Park 'attraction'.

To me, Arts District would be where the top museums, library, civic properties are located. Anybody else have an opinion about our Arts District 'official' boundary?

I think the Myriad Gardens fit perfectly within the Arts District. It is across the street from the Stage Center and is home to the Oklahoma City Festival of Arts, public art, and Shakespeare in the Park. I really don't think there should be a convention district, I just think The Cox and OKC Arena should be lumped into the CBD. I agree with you on the Memorial, it should just be a part of Midtown. Let's not go overboard on districts. Keep it organic like you've said.

if anything, Film Row has the same feel/potential as AAlley.

It will be very nice for the CBD to be ringed by such a diverse set of urban districts: AAlley, Bricktown (and LoBrick), Deep Deuce, Film Row, Flatiron/Triangle, and Midtown - all seem to be quite organic, urban (maybe not LoBrick), and have a different audience appeal.

Now, we need to get residences/rentals in each district so that there is 24 hour activity - the businesses will come!

The district that I question is the Arts District. It just seemed like they drew a fill-in pen on that one because the real Art area is around the Civic Center. Was it necessary to stretch it to the OKC Memorial and to MG and on to Cox/Ford Center. I would rather they create a 'convention/entertainment' district that includes Cox, Ford, then on down to the new Convention Center (assuming it will be located on the other side of Ford). The area in and around MG should be the Festival District (since that is where the top Festival events are held). The memorial area could be part of midtown or just by itself since it is a National Park 'attraction'.

To me, Arts District would be where the top museums, library, civic properties are located. Anybody else have an opinion about our Arts District 'official' boundary?

Oh do I!!!!

You're exactly right... they just randomly drew lines around and area just so they could include the memorial, Ford Center, gardens, and Music Hall so we could look like we have an 'arts district.' Grasping!

It already has a name... Civic Center. What most people call the Civic Center is the Music Hall AT Civic Center. The CBD should stretch to the boulevard... the east side of that (Arts District) should be renamed Civic Center... the northern part including the memorial is part of Midtown.

The Plaza and Paseo are more arts districts than the 'Arts District.'

I mean, how retarded is to walk IN A STRAIGHT LINE four blocks throught the Arts District... then 6 blocks through the CBD... then you get three MORE blocks of Arts District.... TRY AGAIN!

You get a bit of a feel for the scope of all that street-scaping from Platemaker's photos, but when I was in town a couple of weeks ago I was still surprised by how much was being done in that area. It's going to be very, very cool and unique.

Driving into downtown from the west and coming across this, then the Myriad Gardens, Devon Tower, Ford Center, SandRidge and Project 180 stuff, it seems like almost of all of downtown is being completely rebuilt/renovated. And that's pretty close to right!

Most successful cities have many small retail districts in and around their downtown areas.

couldn't have said it better myself Platemaker.

Civic Center IS more than just the Music Hall building, it is the OKC municipal building, and the parks too. The Arts District really should have just included that surrounding area only to the library. One could also make a case, that the Hudson/Park area is a government district too - but isn't that what Civic Center was originally supposed to mean?

I say we ask downtown OKC to redefine the districts downtown and not to push "Arts District" so much. It is like we are trying too hard.

- there's no way the Arts District should be so big/encompassing and haphazard or include Entertainment "district" amenities like Cox and Ford.

Put more galleries and museums in near the Civic Center area, then we would really have an Arts District with Civic Center as it's nucleus.

I am impressed with the pics, exceed my expectations of the renderings for Project 180, hope the rest turns out equally striking.

To clarify, most of film row streets cape is not project 180

I work across from the old Film Exchange building on Robinson, and it is slated for demolition soon. There is a beautiful concrete sign built into the building that says "Film Exchange". It is located above the main door on Robinson. It would be great if somebody could work a deal and save this when they demo the building.

Chris S.
Sokol Photography

Sad.

I work across from the old Film Exchange building on Robinson, and it is slated for demolition soon. There is a beautiful concrete sign built into the building that says "Film Exchange". It is located above the main door on Robinson. It would be great if somebody could work a deal and save this when they demo the building.

Chris S.
Sokol Photography

How is this demolition being justified?

spineless city leaders allowing cash-less Sandridge to do it.

I could understand a few of the buildings coming down, but 6 of them? and with no solid plan/financing for the 'construction'. .....

Spineless Urban Renewal ala OKC good ole boy network at it's best. Despite what MOST of the public want.

This building being mentioned on Robinson is very dilapidated and in poor shape. Not to mention there is nothing worthwhile around it either. It sits next to the Salvation Army that I volunteered at numerous times. The homeless liked it.

I know it may be sad, but I just don't see this one being salvaged.

Um HOTROD, this building is SOUTH of I-40, not Sandridge, although I dislike Sandridge over their demo issues. Also it is in the Core To Shore park area, although I think it is salvagable and wish they would save it and make it a cafe/event center.

I just don't see this area amounting to much unless the homeless facilities are relocated. I don't know how often any of y'all are down there, but probably THE best place to pick up indigent manual laborers in OKC is right at Sheridan and N. Robinson and there are always a lot of loiterers in the area. I don't see too many folks being comfortable visiting retail and outdoor café establishments in that area until the vagrancy issues are addressed. That may sound tacky, but it's true.

Sheridan and Robinson? Are the indigents checking in at the Colcord? j/k

I think you mean Sheridan and Shartel. I am in this area about twice a week and the crowd of indigents is growing.

Also have you actually hired one? I have and that is another story.

gah.. Walker.. not Robinson... or thereabouts.

No, I've never had the pleasure of hiring such an individual.

Mid, you do realize they ARE moving the homeless shelters to West Town?

This building being mentioned on Robinson is very dilapidated and in poor shape. Not to mention there is nothing worthwhile around it either.

aka all of Bricktown circa 1985

Mid, you do realize they ARE moving the homeless shelters to West Town?

Where is that?

This building being mentioned on Robinson is very dilapidated and in poor shape. Not to mention there is nothing worthwhile around it either. It sits next to the Salvation Army that I volunteered at numerous times. The homeless liked it.

I know it may be sad, but I just don't see this one being salvaged.

Which side of the street is it on? Is it being demolished with the old Post Office to make room for the Central MAPS 3 Park?

west side of street

Where is that?

http://www.homelessalliance.org/?page_id=14

I have an elderly relative that used to work for United Artists on Film Row. It's amazing how they booked the films, delivered the reels, etc. Several studios were along that strip. I'm glad to see the development coming along.

haha, I posted my response in the wrong thread. Give me a break, Im halfway around the world.

But the point still remains.

New paint going on the old theater in the Film District... rather like the deco color choice...

Taken today...
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll14/Platemaker_photos/OKC%20Development/Photo1126.jpg

Nice!

Very South Beach.

If you look really carefully...you can recognize David Caruso up on that lift...gathering evidence...

That is going to look sweet.

Thanks Platemaker!

How is that massive streetscape project coming along?

That area is really going to surprise people when that is finished.

What are the odds that Film Exchange receives a stop on the Streetcar route?

Thanks Platemaker!

How is that massive streetscape project coming along?

That area is really going to surprise people when that is finished.


It's wrapping up nicely Pete, a good half way there or so. I will try to get pics this weekend or soon.

Wow I can't believe the progress being made in this district, I'm excited to see it coming back to life.

New paint going on the old theater in the Film District... rather like the deco color choice...

Taken today...
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll14/Platemaker_photos/OKC%20Development/Photo1126.jpg

That is KILLER. Great renovation. Perfect.

What will that building be used for?

Taken today... added some red...

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll14/Platemaker_photos/OKC%20Development/Photo1129.jpg

Drove down film exchange today and the streetscape is finally done! It looks great!

Need photos!

Or better yet, we need to get William over there with his video camera.

heard a strong rumor that a pizza place with a bar in comming to the film district

Drove down film exchange today and the streetscape is finally done! It looks great!

I drove by today as well and they were still working on it, and they have yet to stripe the road; but it won't be long.

heard a strong rumor that a pizza place with a bar in comming to the film district

That would be great. The area looks fabulous, and it just needs more diversity to make it more of a destination.

I work across from the old Film Exchange building on Robinson, and it is slated for demolition soon. There is a beautiful concrete sign built into the building that says "Film Exchange". It is located above the main door on Robinson. It would be great if somebody could work a deal and save this when they demo the building.

Chris S.
Sokol Photography

Just FYI about the SW 5th/Robonson Film Exchange:

It was the second of three known dedicated film exchange buildings erected in Oklahoma City from 1920 to 1926. The exchanges hosted there included Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Radio Keith Orpheum Distributing (R.K.O Pictures), Pathe Films, Producers Distributing, Fox Films, First National Pictures, Vitagraph Incorporated, and Warner Brothers. Film exchanges vacated the building by 1932 due to larger space needs, amenities, and consolidation of exchange offices along Film Row. In this 1946 image (below), the former exchange hosts other businesses that include Western Tire and Equipment Co. In July 1943, the upper floors were converted into housing units for thirteen families as a federal housing project, which included nine four room and four three room apartments. From 1968 to around 1984, the Oklahoma City Rescue Mission provided services from this location with the motto "soup, soap, and salvation." It remained vacant for many years until acquired by the Asset Group in Oklahoma City in 2009.

The third Film Exchange would be built at 700 W. Grand in 1926/27.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=129468&id=184232698210#!/photo.php?fbid=199152033210&set=a.199151398210.129468.184232698210&theater

You can view more images on the Film Exchange District facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=129468&id=184232698210

This building being mentioned on Robinson is very dilapidated and in poor shape. Not to mention there is nothing worthwhile around it either. It sits next to the Salvation Army that I volunteered at numerous times. The homeless liked it.

I know it may be sad, but I just don't see this one being salvaged.

Just FYI, this building is actually amazingly solid! The walls are over 12 inches thick and the floor better than that. It was built to be fireproof and still is. It was gutted as far as interior walls long ago but it makes it perfect for build-out now. This building could be EASILY saved. The Asset Group had high plans for the building but have been stopped by the city when applying for permits because someone thinks the building stands in the way of progress. The building stands along Robinson, which would become the east eadge of the new park plans. This building would make an awesome retail and residential space! The upper floors could be subdivided and the old second floor exterior doors could be used as apartment entrances. This is only one of three historic film exchanges constructed after new building codes were put into effect for film exchanges.

I just don't see this area amounting to much unless the homeless facilities are relocated. I don't know how often any of y'all are down there, but probably THE best place to pick up indigent manual laborers in OKC is right at Sheridan and N. Robinson and there are always a lot of loiterers in the area. I don't see too many folks being comfortable visiting retail and outdoor café establishments in that area until the vagrancy issues are addressed. That may sound tacky, but it's true.

Here's an article I wrote in the Film District's newsletter THE ROW regarding the homeless: http://www.scriptfolio.net/AUGUST2010ISSUE.pdf

I have an elderly relative that used to work for United Artists on Film Row. It's amazing how they booked the films, delivered the reels, etc. Several studios were along that strip. I'm glad to see the development coming along.

I would really like to talk to them!! Would that be possible?? Email me: bradley@scriptfolio.net

That is KILLER. Great renovation. Perfect.

What will that building be used for?

Here is a photo from the good ole days of this entrance: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=180820&id=184232698210#!/photo.php?fbid=10150111297728211&set=a.406880218210.180820.184232698210&theater

The tile is a deep crimson in real life but was covered up for decades by a buff colored brick. It was doen in 1953 by Video Independent Theatres, when Henry Griffing renovated the place so he could move his offices into the space. Here is a view of that: http://www.facebook.com/editphoto.php?aid=180820&id=184232698210&success=1&failure=0#!/photo.php?fbid=10150133475768211&set=a.406880218210.180820.184232698210&theater

In the first photo, behind the car, right above the doors it says Film Row Coffee Shop.

heard a strong rumor that a pizza place with a bar in comming to the film district


700 Space will host... (see attached)

Joey's Pizzeria. Sounds yummy.

I was in the Film Row district this morning, and..............WOW!!

I thought I was dreaming as I drove along and witnessed REAL BICYCLE LANES!!

Not share the road with a faded marking in the road or a flimsy sign saying share the road. REAL dedicated lanes with the Full striped marking to define the lane. Unbelievable in Okc!

This is the Renaissance which is alive in Okc.

700 Space will host... (see attached)

So Joey's is moving from their Classen location to Film Row?

Okclee, I must have just missed you. I took pics of the bicycle lanes and will post soon.

Okclee, I must have just missed you. I took pics of the bicycle lanes and will post soon.

So it wasn't a dream of mine?

People will be blown away after seeing your pics. I can't wait to ride my bike down this street and all of the future bike lanes thanks to Project 180 and Devon Energy! I will try to get over this weekend and just cruise up and down this street in a real Okc dedicated bicycle lane!

700 Space will host... (see attached)

I drove by yesterday and saw the neon sign but couldn't read it. It looked great though. I'm so glad to see it coming to Film Row. That area is really looking good.

Glad to see the relocation; there won't be a lack of quality pizza options downtown with Hideaway, Falcone's and this.

Wedge too.

Is this a different Joey from the one who owns Joey's on Classen? If not, is Joey moving or expanding?

Oh yeah, forgot about that one.

Now for some real retail please!!!