Here I am set up with MENT Apparel (http://www.mentapparel.com)! This shot was taken from a drone that was flying around that night.

10091

That's a great picture but there certainly don't appear to be many people there when it was taken.

What event is this?

What event is this?

Premier on Film Row:

Premiere on Film Row | Oklahoma City Events (http://www.visitokc.com/includes/events/Premiere-on-Film-Row/1761/147/)

New restaurant opened on Film Row last week. I will be going there for lunch Tuesday at Sheridan and Shartel.

Caeli's Sweets, Eats, and Bar.

I'm surprised there isn't more talk about about the planned development that Steve highlighted in the article. I for one can't wait to see some of the old buildings tore down. Especially that loading dock building at the corner near McDonald's. I also like the plans that are being layed out so far for the area. I think they'll be nice infill with an urban look. Hopefully just the start of a development spurt for the area.

There is a whole thread on the project here:

Hall Capital

Not sure if there's a more specific thread for this, but the Elaborate Collaborate's opening reception is tonight.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1434318106890457/

https://www.facebook.com/theelaboratecollaborate

I know my four year old is looking forward to spaghetti Eddie tonight

Dancing downtown: OKC Ballet moves to Film Row | News OK (http://newsok.com/dancing-downtown-okc-ballet-moves-to-film-row/article/5436480)

Exciting Times Ahead in Film Row | News OK (http://newsok.com/exciting-times-ahead-in-film-row/article/5471762?custom_click=columnist)

Well, if it wasn't for Steve, we wouldn't know about projects like this...

^^sarcasm

Well, if it wasn't for Steve, we wouldn't know about projects like this...

^^sarcasm

Well, you know it's quite possible that Steve's article wasn't only intended for people who visit this website.

(sarcasm)

Well, you know it's quite possible that Steve's article wasn't only intended for people who visit this website.

(sarcasm)

I'll keep my next response to a short LOL ;-)

^^^^^^^
Take it to the OPUBCO thread...

This is just an odd idea, but does anybody think doing an "Oklahoma Walk of Fame" on Film Row would be a good idea for placemaking? It would be a great way to honor Oklahoman actors and others who have contributed to the entertainment industry in a public place where many will see it, especially as Film Row really starts to take off over the next several years.

Great thought. We could start with Will Rogers and Col. Miller of the 101 Ranch, follow up with Woody Guthrie, and then the crowd can move in!

This is just an odd idea, but does anybody think doing an "Oklahoma Walk of Fame" on Film Row would be a good idea for placemaking? It would be a great way to honor Oklahoman actors and others who have contributed to the entertainment industry in a public place where many will see it, especially as Film Row really starts to take off over the next several years.

I agree. That could be a very interesting idea.

I think that's a really cool idea!

This is just an odd idea, but does anybody think doing an "Oklahoma Walk of Fame" on Film Row would be a good idea for placemaking? It would be a great way to honor Oklahoman actors and others who have contributed to the entertainment industry in a public place where many will see it, especially as Film Row really starts to take off over the next several years.

Excellent bchris. I've always thought that historical plackards should be placed around downtown like they have in Guthrie.

^^^^^
An effort just like what you describe was actually begun in 2009 on the Bricktown canal by then-director Jim Cowan. The idea was to have 2-3 additions each year, with one of them being someone important to Bricktown/Downtown development and the rest being famous Oklahomans from entertainment and other endeavors. The first two installations that year were fittingly Bricktown's two main pioneers, Neal Horton and Jim Brewer.

Plans called for the next year to feature several a-list entertainers, plus someone like Ray Ackerman, who was instrumental in pushing for the canal. Unfortunately the project lost its champion shortly afterward when Jim left his position and has been in limbo since.

I think it's a great idea. That said - and I hope most will agree that I make a habit here of NOT putting Bricktown's interest over that of other districts - but I think it still belongs in Bricktown if done. The reasons for this include the fact that in Film Row, for instance, it wouldn't be very logical to extend this "walk of fame" to individuals outside of the film industry. If you limit to that industry there are no question some good representatives, but it is a fairly short list.

Automobile Alley wouldn't be a candidate, because it already has a similar installation, focusing on the history of the district, individual buildings and the auto industry as it related to OKC. But the real question is...how many even knew that walk existed in AA, despite dozens of substantial bronze markers?

This would be best located somewhere where there are (1) lots of foot traffic (2) broad themes, and (3) lots of visitors. I know other districts are making inroads there, but those two factors will probably always describe Bricktown better than anyplace else. Not sure what it would take to revive the idea on the canal, but I would be happy to assist if someone develops a passion for it. Ideas are great; action is better.

I hadn't been aware of the Automobile Alley walk; perhaps it needs a bit more horn-blowing. I see nothing wrong with having several such limited-scope walks, with markers at each directing us history buffs to all the others. Film Row could concentrate on the entertainment industry, Bricktown to OKC's renaissance, and so on.

I'm aware of quite a list of entertainment figures worthy of recognition; (old) Classen High School itself can boast quite a few who have made marks in the film industry (a 1950 graduate who played a huge role in preserving great movies from the 20s, 30s, and 40s comes to mind; he's almost forgotten these days), and it's not a complete list by any means. Bricktown could recognize the music industry for years and not run out of names; sports figures also come to mind.

A little promotion would allow us to create quite a few destinations that could attract folk from all over, not just we proud Okies!

Looks like Taco Bell is ready to cash in on all the new activity in west downtown...

The location at Sheridan & Classen is getting a substantial remodel.

It's about time for modernization of those restaurants.

The Sonic right next to it is one of the nicer ones around.

The McDonald's across Classen is overdue for an update.

That Taco Bell is an absolute time warp. Virtually unchanged since the late eighties, including furnishings and wall hangings. Lots of teal and mauve.

I was sitting in the drive-thru in 1990, listening to the radio, when the DJ broke the news that Stevie Ray Vaughn had died in a helicopter crash.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tacobell100916.jpg

^^^

They started that remodel about 2 weeks ago.... I'm hoping they remodel it into a White Castle.... ;)

Looks like this Taco Bell is going to be one of their new concept stores (http://www.businessinsider.com/taco-bell-has-redesigned-its-restaurants-2016-10) I saw an article about a couple of weeks ago.... For fast food it's going to look pretty sharp. They are making really fast progress on the remodel too.

https://access.okc.gov/aca/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Permits&TabName=Permits&capID1=16BRE&capID2=00000&capID3=05766&agencyCode=OKC&IsToShowInspection=

^Looks like they are going with the "Modern Explorer" design.

From the BI article:
http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5800028eda177d3a288b49ed-2400/modern%20explorer%20-%20santa%20ana%201.jpg

Not certain, but I THINK my father in laws architecture firm in Wichita was responsible for these designs. Pretty sure they've got the global Taco Bell contract.

They cranked this remodel out.... The Taco Bell was open for business when I drove by it this morning.... Look's nice.

^

Wow, open already?

Just goes to show how fast things can move with the proper motivation.

Wow, open already?

Yeah, and there was still a lot of construction items still in the parking lot yesterday at lunch time.... They may have worked through the night to get all of that cleaned up for a 7 AM opening.

Maybe the new store will improve their breakfast traffic... Most mornings when I drive by there is the occasional car at Taco Bell while McDonald's and Sonic doing a brisk business.

Yeah, and there was still a lot of construction items still in the parking lot yesterday at lunch time.... They may have worked through the night to get all of that cleaned up for a 7 AM opening.

Maybe the new store will improve their breakfast traffic... Most mornings when I drive by there is the occasional car at Taco Bell while McDonald's and Sonic doing a brisk business.
I don't know about others but I don't ever think about Taco Bell for Breakfast. ( admittedly I don't think about Taco bell often). If there is a Mcdonalds or Sonic close I'd definitely pass by Taco Bell.

I don't know about others but I don't ever think about Taco Bell for Breakfast. ( admittedly I don't think about Taco bell often). If there is a Mcdonalds or Sonic close I'd definitely pass by Taco Bell.

Same here... Not really a Taco Bell fan.... Generally if I do fast food for breakfast, and it's a very rare occasion, I gravitate towards a country fried steak biscuit from Carl's Jr.... I have tried Taco Bell's breakfast when it first became available and after having tried it I would have to say I'm totally the opposite... I'd choose Taco Bell over McDonald's or Sonic now. The Steak AM Breakfast Crunch Wrap is portable and tastes good.

TB for breakfast .... tried it some time back. Wasn't a fan.

When it comes to fast food, I'm not super snobby. It's fast food. However, my libertine view of fast food ends with Taco Bell. I'm proud to say I haven't eaten a morsel of that pet food since 1993. Someone feel free to tell me it's not total garbage.

I get a craving for Taco Bell about once every 3-4 months and am disappointed every time.

I prefer Taco Mayo, or Taco Tico when I can find one, to Taco Bell... it's not that I think Taco Bell is horrible but it suffers from what I call the Suicide Kid effect..... You know the kid that goes to the soda fountain and puts a little of every soda in their cup? That's Taco Bell's menu board now.... Everything on there is a suicide blend of something it seems like.

Maybe we can start a "Why you hate Taco Bell" thread and get back to discussing new developments at Film Row in this thread.

I get a craving for Taco Bell about once every 3-4 months and am disappointed every time.

I crave TB once a week and I regret it about 6-8 hours later... Every Time.

Maybe we can start a "Why you hate Taco Bell" thread and get back to discussing new developments at Film Row in this thread.

I don't hate it. I hate what it does to me.

When did they stop making the soft tacos rolled up like burritos? They used to be so much easier to eat without the contents spilling out.

Maybe we can start a "Why you hate Taco Bell" thread and get back to discussing new developments at Film Row in this thread.

I give you credit for trying.

I give you credit for trying.

I guess that's an A for effort.

I had taco bell for dinner last night for solidarity reasons.

No adverse side effects so far.

From the Journal:

Put it in the can: Film Row buildings on the block as crystal manufacturer prepares to close
By Molly M. Fleming
The Journal Record

OKLAHOMA CITY – When 2017 began, Royden Freeland Jr. was thinking about his business coming to a close.

Freeland’s father, Royden Freeland Sr., started International Crystal Manufacturing in 1951. The company produces quartz crystals that are used in radios, microwave systems, medical equipment, clocks, and other devices.

Freeland Jr. said the company specialized in small quantities of crystals. In the 1980s, the company had more than 200 employees. But as technology changed, so did the crystal industry. ICM has 13 employees now.

“A big part of the crystal industry went to China,” he said, adding that it was easier to assemble the electronics since the other pieces were made in China as well.

The company will likely close its doors in May, he said. It was a difficult decision to make. Freeland has worked at ICM since 1965. He took over the company after his parents died in a plane crash in 1978. His sisters were once co-owners, but Freeland Jr. bought them out in the early 2000s.

“There are customers that we supply crystals that will have a hard time finding them anywhere else,” he said.

He said he’s looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren and pursuing his hobbies. He won’t miss the drive from northwest Oklahoma City to downtown.

“As the business declines, you try to do the best you can for as long as it’s profitable,” he said. “It makes more sense to close. And I’m 74 and I’m getting tired.”

The company’s departure will leave empty about 20,000 square feet in two historic Film Row district buildings. The office headquarters, at 10 N. Lee, measures 5,600 square feet. It previously belonged to the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture company.

The other building, at 623 W. Sheridan Ave., was once two buildings. In total, the building measures 13,750 square feet and previously belonged to the Poverty Row Film company.

There’s a parking lot at 701 W. California Ave. that’s also in the sale. The two buildings and the lot are listed at $3.1 million. Price Edwards & Co. retail broker Jim Parrack is handling the sale.

He said he’s had the properties listed for about 10 days.

“We’re in the process of contacting our list of folks that we think would be good potential buyers, that either have had interest in downtown, Film Row, or people we know that do that type of development,” he said. “We’ve shown the building several times so far, and have had quite a bit of interest.”

Freeland said he’s had offers to buy the buildings in the past. Their value hasn’t been lost on him.
“We have the last big block of square footage in Film Row,” he said. “These buildings are worth a great deal of money.”

Parrack doesn’t have a call-for-offers date on the sale. The process is in its infancy, so there are still many people to contact. He said the buildings are in good condition, with historical elements such as the film vault and art deco detail being intact.

“This is the last big piece of the district that hasn’t been developed,” he said. “I think there’s an opportunity here for a developer to not only have a presence in the district but to have some very unique buildings. These opportunities don’t come around very often.”

I wrote about them in the late 50s, and knew Royden Sr. and his brother Paul. They began by selling war-surplus crystals, and absolutely refused to deal with governments on other than a strictly cash basis. They also jump-started the CB-radio craze by producing a DIY kit. Sad to see them go, but the days of electronics manufacturing in the USA are long gone.

Although it is always sad to see a long time business close down, the future of these buildings are exciting. Would be great if local group like Pivot or MidTown Ren. pick it up for their next project.

Old building with the fake entrance on the nw corner of California and Lee has collapsed. :(

Old building with the fake entrance on the nw corner of California and Lee has collapsed. :(

Pic: 13800

Wow, that's been for sale for a while.

I bet it had a relatively flat roof without proper downspouts and the whole thing just collapsed under the weight of the rain.

I'm surprised it stayed up as long as it did. This thing didn't have a roof at all, they were trying to sell it for over $300,000 if I recall but the buyer would have to install the roof on it.

It's been on the market for $375,000 after buying it a year ago for $259K.

All of these were around the intersection of California & Lee.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/filmrow042917a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/filmrow042917b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/filmrow042917c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/filmrow042917d.jpg

It was Empire Cleaners.

13802

http://newsok.com/article/5547432

Noticed two big available/for lease signs outside the Paramount building this morning.... Have they made more space available or is someone moving out?