Yes, Harvey Lofts. I've corrected the typo.


And no, no specific rumors at this time but we know: 1) All the newer (and older, too) downtown housing units are quite full; 2) They've been able to get higher rent; 3) Financing for commercial projects has loosened up considerably; 4) The streetcar route is almost finalized and 5) There are still tons of vacant or under-developed properties, especially in Midtown.

The ball is definitely rolling downhill now and I expect momentum to continue to accelerate.

not listed are the 4 at Harvey .. (in the same parking lot as Harvey lofts four units ) address 1213 N Harvey ,,, and the Florence (bulding on 11th right behind the Osler i believe it has 12 or 14 units ..

I haven't seen any mention of it on the forum, but wiredlofts.com is claiming a Midtown build with 600 sq ft per unit in January 2013 per their website.

I haven't seen any mention of it on the forum, but wiredlofts.com is claiming a Midtown build with 600 sq ft per unit in January 2013 per their website.

Interesting.

But nothing has been submitted to the design review committees and I can't find any record of this LLC acquiring property in Midtown.

MidTown is poised to explode with housing, IMO. It is the area with the most vacant lots and it is very residential-friendly.

One thing I think we would all like to see on the drawing board is a significant high-rise apartment building. It seems like now is the best time in recent history for such an announcement.

not listed are the 4 at Harvey .. (in the same parking lot as Harvey lofts four units ) address 1213 N Harvey ,,, and the Florence (bulding on 11th right behind the Osler i believe it has 12 or 14 units ..

Thanks for the info. I'll add them to the list.

The Florence has 12 units.

How is this project coming along?

The Sieber has 30 traditional apartments in the Hotel building and 8 lofts in the smaller Sieber Pharmacy building for a total of 38 units.

How is this project coming along?

Still working on the site grading and earthwork, although it looks like they've made strides in that area. The Dewey Ave side is one level below that of the Walker side, so they are "notching in".

Thanks for the update!

Cool, thanks for the update.

I'm having a difficult time telling by the pictures, but based on the dirt work I saw when I drove by this site today, there is quite the grade change on this site.

31543155 From Today

Drove by here the other day and noticed about halfway in there's a concrete retaining wall that they've been setting and looks for the most part to be done. Is this going to be sub-level parking or will that all be in the middle kind of like Level (I know there's a video of the project on here somewhere but didn't know if anyone knew firsthand the layout of this thing)? I would have taken pictures but I was in car and I don't trespass like Jared, lol.

Drove by here the other day and noticed about halfway in there's a concrete retaining wall that they've been setting and looks for the most part to be done. Is this going to be sub-level parking or will that all be in the middle kind of like Level (I know there's a video of the project on here somewhere but didn't know if anyone knew firsthand the layout of this thing)? I would have taken pictures but I was in car and I don't trespass like Jared, lol.

Parking is at least partially above ground. This is the project with the vines/greenery over the face of the garage in the courtyard where the pool is.

This project starting to rise from the ground (from the Waffle Champion FB page):

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/946549_489300194471442_1661551878_n.jpg

Uhhhh, yeah, that came out of nowhere! Considering I drove by on Thursday evening and there wasn't anything protruding from the ground. Great to see!

I really like the look of this development. It reminds me of the type of stuff that's being built all over downtown Charlotte.

I noticed the crane from I-235 going home last night.

Courtesy of BoulderSooner:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/edge6513.jpg

Neat pic. Maybe they should just stop right there. We could call it a large, outdoor scuplture. :)

j/k

Neat pic. Maybe they should just stop right there. We could call it a large, outdoor scuplture. :)

j/k
That would be like the partially built Intel building in downtown Austin, they had the concrete structure poured when the tech bust hit and stopped construction of it and left nothing but the structure for many years. Before they tore it down (for the new courthouse or library) Cirque had a show on the face of it.

New Website:

The Edge at Midtown by Cornerstone Development (http://edgemidtown.com/)

New Website:

The Edge at Midtown by Cornerstone Development (http://edgemidtown.com/)

Those renderings there... wow...

http://edgemidtown.com/images/bg.jpg

Almost like a photo.

Slick. They're going to be so extremely successful at this.

Those renderings there... wow...

http://edgemidtown.com/images/bg.jpg

Almost like a photo.

I love the geese in formation they added to the picture haha.

This is the residential development I'm most excited about in OKC. It will be such an amazing transformation -- and infusion of energy and density -- for Midtown. Couple this with the completion of The Ambassador Hotel and additional infill housing along NW 10th and OKC is going to have such a different "city feel" to it. These are very exciting times for our city. We are very lucky to have the leadership and momentum we do as a city, and by leadership I mean our elected leaders, private investors -- as well as the everyday dreamers who are striving to improve this place, such as the young people of the Plaza District.

The growth we have has been largely organic, instead of forced and artificial, as well. It's amazing how far Midtown has come since the Plaza Court building was a boarded-up eyesore. It would have been almost unfathomable that we are witnessing what we are today just 10 years ago.

Credit city leaders for putting a package together that kept St. Anthony in Midtown. If that hadn't happened, we'd be looking at a huge ghost town in that area.

I've long thought that Midtown had the most potential of any of our urban areas and I think guru is right, we are getting close to critical mass. I don't think it will be much longer before MidtownR announces an ambitious plan for their 10th Street properties, then I believe we'll see another rash of infill announcements. Coupled with what is already in place and proposed, we will really be in business.

I just love the feel of Midtown and it's about to get much better.

BTW, thank goodness Chuck Wiggin's previously approved proposal never happened for this site.

It would have been a bunch of for-sale, upscale condos with no retail. Imagine how much better the entire area will be with The Edge instead.


OCURA really had it's head up it's arse for the longest time but all that seems to have changed with the Economic Development Alliance and Cathy O'Connor.

I was one of the old OCURA's harshest critics and it appears even I gave them too much credit.

Midtown easily has the best chance to become the best district in OKC for decades upon decades. It has the historic buildings, the industry, the size and the diversity of business and just the general character to be world-class.

C2S could be made into a better urban environment in the long run mainly because the sea of surface parking in Midtown is probably never going to be fully fixed. But C2S will never have buildings like the Osler, City Church, St. Anthony's to go along with new developments like the Edge.

http://youtu.be/0feJpIXrupI

Pretty cool video at the same website.

This development is exactly what I have been waiting for. I will be all over this when it's time for leasing, the rooftop tanning pool, dog playground and just the whole feel of this place is going to be amazing. I actually own a newer house in Edmond, and I like my privacy, but I am ready to be in the city, just was waiting for the right development, as I found the condo's to be way overpriced.

I'm quite sure we'll see a parking structure for Midtown very soon, and I think more are in store.

Also, because there is no true residential neighborhoods in Midtown (Heritage Hills and the Cottage District are at least somewhat separated) this is a place where we could easily see a bunch of bars. We already have McNellie's which is a smash success, and Fassler Hall and Dust Bowl are coming. Add a couple more and it will be a great bar-hopping area.

Which one do you think will have more of an impact on the surrounding areas if built out as promised: The Edge @ Midtown or the East BT Apartments?

Which one do you think will have more of an impact on the surrounding areas if built out as promised: The Edge @ Midtown or the East BT Apartments?


Edge hands down. Deep Deuce already provides the "immediate" mass residential for BT. Midtown is lacking a key area of large residential. The Edge is it.

Yep, The Edge will be a game-changer and probably a tipping point for Midtown.

It will likely spawn much more residential in the area, which is sorely needed.

This is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am curious what the residents of HH who were opposed to this project think of it now versus when it was proposed. I would think it would only increase their property value because retail (although limited) would be that much closer.

I am curious what the residents of HH who were opposed to this project think of it now versus when it was proposed. I would think it would only increase their property value because retail (although limited) would be that much closer.

Probably depends on the quality of selection at the planned sex shops.

I love this development but Midtown needs a couple really good 'streets'. If you look at Deep Deuce, it has decent density but it has a couple streets that are just downright pleasant to walk along. I can't wait till MidTown has some of those. Right now, walking in MidTown feels awkward.

In a word, TREES!

Once this and the Osler is done, I could see Walker becoming that street, especially with the restauants on the west side, then leading down to Plaza Court.

Good point, Sid. This area definitely needs more trees. I've often thought the same thing for Bricktown. Bricktown really needs a streetscape plan ala P180 though.

Edge hands down. Deep Deuce already provides the "immediate" mass residential for BT. Midtown is lacking a key area of large residential. The Edge is it.

Well put.

New construction is a new thing in midtown, which untilnp now has just thrived off of historic rehabs, but there is soooo much vacant land still. Midtown is a truly MASSIVE area geographically.

Okay, so please don't get me wrong...I love the look of this development. However, with all the the apartment buildings that are designed and being built, the retail portion/street level is totally underwhelming and looks like no thought was given to merchandising and helping the commercial part be successful. Several on here harp about street level interaction. This, nor the others in town have that going on. The closest is Level, but it is a small, small area. I think if we want to create retail success that more thought and design needs to be put into the street level store fronts to make it visually stimulating and inviting persons to go in and shop. So far, all are pretty bland. Let's tell retailers we believe they are important and give them space they and their customers can get excited about.

There is only retail on two sides and I think it looks great... Not sure what the issue is:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/urban-development-buildings/2940d1354117863-edge-%40-midtown-edge4.jpg

Okay, so please don't get me wrong...I love the look of this development. However, with all the the apartment buildings that are designed and being built, the retail portion/street level is totally underwhelming and looks like no thought was given to merchandising and helping the commercial part be successful. Several on here harp about street level interaction. This, nor the others in town have that going on. The closest is Level, but it is a small, small area. I think if we want to create retail success that more thought and design needs to be put into the street level store fronts to make it visually stimulating and inviting persons to go in and shop. So far, all are pretty bland. Let's tell retailers we believe they are important and give them space they and their customers can get excited about.



Not sure what you want, it appears to be at same street level with full faced windows.

This isn't the Maywood Lofts we're talking about. I still cringe when I see the only tenants to the retail there is the Aloft office and a hair salon.

I agree. We need to start planting the trees now though so they can grow.
Sid, I guess that we should start calling you "Tree Man." But you are quite correct, I think. Those beautiful trees in Heritage Hills and Mesta Park didn't pop up overnight but took a lot of time to grow, e.g., this northbound view on Walker approaching NW 16th Street ...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/MestaPark/mestapark_walker_01.jpg

University Addition was developed by Anton Classen and John Shartel; Classen, particularly, is credited with the planting of lots and lots of trees as he developed the areas. One of the greatest features of Heritage Hills and Mesta Park is the abundance of marvelous trees.

Warreng88, you wondered about opposition to this project from Heritage Hills people. While there may have been a few who were vocal, I doubt very seriously that the project was opposed by many in Heritage Hills or Mesta Park, and opposition was never presented by the neighborhood associations of either.

There is only retail on two sides and I think it looks great... Not sure what the issue is:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/urban-development-buildings/2940d1354117863-edge-%40-midtown-edge4.jpg

It looks like an accomodation for a business level, but it is definitely not designed for merchandising and visual interest. Yes, it is a retail space in that it has a different floor plan, but there is limited ceiling height, spanning windows, etc. that says it is open for business. There is nothing in that picture which invites pedestrians to come in and enjoy some shopping. It will be great for realty and insurance offices, maybe a coffee or another cupcake shop, a barber shop maybe. It says "we allow businesses to locate here" but nothing that says "we WANT businesses here". It is a visual merchandising graveyard.

While I like this rendering a lot, I have no problem with what the Edge is providing. Is this in Cincinnati?


http://cdn.urbancincy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Clifton-Heights-Development_Concept-Rendering.jpg

I think Rover is thinking more like this:

Santana Row in San Jose, CA

http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/destinations/258/santana_row.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wj97SRLoM4/TWq0J0CPC3I/AAAAAAAAKmE/ZACdB8nt8n8/s1600/architecture_nb_01-2.jpg

I think the big difference is the Edge is a development along a city street and Santana Row is s giant grayfield development which created a city street where one didn't previously exist.

You mean, a single lane road going one way?

Not realistic or fair to compare to places on closed promenades or without street-side parking.

This will be just like Level, with street parking which is very much necessary and part of making these retail spots accessible.

You mean, a single lane road going one way?

No, it is a two lane road with traffic in both directions but with a large active median.

No, I am not talking about making it a mall or destination shopping. Just better than aluminum framed standard windows and doors with no merchandising possibilities and no street level interaction with the business. If the only businesses that are wanted are conveniences for the Edge residents, then this may do the trick and satisfy the technical letter of the law that this development has retail. This is like the retail at Legacy, and we know how well that has worked. More failures and we will just have more resistance by developers who point to more vacant retail spots. If we want mixed use communities then we need to back that up with designs for it, not wishes for it.

It looks like an accomodation for a business level, but it is definitely not designed for merchandising and visual interest. Yes, it is a retail space in that it has a different floor plan, but there is limited ceiling height, spanning windows, etc. that says it is open for business. There is nothing in that picture which invites pedestrians to come in and enjoy some shopping. It will be great for realty and insurance offices, maybe a coffee or another cupcake shop, a barber shop maybe. It says "we allow businesses to locate here" but nothing that says "we WANT businesses here". It is a visual merchandising graveyard.

I don't think so. The facade does a lot of things right, and the streetscape is phenomenal. I love how it replicates a nice little colonnade terrace with outdoor seating to put people on display, and people will be able to get right off the streetcar and walk right into a business with nothing impeding a direct line.

Besides, there's only so much you can do to incorporate the South Heritage Hills Porn and Head Shop (sic).

AwesomeChurch.tv doesn't need fancy windows either.

I live in Mesta Park and am completely behind this. Truly a game changer for this area. Midtown needs more bars, restaurants and shops and more people to use them. Right now even McNellie's and the other bars in the area (Packard Rooftop, Cafe Do Rooftop, Louie's) are empty on some Friday and Saturday nights after about 11. I honestly don't see how anyone that lives in Mesta or Heritage could think this is a bad idea. Any good new developments in Midtown and Uptown are in the least going to raise property values here, not to mention provide many more walkable entertainment options.

I don't think so. The facade does a lot of things right, and the streetscape is phenomenal. I love how it replicates a nice little colonnade terrace with outdoor seating to put people on display, and people will be able to get right off the streetcar and walk right into a business with nothing impeding a direct line.

Besides, there's only so much you can do to incorporate the South Heritage Hills Porn and Head Shop (sic).

Boy, I sure can tell you guys are planners, architects and urbanists and not visual merchandisers. How many failures do we have to have before the bar is set just a little higher? We can do better for the retailers AND still have outdoor seating and streetscaping. The two are not exclusive. And, there is a difference between being inviting and "nothing impeding". Spartan, I know you in particular have higher standards than this. Don't settle just because this is better than what we have now.

Rover, can you provide a picture or reference a place like what you are talking about?

Rover, can you provide a picture or reference a place like what you are talking about?

3824

Maybe something more like this. Real storefronts where you have large windows for window displays and a ceiling height that allows for some merchandising display options inside the store. You bring the outdoor inside and the inside outdoors. You have some overhead protection from sun, rain, etc. to promote window shopping. Build relationships between the pedestrians and the shops. Don't rely on the building only to draw the interest, but let the interest come from what is inside.

What kind of items do you think they will carry at the sex shop?