Keep me employed - buy the paper tomorrow! I think you'll like my story (well, at least most of you).

Doing my part Steve...am a subscriber ;-)

Thanks for the details Steve. Had Oklahoma news report on in the background this evening and they mentioned this but i didnt catch the location, now i know!

Question: is this located on one of the proposed streetcar lines ?

It could be. The Walnut bridge has potential for connecting Bricktown and Deep Deuce and has been shown in some alignments but not in others. I think inevitably Walnut will not be a route however and Stiles will.

Doug has a history of Mr. Finley and the Finley Building. Not suggesting that the building be saved but hopefully at least a plaque or acknowledgment is planned with the new development.

Google Image Result for http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/maps/vintage/finley_4_14_2009_01.jpg (http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/maps/vintage/finley_4_14_2009_01.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.dougloudenback.com/maps/vintage_finley.htm&usg=__ZtZvi7ountjipVfpAPW0-k8IfMY=&h=504&w=1024&sz=245&hl=en&start=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=R_T1LV8VFZb5WM:&tbnh=74&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%2522Finley%2BBuilding%2522%26um%3D1% 26hl%3Den%26client%3Dmozilla%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg. mozilla:en-US:unofficial%26tbs%3Disch:1)

I was definitely thinking the same thing about the Finley Building. Dr. Finley was such an important person in the city's history and it would be a shame to lose a part of his legacy. I don't think the building itself is historically significant but he sure was.

The bridge is named after him.

I would like to see a statue of him by the bridge or perhaps right on the corner there, along with a plaque describing his contributions to the community.

That would be very appropriate but it would probably need a private donor. In money the city has gots to go towards the money promised behind closed doors to OG+E for the CC site....

New apartments to be built in Maywood area.

Check it out: A developer and designer hope to persuade Oklahoma City officials that their planned apartment building in downtown is worth a zoning change.

Read more: http://newsok.com/pair-seek-to-diversify-oklahoma-citys-downtown-living-options/article/3489226?custom_click=pod_lead_business#ixzz0xmFlOf Gd

Take note of this encouraging quote, too: "It made more economic sense to do the suburban model, to build a big building in the middle and surround it with parking as if it's a moat," McKown said. "But that doesn't make urban sense. ... You can't reproduce the urban experience in the suburbs."

Sounds awesome!!! I live a mile away and I would greatly appreciate any grocery options... Oh, and the urban design sounds great!

What would be even more awesome is a tall residential tower like the Austonian in Austin, but I guess this will do for now..

That explains all the activity on that lot recently. I'm pleased they're planning on putting the parking in the interior, as I certainly would hate looking out on a "suburban" type of apartment complex. And, the grocery store sounds promising. It's good to see that there's some momentum despite the economy.

What would be even more awesome is a tall residential tower like the Austonian in Austin, but I guess this will do for now..

Not the right lot for a midrise. If it's built right with quality materials, 4 stories is fine (and as the article mentions, unlike most buildings, they are designing it to where it can be expanded upward in the future). A midrise tower would look out of place in a urban 4 story neighborhood. Leave the residential towers to the C2S area and the CBD.

My main concern is they used Legacy a lot as a reference. I hope we don't end up getting more stucco downtown.

Not the right lot for a midrise. If it's built right with quality materials, 4 stories is fine (and as the article mentions, unlike most buildings, they are designing it to where it can be expanded upward in the future). A midrise tower would look out of place in a urban 4 story neighborhood. Leave the residential towers to the C2S area and the CBD.

My main concern is they used Legacy a lot as a reference. I hope we don't end up getting more stucco downtown.

Just curious--do you consider the Austonian to be a "midrise?" It's nearly 700 feet tall...

At any rate, I agree that if OKC were to get a tall residential tower, it should be built in the CBD and not in the Deep Deuce area.

No, it's a highrise, but I don't realistically see OKC getting a highrise residential tower, especially on that site. Thus why I said midrise, because that would be more realistic for OKC in the short-term.

The rendering in the newspaper looks really good, but I have the same concern as metro. We need to follow this to make sure the developers don't show the city one concept, and then finagle to build a dud! Because the developers are touting urban design, I am cautiously optimistic.

Not the right lot for a midrise. If it's built right with quality materials, 4 stories is fine (and as the article mentions, unlike most buildings, they are designing it to where it can be expanded upward in the future). A midrise tower would look out of place in a urban 4 story neighborhood. Leave the residential towers to the C2S area and the CBD.

My main concern is they used Legacy a lot as a reference. I hope we don't end up getting more stucco downtown.

the developer thinks that his building and the new ALOFT next door will look very good as a pair and complement each other very nicely

They said they won't be using stucco.

I believe the Legacy comparison was that the buildings will be pushed to the street with parking in the middle and retail on the ground floor.

Looks like a great project and as long as rents aren't astronomical, I bet it leases in a big hurry.

The construction in this town is unbelieveable. My relatives came up from Bryan, Texas and they couldn't believe all of the projects and contruction going on in our town.

I have had at least six relatives relocate here (Texas, Kansas) since Feburary; I have one living with me now--he's been saving to purchase his own apartment and vehicle.

We went to the Kayak activities on the river yesterday, they couldn't believe all the construction going on, many remember this river when we were children and swimming, how we use to get sick. Boy, did it build up our immune systems.

I am trying to understand the references to the "pedestrian activity" as it relates to the pools on either side of the complex. Do the Courtyards have viability from the sidewalk?

I used to live in Deep Deuce. Now I live the Legacy. It is interesting that most of the pedestrians in both places seem to be dog walkers or joggers. When I lived in the Deuce, I knew only half my neighbors at any given time. Half of the apartments had direct stairwells form their garage. Therefore, they rarely came out of the front door onto the landing.

The Legacy sometimes feels like "compound" as it is entirely gated. While some of the shops along Walker really help, I wish the had "wrapped" the fourth street side with shop spaces for rent as well. Also, I live on the fourth floor and it takes 5 minutes to get out of the garage alone. Developers take note and invest in express ramps to the second half of the structure in this new project. You can learn a lot of good and bad things from the Legacy Project.

Probably the most "pedestrian" and neighborly apartment building is the Sieber or Regency. A single elevator, communal Laundry, and central activity core. While I never lived in either, when I have been there it seemed as if everyone had met each other at least once. I guess that those building designs reflect that if you forcibly move people together at major entrances, exits, and support facilities, you really can improve the "neighborly" feel of a place.

Do we have any idea what the top three floors will be constructed of? They're all white, with a grey or black first floor. I'm worried that they're going to want to use EIFS. I don't mind that in the interior courtyard of the building like the Deep Deuce Apartments, but every other building in Deep Deuce and Maywood Park has brick exterior on the street side, so I'm hoping all that white is something else. I don't mind the design. To me, it looks very similar to the Maywood Lofts, except for the color difference, and I like the idea of a European Market, obviously.

Can someone please post a pic of the rendering?

http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/files/2010/08/2nd-Street-and-N-Walnut-looking-north.jpg

http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/files/2010/08/retail-interface-at-2nd-Street-looking-west.jpg

^^Nooooo all I see is two x's!

http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/files/2010/08/2nd-Street-and-N-Walnut-looking-north.jpg

BTW, ADG -- the architectural firm mentioned for this project -- is the same group that designed The Legacy.

still seeing x's!is there a link or keyword for googling this?

Pete, I can't emphasize enough that Wade is the lead on the overall design - ADG is engaged as the local architect as is typical when you have an out-of-state lead designer. I've been fortunate enough to see this project evolve from early on, and it's been amazing to see where Wade started and where it is now. As Metro points out, it's understandable that while Legacy has some great density, some feel it fell short in design potential. There is no stucco of EIFS with this project.

Scoll to the bottom of this site (second to last article) you'll notice at least three other VERY recognizable locales in OKC from the same developer... the Bindery on 10th near Java Dave's.... Flatiron... and the building next to the Osler.... very interesting.
http://www.ahmm.co.uk/

Good catch Platemaker. Now, to put a stop to rumors going wild, here's the story on those images. All of them are in downtown OKC. Only the McKown project is a real deal, however. The others are architectural pitches - nothing concrete - yet.

There is no stucco of EIFS with this project.

Hallelujah. Then I'm pleased with it. That was really my only fear. Thanks for that information Steve.

The Austonian is a luxury condo development, now the tallest tower in the city but the prices are sky high as well and still has plenty of units available for purchase. More along the lines of what OKC could use is The Monarch, a rental apartment tower or The Shore Condos (22 stories). The 360 (44 stories) was a little more than The Shore but still significantly less than The Austonian. I still believe that downtown residential needs to be spread throughout the financial spectrum, the build high-end now and the existing stock will be pushed down market way of thinking doesn't work if there is no existing stock to move down market.

Good catch Platemaker. Now, to put a stop to rumors going wild, here's the story on those images. All of them are in downtown OKC. Only the McKown project is a real deal, however. The others are architectural pitches - nothing concrete - yet.

http://www.ahmm.co.uk/news_images/stateside.jpg

Welllll.....

1. Maybe Grant needs to downsize the Flatiron in order to finally get the project off? We all assumed it was completely abandoned for now, but maybe not.
2. We all know that something is happening with Java Dave's..Java Dave's is moving to a different space and a new tenant will be in that bldg.
3. We all also know that 1212 Walker is going to be redeveloped and that Midtown R will get to it..eventually. Maybe they're moving on it after waiting long enough?

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:JpM44wFxdVVrVM:http://www.midtownr.com/images/properties/1212.jpg&t=1

Um, that's not Grant's Flatiron.
;)
Also, clarification. It's not an EIFS facade, as I said earlier, but it is a version of stucco. But I'm pretty sure this is a bit different from what we've seen to date. Here is what Wade told me in response to my email this afternoon:
"It is a traditional sand cement rendered stucco over metal lathe. It is a solid cementitious material and is not an EIFS product. I strongly believe it is an architecturally appropriate material, particularly when you have highly articulated facades as we are proposing for the project. It will have variations of texture and color and is a material that is highly durable."

Portland cement plaster stucco if done right is a pretty good surface, much better than the 1/16" of latex paint over foam that is EIFS. There is very little EIFS work done here in Austin, most is traditional stucco. About the only things that are done in EIFS are projects from national retailers who have it in their build-to-suit design standards like Walgreen's or CVS.

Sounds good. In the renderings we've seen, expect the white parts of the facade to look a little more textured but not as ridiculous as Legacy--and less plastic and sleek. I kind of assumed based on the renderings that it would be something fiberglass or corrugated or something sleeker..

It will be southwest/adobe contemporary. This project just wreaks of Austin..as bluedog is alluding to. That's not a bad thing.

I think what's interesting with this project is it introduces an entirely new architectural voice to the community with a European experience and strong urban emphasis in design.

Good catch Platemaker. Now, to put a stop to rumors going wild, here's the story on those images. All of them are in downtown OKC. Only the McKown project is a real deal, however. The others are architectural pitches - nothing concrete - yet.

Another one of those is concrete, but is a private residential project.

Portland cement plaster stucco if done right is a pretty good surface, much better than the 1/16" of latex paint over foam that is EIFS. There is very little EIFS work done here in Austin, most is traditional stucco. About the only things that are done in EIFS are projects from national retailers who have it in their build-to-suit design standards like Walgreen's or CVS.

You are right real stucco can be nice if down well and if they take care to minimize locations where the public come into direct contact with it. On the lower or street levels it can take on damage fairly easily and so it is much more appropriate to use more tactile and durable materials on the street level such as brick, stone, metal panels etc...That is what we worked to do while designing and developing The Shore. Your mentioning that brought back a bunch of fond memories. Above the public spaces at grade and then again on the amenities deck it was all tactile materials and then it changed to stucco for most of the rest.

Actually to me that style as I see it in the rendering at least doesn't seem to really go in that area. I like the adobe look okay and I like what the article revealed about the intent for quality construction but it seems to clash to me.

The Aloft hotel rendering seemed a better fit.

Probably just me.

I don't see that vast expanse of white as a good fit, but really, if you look at it, it has a lot of similarities to the Maywood Lofts. It is four floors, with clean lines and corner balconies. And, although the non-corner balconies are indented, they still have the same regularity as Maywood. The feel like each other, to me. Maybe if the new building were all brick it would really look like the Maywood Lofts, and that would lead to monotony. I'll be interested to see what I think when they're together in the flesh, so to speak.

They said they won't be using stucco.

Uh OH! :doh:Does that mean they will be using EIFS?!!!!

Not the right lot for a midrise. If it's built right with quality materials, 4 stories is fine (and as the article mentions, unlike most buildings, they are designing it to where it can be expanded upward in the future). A midrise tower would look out of place in a urban 4 story neighborhood. Leave the residential towers to the C2S area and the CBD.

My main concern is they used Legacy a lot as a reference. I hope we don't end up getting more stucco downtown.

Oh, don't get me wrong, I know the perfect lot for a midrise. That square block directly west of Stage Center surrounded by Walker, Dewey, Sheridan and California.

http://maps.google.com/maps?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=35.465865,-97.52151&spn=0.001984,0.005493&t=h&z=18

It's full of cars right now but, man, I could just envision how downtown would look with a 20 to 30 story residential tower there--right next to the annual Arts Festival, Film Row, just a short walk from everything!

I have tremendous reservations about IDEAL Homes being involved in this project Downtown. I hope Wade controls the quality and the downtown design review doesn't fold on Design restrictions and the City enforces adherence to the restrictions.

Betts.... It is going to be an exciting upcoming year for you and your neighbors. With this project and the Aloft going up across from one another. Also aren't they starting more of the condos at the Hill location? I have seen quite a few that have Sold signs in front of them.

I hope midtown eventually gets some midrise towers similar to uptown in Dallas.

Also aren't they starting more of the condos at the Hill location? I have seen quite a few that have Sold signs in front of them.

I have heard plans are to be going vertical on the building directly behind the one facing Russel M Perry before the end of the year. The pad has already been poured.

The Austonian is a luxury condo development, now the tallest tower in the city but the prices are sky high as well and still has plenty of units available for purchase. More along the lines of what OKC could use is The Monarch, a rental apartment tower or The Shore Condos (22 stories). The 360 (44 stories) was a little more than The Shore but still significantly less than The Austonian. I still believe that downtown residential needs to be spread throughout the financial spectrum, the build high-end now and the existing stock will be pushed down market way of thinking doesn't work if there is no existing stock to move down market.

I completely forgot about the Monarch. A design like that would compliment the Devon Tower nicely.

I know quite a few who have sold their suburban house and moved into The Monarch to "try out" downtown living before they buy a condo. Most have loved it and are looking for something about 6 months into their leases.

Betts.... It is going to be an exciting upcoming year for you and your neighbors. With this project and the Aloft going up across from one another. Also aren't they starting more of the condos at the Hill location? I have seen quite a few that have Sold signs in front of them.

Yes, pretty exciting. Although my tires will probably suffer, my plants and balcony furniture will be dusty;). I'm looking forward to having more neighbors. This morning, when I was out walking my dog, I felt like I lived in a real neighborhood. I saw a couple pushing a baby carriage, multiple people running and a few other dog walkers. The other night I saw about 10 people walking back to the Maywood Lofts after an evening meal in Deep Deuce.

I don't think they're starting more condos at the Hill location, but it looks like they're starting up again on the bigger ones back behind the street front townhouses. Those had just stopped mid completion a while back. I'm guessing they're using money from the sales of finished townhouses to complete what they'd started. There are footings back behind the others that haven't even been started, and I don't know what they'll do with those. Probably just keep adding as they sell more. The whole area is certainly going to feel much more finished when the hotel and apartment complex are completed.

The whole area is certainly going to feel much more finished when the hotel and apartment complex are completed.

Sort of like the pie crust exists, and now we're filling in the pizza in the middle which is Walnut Street.

Sort of like the pie crust exists, and now we're filling in the pizza in the middle which is Walnut Street.

I hope that between this project and the Aloft, someone will be motivated to find a good use for the old Calvary Church building. These should make the prospect much more attractive to a developer.

To be honest though I would kind of like to see the Calvary Church remain as an African American Baptist church. It's a neat little historical landmark for the neighborhood. There are a handful of older buildings there fronting that side of Walnut that have enormous potential though..

House of Blues Okc get my votez

To be honest though I would kind of like to see the Calvary Church remain as an African American Baptist church.

Wow, and here I was thinking we should stop encouraging segregation...

Wow, and here I was thinking we should stop encouraging segregation...

So we shouldn't have a tango dance club or a Mexican restaurant?

Diversity is an African American Baptist congregation across the street from $800,000 condos...

To be honest with you, I like seeing people go there for church. It's one more thing that makes it feel like a neighborhood. And, if we're out dog walking in the evening of a Sunday night, there are always people our on the lawn chatting, which I also like to see, and we frequently get to have a short chat and watch them admire our dog. So, I'd be very happy to see it remain a church. I believe one of the problems is that it needs fairly expensive renovations. I would think one could get public funds or fund raise for that, as it is a historic structure.

Also, since this was once an African American neighborhood exclusively, while I obviously don't want that to happen again, it's nice to see a few things remain from that era. That's one of the reasons I was excited to see Sage opening a Jazz Club. Their flyer said, "Jazz in the Deuce again" and I thought that was a very good thing.

I think something else might be happening soon north of the current Brownstones as well. According to the September Downtown Design Review Committee, there has been a request to close utility easement and private access in the Maywood Park Addition 1. The site is located between NE 3rd and 4th streets, and Santa Fe and Oklahoma Avenues.

"Intended Use: Consolidation of lots for multi-use family housing development."

Here's a link. September DDRC Meeting Minute (http://www.okc.gov/planning/planning_library/drc/789.pdf). I would suppose this is the continuation of the Brownstones? Or maybe a similar, yet cheaper model. Infill seems to be ripe now and it's fantastic to see it happening. Maywood Park and Deep Deuce is becoming a true urban neighborhood right before our eyes.

So we shouldn't have a tango dance club or a Mexican restaurant?

Diversity is an African American Baptist congregation across the street from $800,000 condos...

I think the commet from Fuzzytoad was that it should remain a church but welcomes anyone from the neighborhood, not just black people. I am sure a Mexican restaurant won't just service Mexicans.

BTW diversity is not an African American Baptist Church across the street from $800,000 condos. For all you know the condo owners could be black Baptists that attend the church.

True, but you get the gist of what I mean..