A good chunk of OCU students don't have cars either b/c a lot of kids come from out of state for the performing arts, and while OCU's enrollment is just a few thousand, that would provide some ridership to the streetcar if it made it to 23rd. OCU holds monthly events in Bricktown at Harkins, etc. so there's definite demand for an OCU to downtown access.

Not only that, I imagine that with a reliable mass transit from that area to downtown, that OCU would try and work out more ways/events for students to attend downtown, via a deal with the street car. Maybe a Thunder night for OCU students once a semester...or a free pass for the OKCPhil or Canterbury concerts at the Civic Center.

If American Fidelity really is building downtown, Someplace Else is going to take a hit. I doubt they'd close, but I imagine they do a good chunk of business from AF employees during lunch and early dinner.

Maybe they'd have to go someplace else...

Maybe they'd have to go someplace else...

booooooooooo!!! :-P

Pete, good point...but how quickly in years do you really think those buildings would fill?

I think their old buildings would fill relatively quickly. There just isn't must office space available anywhere in OKC.

Not only has Chesapeake bought up about a million square feet of buildings on the near northwest side, most of that space was occupied. So, they are slowly but surely driving out the existing tenants as their leases roll over.

booooooooooo!!! :-P

Sorry! I couldn't resist any longer...

I think their old buildings would fill relatively quickly. There just isn't must office space available anywhere in OKC.

Not only has Chesapeake bought up about a million square feet of buildings on the near northwest side, most of that space was occupied. So, they are slowly but surely driving out the existing tenants as their leases roll over.

Good points. These buildings aren't too far away from Chesapeake. Maybe they could move their CNG division there when it spins off.

the area is quite vibrant, as has been mentioned - so perhaps Someplace Else won't have to close if AF relocates downtown. But if things did get bad, Im sure Someplace Else could move to, well - someplace else. lol

I get the pleasure of moving to the Plaza District from Edmond next month. Count me excited!

To everybody else: Sorry for being a lurker. (I'll pay for my membership soon!)

Welcome to the neighborhood!

The request to demolish the old Hemi's pizza was withdrawn from Urban Design Commission review this morning.

The request to demolish the old Hemi's pizza was withdrawn from Urban Design Commission review this morning.

I am sure that place is a total mess but I have always thought it was a cool little building. has some character and would be a neat coffee shop or little Eatery.

I am sure that place is a total mess but I have always thought it was a cool little building. has some character and would be a neat coffee shop or little Eatery.

Agreed!

The system seems to have worked here as the committee originally recommended the demolition permit be denied.

If the landlord is serious, it shouldn't be hard to find a good tenant and thus provide funds for a renovation.

I saw some work being done on the space immediately to the west of the Tower theatre this morning. There's also an interesting business that looks like it's opening on the west side of 26th and Classen, but I didn't have time to investigate.

the area is quite vibrant, as has been mentioned - so perhaps Someplace Else won't have to close if AF relocates downtown. But if things did get bad, Im sure Someplace Else could move to, well - someplace else. lol
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/1967/someplaceelse_3_1_2012_490.jpg (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/1967/someplaceelse_3_1_2012.jpg)

I doubt that Someplace Else will be relocating regardless of what happens with American Fidelity. One reason is that the same husband and wife, David and Peggy Carty, the operators of the deli, actually own the properties next to each other and have for many years ... Someplace Else and the Cookies neighborhood tavern. Another reason is that he deli, which opened in 1976, has a very loyal following simply because they make great food and I just can't see the owners packing it up anytime in the future. Incidentally, the Someplace Else property was the original shop for Sound Warehouse (1972-1973).

For more about the history of this pair of businesses, see http://dougdawg.blogspot.com/2012/02/oklahoma-city-circa-1967.html#someplaceelse

No doubt Someplace Else would stay afloat without American Fidelity, even if nobody occupied the current AF buildings for years (which obviously would never happen). But Someplace Else is just one of those businesses that deserves to make tons of money, it would just suck if they lost that revenue.

There is a contractors sign out front of the building at 1900 N. Classen. It has a permit # on the sign too, although I couldn't read it very well.

1179

This building has been vacant, it was once a pharmacy. It is across the street from Cafe Antiqua and north of Homeland.

I don't think it's vacant, the pharmacy has appeared to be in business and their is a barber shop in that building as well.

I don't think it's vacant, the pharmacy has appeared to be in business and their is a barber shop in that building as well.

I called the pharmacy phone number on the sign and the number is "not in service". I don't know about the barber shop on the north end. The contractor sign that I saw was on the south end near the pharmacy section.

1900 N. Classen is owned by American Fidelity.

A building permit was issued about a month ago to remodel the space for retail sales.

Well they both were open recently, they must have got bought out ala Chesapeake style.

Well they both were open recently, they must have got bought out ala Chesapeake style.

Found out that the barber shop is open although their hours are something like 9am - noon, probably why I never see any activity around this building.

https://twitter.com/#!/Uptown23rd is excited to announce we are partnering with #The Big Event and students from #OU to cleanup the District on April 14th,

Guernsey Park is a new restaurant coming to 23rd, right behind Cuppies and Joe. I took pics today and emailed to Pete to post soon.

Here's the photo:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/guernseypark4612.jpg

I think it may just be too secluded, that space makes more sense for office as planned (or residential, even better). Or perhaps this is a venture directly from Mike Tharasena, which would make sense for branding that little court along Guernsey "Avenue" (which is really more of a back alley behind Shartel).

What kind of food will it have? Has anyone been to Bubbas?

What kind of food will it have? Has anyone been to Bubbas?

No clue re Guernsey Park. Bubba's be good in my opinion.

I think it may just be too secluded, that space makes more sense for office as planned (or residential, even better). Or perhaps this is a venture directly from Mike Tharasena, which would make sense for branding that little court along Guernsey "Avenue" (which is really more of a back alley behind Shartel).

The same was said of NW9th street downtown originally, now look at it.

What kind of food will it have? Has anyone been to Bubbas?

Yes, there are reviews in the food section.

Surprised that this was approved by the city. Not sure how the parking requirements were met.

There is parking to the east, in the mid-block "court," and parallel spots along 23rd and Guernsey. Either they got creative or it was a fortunate oversight on the part of the city.

Surprised that this was approved by the city. Not sure how the parking requirements were met.

The Urban Design Overlay does not require minimum parking on NW 23rd between Broadway and Classen.

Surprised that this was approved by the city. Not sure how the parking requirements were met.

Projects like this in Uptown don't need much parking to be successful, this can be considered a neighborhood restaurant, as there are many residences in the immediate area. A lot of times when I eat at Big Trucks, Tucker's etc... I see a lot of people walking to the restaurants from nearby neighborhoods.

also, does anyone one know about the renovations going, on the building across the street to the west of Tucker's on the corner of 23rd and N. Hudson? I noticed it not too long ago, while eating at Tucker's. Looks like its going to be an office?

Just thought about this but Classen Tower is probably the only upscale urban living in Oklahoma City where you can live without a car, all these are within reasonable walking distance, if not just across the street:

Job: American Fidelity
Grocery Store: Homeland
Bank: JP Morgan Chase
Pharmacy: Walgreens
Elementary School: Dove Science Academy
Church: First Presbyterian Church
Restaurants: Numerous from Asian Cuisines, to American Grill, to Bakery
Misc: T-Mobile, Salon/Barber Shop
Nightlife: Kamp's

all these amenities are within 3 blocks, WOW!!!

I hope the new Latin restaurant does well, but for me the Gold Dome location isn't ideal for a restaurant as long as it is being used for other "special events". Dining at the prohibition room was always awkward for me because each time I was there "special events" were being held in the lobby / entry area.

I wonder if they've fixed the sewage smell in Gold Dome -- always an olfactory enhancement to fine dining.

Just thought about this but Classen Tower is probably the only upscale urban living in Oklahoma City where you can live without a car, all these are within reasonable walking distance, if not just across the street:

Job: American Fidelity
Grocery Store: Homeland
Bank: JP Morgan Chase
Pharmacy: Walgreens
Elementary School: Dove Science Academy
Church: First Presbyterian Church
Restaurants: Numerous from Asian Cuisines, to American Grill, to Bakery
Misc: T-Mobile, Salon/Barber Shop
Nightlife: Kamp's

all these amenities are within 3 blocks, WOW!!!

and if you have a cat or dog, you can even throw in a veterinary...lol

As a resident of the Classen, I often reference these things as selling points to the place, but change elementary school (where my kids went) to Wilson (.6 miles away) and Middle/High School to Classen SAS (where one of my kids goes). Also, don't forget about car care with both Valvoline and AutoZone just around the corner (so you can drop the car off and walk home and back -- I know the post was about not needing a car, but still), and entertainment in the form of dancing, which happens at the Gold Dome and Macia's. Places like Cuppies are a manageable walk away, and the kids and I walk to the Paseo for events, such as the arts festival (I think it's about a mile, so a leisurely 20 minute walk). Yes, there's the vet, too, but I don't have pets. Lastly there's Mesta Park, less than a 10 minute walk away with a playground, open space, and volleyball courts. Really a walk to Memorial Park for tennis/basketball courts and other things wouldn't be too bad (but we have a tennis and basketball court here), closer than Paseo. There really is just a TON of stuff within an easy walk if you start looking at all the businesses on Classen and 23rd.

If only I could get a job at AF and if only the streetcar came up here so I could get to downtown (without using a car or bike) I'd be completely set. My daughter that goes to Classen plans to attend ACM in Bricktown, so the streetcar would also help get her from home to college if it came up here (though if she ends up at OCU instead then it's an easy walk)...



Just thought about this but Classen Tower is probably the only upscale urban living in Oklahoma City where you can live without a car, all these are within reasonable walking distance, if not just across the street:

Job: American Fidelity
Grocery Store: Homeland
Bank: JP Morgan Chase
Pharmacy: Walgreens
Elementary School: Dove Science Academy
Church: First Presbyterian Church
Restaurants: Numerous from Asian Cuisines, to American Grill, to Bakery
Misc: T-Mobile, Salon/Barber Shop
Nightlife: Kamp's

all these amenities are within 3 blocks, WOW!!!

I hope the new Latin restaurant does well, but for me the Gold Dome location isn't ideal for a restaurant as long as it is being used for other "special events". Dining at the prohibition room was always awkward for me because each time I was there "special events" were being held in the lobby / entry area.

I think they were discussing putting in an outside entrand to the restaurant with the owner. that would help.

I was walking by the under-construction Grandad's bar at 317 NW 23rd and saw that it is coming along nicely. Here's more info for anyone interested in helping it get open sooner (http://www.grandadsbar.com/Grandads_Bar/Coming_Soon.html), rather than later.

Huge landscaping improvements being made at 23rd and 235, west side of interstate.

Owner of Grandad's used to work with me. Great guy. I think it'll be a great local bar.

2 story mcdonalds coming to this address 2101 NW 23RD ST, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73107 per the next urban design meeting

If there is anything the city needs, it's a dbl decker house for its dbl decker 1/4 pounders. I guess they draw a big lunch crowd or something. If I'm eating on that corner, it's the Mazzio just north of them. Their 10:30 start time works well with the work schedule for a friend of mine if I'm in town in the am. We can early lunch and get gone before most even think of showing up

2 story mcdonalds coming to this address 2101 NW 23RD ST, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73107 per the next urban design meeting

That's replacing the one at Penn. Interesting.

I guess they had might as well since the old car was taken off the site...

Weird that I still consider it to be a "new" McDonald's as it relocated from mid block in front of Shepherd Mall, down to the corner (the older building is still standing)...this relocated one opened up with a retro styling and even had car hop service at one point.

The people that owned the McDonalds when the car was there sold it about 10 years ago. The new owners are wanting to change it from the car hop retro style that the original owners designed.

Tower Theater had a building permit issued some time ago but nobody has reported any signs of activity.

Tower Theater had a building permit issued some time ago but nobody has reported any signs of activity.

Largely true. Half a wall came out.

If indeed the Deep Fork Group is the one developing the Tower into a restaurant, I'm not at all shocked it's not moving forward.

Application today to expand and add a deck to the Blue Note at 2408 N. Robinson.

Application today to expand and add a deck to the Blue Note at 2408 N. Robinson.

They already have that deck in the back. I've never seen people out there though...

Working on the Tower Sign today.

2 story mcdonalds coming to this address 2101 NW 23RD ST, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73107 per the next urban design meeting

http://newsok.com/double-decker-mcdonalds-coming-to-oklahoma-city/article/3682758

I walked up and down 23rd yesterday and here are some updates:

Absolutely nothing happening at Tower Theater. We know there was a building permit issued some time ago and took that as a very positive sign, but I looked in and walked all the way around and you can tell that nothing is happening as of yet. One of the merchants told me there has been zero activity.

Grandad's Bar (http://www.facebook.com/grandads.bar) is getting really close. I walked in and met with the owner Greg Seal who told me they are only waiting on a fire suppression system which will be another month. The space itself features the original tin ceiling and the decor is basic, but there is a big space in the front with a stage for live music. I think this is going to be a great local spot.

I don't remember this being posted before but the spot just east of Grandad's is operated by Stinson Design Group (http://www.stinsondg.com/), which is not only a top-end interior design outfit, they have a beautiful shop and showroom.

Just east of Big Truck Tacos, there are is a strip center with three businesses, two under construction. The one closest to BTT is their own shop which wasn't open. East of that is Aviano Gelato (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Avianos-Italian-Gelato-Sorbet/171157549601916) but since posting progress photos in March, there has been absolutely no progress. There was one construction guy there but I couldn't see he was doing much. Might have been people working on the immediately adjacent store, but that is a long way from being done as well.

It's actually a somewhat worthwhile structure. I think TLC would surprise some.

Have you been inside the place? It is interesting to see how all of these formerly separated business spaces have been combined as you pass from one to another (esp upstairs) but I wouldn't even want to guess the amount of serious cash needed to TLC it up..would be interesting though.

The Crown Heights Flower Shop just did one.

This just opened up this week.

1881


1882

Pretty good, so far have tried 3 different ones.

I keep driving past that, but the tackioca name has repelled me - should I give it a try? Pete should probably move your post/pics to the thread for Sun Moon Plaza, which I think is where this is?

This is a mini chain out of Austin -- looks slick!