This is the house being built by the architect who also owns and rehabbed the office building in the foreground.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sosa071518.jpg

He gets straight to the point with his design.

This is the house being built by the architect who also owns and rehabbed the office building in the foreground.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sosa071518.jpg
That office "rehab" needs a rehab.

He gets straight to the point with his design.

You might say his design is pretty... sharp.

"Prick" pun in 3...2...

I dunno. I don't like the design of either building -at all- but even weird architecture like this does give a city character. So at least that.

I like modern design, I do. But this seems out of place or something. Seems like a weird fit for the location. Maybe it'll grow on me but right now...I'm not feeling it.

That office "rehab" needs a rehab.

Feels like modernized/contemporized mid-century modern, if that's such a thing. I like contemporary modern. And I like some mid-century modern. This particular blend is just awkward. But it's not done, and I'll reserve judgement for after completion.

It’s a huge middle finger to his neighbor to the west. The fin extends out and blocks their balcony’s view of downtown.

It’s a huge middle finger to his neighbor to the west. The fin extends out and blocks their balcony’s view of downtown.

I don't necessarily disagree, but it's important to note that unless you control the neighboring land (or come to some sort of amicable agreement with your neighbors), your views can't be guaranteed - especially for a middle lot like this. It's not unlike the potential threats to views from Rand Elliott's Full Moon proposal in Midtown by neighboring developments.

I don't necessarily disagree, but it's important to note that unless you control the neighboring land (or come to some sort of amicable agreement with your neighbors), your views can't be guaranteed - especially for a middle lot like this. It's not unlike the potential threats to views from Rand Elliott's Full Moon proposal in Midtown by neighboring developments.

Well, it does protrude out further than the traditional building line for that street, so it's really an odd situation. But I agree with the "buy it to control it" philosophy; it's just a weird, unneeded architectural element that won't make your neighbors very happy.

Got to admit the more you look at the character housing designs in the SOSA district, the more you begin to like them--free fall or free for all. True neighborhood character with individual design, you're not quite sure what to think.

Reminds me of the opening of the old Myriad Convention Center, the men's restrooms had the large oval shaped hand washing sinks with the floor foot rails to secrete water--you didn't quite know the initial use (urinal or hand sink) unless you looked around--then you discovered hand washing wall sinks and wall urinals as well--added to the confusion.

It begs for conversation like some strange object left on your lawn. You don't know if it's a yard ornament, pretzel or an animal turd because nobody will take the challenge to kick it, pick it up or step in it--that's the thin line that separates art from personal opinion--every tear is not a tear of joy nor is every smile a smile of happiness, :D good day.

Setback in SoSa essentially became an unenforceable issue after Fitzsimmons Architects’ Lovallo House design prevailed vs neighborhood protests. I’ve never heard whether it was the case or not, but I always wondered if the Lovallo design wasn’t inspired in part by the neighborhood nose-thumbing that Frank Lloyd Wright gave Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood when he designed Robie house to defy setback rules. I toured Robie house not long before the time of Lovallo’s construction and it really stuck with me during the Lovallo controversy.

Either way, I’m glad OKC has this interesting enclave that’s a neat little architectural lab, and even more glad that it’s not an actual enclave but public city streets in the heart of the community.

Setback in SoSa essentially became an unenforceable issue after Fitzsimmons Architects’ Lovallo House design prevailed vs neighborhood protests. I’ve never heard whether it was the case or not, but I always wondered if the Lovallo design wasn’t inspired in part by the neighborhood nose-thumbing that Frank Lloyd Wright gave Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood when he designed Robie house to defy setback rules. I toured Robie house not long before the time of Lovallo’s construction and it really stuck with me during the Lovallo controversy...

There was no “Lovallo controversy.” Setbacks in SoSA are and have always been respected and enforced. There were no “neighborhood” protests… there was a lone protestor, who protested almost EVERY design regardless of merit, for reasons still unknown. (The lone protest was deemed to be unfounded by all authorities.)

Sounds like you’ve got an architectural chip on your shoulder. Or penchant for revising history…

^^^^^^^
Sounds like you’re just spoiling for a fight. I love Lovallo House.

By the way, there absolutely WAS a controversy. It was covered extensively in the media and included very heated public meetings. And I would deem a protest coming from the people across the street a “neighborhood protest.” Not sure what else it should be called.

For the record I’m glad Lovallo house prevailed and happy to see the architectural changes in the district. I said so much in my post. Perhaps you have chip on YOUR shoulder?

Dr. Bill's house is transcendent. It really is the piece that pivoted the neighborhood to something better. I think he really was hurt by the visceral discord about his home. Having worked in many of the homes in SOSA, that house has a special place in my heart. He set a standard for all to follow. It may be Fitzsimmons best residential work.

^^^^^^^
Sounds like you’re just spoiling for a fight. I love Lovallo House.

By the way, there absolutely WAS a controversy. It was covered extensively in the media and included very heated public meetings. And I would deem a protest coming from the people across the street a “neighborhood protest.” Not sure what else it should be called.

For the record I’m glad Lovallo house prevailed and happy to see the architectural changes in the district. I said so much in my post. Perhaps you have chip on YOUR shoulder?

Sorry… no fight from me.

The “controversy” was the result of ONE neighbor’s incessant pestering. ALL other neighbors supported the design. Technically, you’re right, it was a neighborhood protest. The entire neighborhood protested the one neighbor’s irrational arguments.

I agree with you that SoSA is a positive architectural oasis. I’m glad you like the Lovallo house!

Setback in SoSa essentially became an unenforceable issue after Fitzsimmons Architects’ Lovallo House design prevailed vs neighborhood protests. I’ve never heard whether it was the case or not, but I always wondered if the Lovallo design wasn’t inspired in part by the neighborhood nose-thumbing that Frank Lloyd Wright gave Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood when he designed Robie house to defy setback rules. I toured Robie house not long before the time of Lovallo’s construction and it really stuck with me during the Lovallo controversy.

Either way, I’m glad OKC has this interesting enclave that’s a neat little architectural lab, and even more glad that it’s not an actual enclave but public city streets in the heart of the community.

There is definitely still a huge outcry from projects pushing past setbacks. Its literally the one thing that will guarantee opposition. And its kind of a joke in some instances. Sure, you dont want to allow egregious cases of going way farther forward than whats existing. But whats jokey about it is that giant wedge in the home above isnt counted towards the setback because it isnt heated and cooled part of the house or covered patio, which is where you measure to. So while its not counted to the setback, it can still completely block the views. However, its allowed per the rules.

Just seems like a waste of valuable urban land to force someone to not use 25ft (something like 1,250sf) of their property because of some old houses that will likely be torn down anyways. There needs to be a little more wiggle room if you can show you arent harming anyones view or value. This isnt some cookie cutter suburban neighborhood. Its downtown and its perfectly ok for it to show a variety of styles, shapes and sizes.

Update: Saint Anthony's is now called SSM Health

so this district is now known as SoSSM!

Woo Hoo! Welcome to SoSSM!

SoSSM...rhymes with awesome? That's SoSSM!

I still like Emerson Heights haha

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sosa092218.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sosa121618.jpg

http://journalrecord.com/2018/12/17/proposed-change-in-cottage-district-setbacks-causes-a-rift/

Anybody know what the setback change is?

Sorry, not a fan.

I still like Emerson Heights haha

How about LOSA? LOL

http://journalrecord.com/2018/12/17/proposed-change-in-cottage-district-setbacks-causes-a-rift/

Anybody know what the setback change is?

In Molly’s article… Commissioner Scott Cravens said while he sympathizes with the developers, the Cottage District needs some type of regulation. “This (area) got away from the city in a regulations and guidelines perspective,” he said. “I support this because it brings an end to that.”

BS.

“Under-regulation” of this tiny area hasn’t upset the space-time continuum or glitched the matrix. The city’s urban fabric will be just fine without additional regulation of SoSA. It’s never been under-regulated. It’s had confusing, overlapping, unclear, and stupid regulations…

For perspective, “this area” is the same size as Quail Springs Mall. It’s a tiny district. Leave it alone. Let it happen. It wants to be unique…

Has to do with different setback requirements for single family and multifamily/office uses. Multifamily and office dont have any setback requirements but that was going to change, or not change now. I guess its not official yet. The NIMBYism is high in this neighborhood.


In Molly’s article… Commissioner Scott Cravens said while he sympathizes with the developers, the Cottage District needs some type of regulation. “This (area) got away from the city in a regulations and guidelines perspective,” he said. “I support this because it brings an end to that.”

BS.

“Under-regulation” of this tiny area hasn’t upset the space-time continuum or glitched the matrix. The city’s urban fabric will be just fine without additional regulation of SoSA. It’s never been under-regulated. It’s had confusing, overlapping, unclear, and stupid regulations…

For perspective, “this area” is the same size as Quail Springs Mall. It’s a tiny district. Leave it alone. Let it happen. It wants to be unique…

Yes please. For a conservative state, there is still pockets where people want a ton of regulation. This neighborhood is basically downtown, let there be some variety and density.

Nimbys don’t get much worse than SF or LA.

Deleted a bunch of posts.

Intentional or not, the discussion was getting far too political.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sosa121618.jpg

I am waiting on the first really strong windstorm to see how that holds up.

I do not dig that house at all and if I'm not mistaken the architecture firm has moved out of the building next door.

I do not dig that house at all and if I'm not mistaken the architecture firm has moved out of the building next door.

At first I thought you were about to say, "the architecture firm has moved out of state...."

Ha, no.

Looks like the business name was removed from the sign

I love that house. It looks so cool in the sunset driving down 6th

I love that house. It looks so cool in the sunset driving down 6th

It feels disjointed and hodgepodge to me. It doesn't look congruent in my opinion.

These district identifiers have gone up on street signs:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sosa062120a.jpg

One of OKC's oldest homes to see new life as mixed-use project (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=402-One-of-OKC-s-oldest-homes-to-see-new-life)

An ambitious renovation is planned for a Victorian home in Midtown, which dates to before statehood.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/keenasosa5.jpg


Developer Keena Oden recently purchased the house at 614 NW 8th, just south of Saint Anthony Hospital. It is believed to be the oldest existing structure in the neighborhood known as SoSA.

Plans filed with the city show a design by Ken Fitzsimmons of TASK Design which would convert the structure to feature two furnished upstairs apartments, and a meeting room and boutique space on the ground floor.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/keenasosa9.jpg


Although much of the original exterior will be restored, there will be some new space added as well as parking on the rear alley.

The apartments are to be furnished and the meeting space would feature artwork in a gallery setting.

Oden hopes to find a nice boutique or gift shop to take the other downstairs space.

Some original 'gingerbread' elements have already been revealed through careful removal of non-original siding.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/keenasosa10.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/keenasosa2.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/keenasosa8.jpg


The plans will be reviewed by the Urban Design Commission on July 26th. The city's Planning Department has recommended the commission approve the application.

If approved, Oden would invite artist to submit works to the gallery on the theme “What is home?”. Fresh start students from the Homeless Alliance would be especially encouraged to participate. All ticket sale proceeds would benefit the Homeless Alliance and artists would receive 100% of the sale.

Progress:

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/victorian021321a.jpeg

^

This little project is still moving along:

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/victorian071121a.jpg

^

This little project is still moving along:

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/victorian071121a.jpg

Looks like it's on the market for a cool $1.275MM: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/614-NW-8th-St-1-4-Oklahoma-City-OK-73102/2072272800_zpid/

No interior pictures, sadly - but I'm sure that's because they're still working on the property.

^

It's been for sale for a while.

They are still finishing out the interior.

This is currently under construction at the NW corner of Shartel and 7th, a private residence:
18131

18731187321873318734

7th & Shartell