2728 N. Classen Blvd. (http://g.co/maps/hyhc9)
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I didn't see any threads about this, but a few weeks ago, the Golden Phoenix building in the Asian District suffered some major damage. I took pics last week and they were buried in my photo link I posted in my photo thread. I thought this topic deserved it's own thread. Does anyone know if they will rebuild or will this soon be another vacant lot?

I was wondering what had happened. I hope they recover and get open soon. I love that place!

Wow.. didn't another building which was fairly run down also recently burn in that area? Something in the water?

I saw that on TV when it was on fire. I hope they rebuild. Didn't eat there often but it was good and the restaurant was busy when I did.

Well, obviously it was too close to the property line to even stand a chance of not erupting in flames...

sorry to hear about the fire and damage, but I hope this time - if/when they rebuild, that they do it right and get rid of the parking in front. ....

Start a trend to urbanize the Asian District, and use true asian facades????

turn a negative into something much more positive (and put pressure on everybody else in the district).

Urban Design Certificate of Approval to rebuild will be issued today (Administrative Approval).

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

^^^
Hotrod, is that what you had in mind?

Those renderings look like something you'd see in Edmond or on Memorial Road. I'm very disappointed.

Those renderings look like something you'd see in Edmond or on Memorial Road. I'm very disappointed.

Maybe they're going for the modern China "look" instead of traditional. LOL

I'm not sure if at rendering is still true. Driving by, it appears they have been repairing the clay tile roof and patching the stucco. If they were sticking to that rendering, why bother with said repairs.

Is anyone surprised?

I'm not sure if at rendering is still true. Driving by, it appears they have been repairing the clay tile roof and patching the stucco. If they were sticking to that rendering, why bother with said repairs.

Any chance the patches are simply temporary 'bandages' to help seal the place up after the fire? I heard it burned but I haven't been around to see anything at the site since it did?

I believe the plan is to build the new exterior around the existing structure.

It's hard to tell from their design application but I believe the new facade will take the place of the parking on Classen and 27th, so all the parking will now be in the back.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goldenphoenix2.jpg

The rebuilding is rapidly coming along now. The metal beams and the arch is in place. I will try to get pics this week.

From metro:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goldenphoenix4612.jpg

This structure has a very, very similar site plan to the Plaza Court in my opinion, particularly with the relationship of one row of angled parking combined with parallel parking serving as a buffer between the building and the street.

But it's interesting how it has far less of a presence compared to Plaza Court. That said, this is definitely an upgrade. Does anyone know at what point something may begin to happen up Classen on NW 30th?

I won't be too picky about the building design. I'm just glad one of our favorite restaurants will be reopening. Too bad that they had just spent the last half of last year remodeling and now have to do it again.

If this area is as successful as I think it will be in the next 10 years, that row of parking will be the spring 2018 project by Better Block OKC, converting that into sidewalk/public space. That building is just begging for lots of open space in front of it. A fountain or some other kind of artwork would be icing on the cake.

I think you're right regarding this project, but I just don't have the same confidence about what the Asian District is doing. I have a lot of confidence about what could transpire there, but we'll see.

This project is shaping up to be a lot more aesthetically pleasing than indicated by the rendering. Even when you account for the grayscale to living color difference, what little we can see of the building materials and accents (looks like gray EIFS with white trim) is a fresher look than what I would have guessed from the renderings (maybe more of that awful tan). It looks like the stone accent columns and the "frieze" on the arch may be more of a slate as well?

The west side stone work is almost complete and this looks very nice, much improved.

It is a black and grey colored stone, like something you would see in Aspen, Co.

The west side stone work is almost complete and this looks very nice, much improved.

It is a black and grey colored stone, like something you would see in Aspen, Co.

I assume that would be in the Asian District in Aspen? LOL

We are looking forward to Chinatown reopening. We do much of our specialty shopping at Super Cao Nguyen but at the fish counter in Chinatown they will clean the fish and then fry it for us!! My wife picks out a couple of Golden Pompano for frying and then she makes a sweet & sour sauce, all served over steamed rice. Now I'm hungry!

Not bad.

http://oi47.tinypic.com/xmj193.jpg
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I've lived in OKC since 1997 and I've been eating in the Asian district on a regular basis for much of that time and somehow I thought Golden Phoenix was a small (like one of those strip mall "Great Wall" places), hole-in-the-wall that did primarily take-out for BBQ'd meats. I had no idea it was a HUGE full service restaurant! A group of nine of us ate there yesterday and it was fantastic!! Easily the equal of Fung's Kitchen and Schezuan Bistro. Most of our dishes were hard-core Asian foods but there were enough native born Americans at the table that some of the more Americanized dishes were present as well. They easily have the best Orange Chicken I've eaten. Fried to absolute perfection. I told my wife I want just the two of us to go back so I can try a few more things I had my eye on.

I've lived in OKC since 1997 and I've been eating in the Asian district on a regular basis for much of that time and somehow I thought Golden Phoenix was a small (like one of those strip mall "Great Wall" places), hole-in-the-wall that did primarily take-out for BBQ'd meats. I had no idea it was a HUGE full service restaurant! A group of nine of us ate there yesterday and it was fantastic!! Easily the equal of Fung's Kitchen and Schezuan Bistro. Most of our dishes were hard-core Asian foods but there were enough native born Americans at the table that some of the more Americanized dishes were present as well. They easily have the best Orange Chicken I've eaten. Fried to absolute perfection. I told my wife I want just the two of us to go back so I can try a few more things I had my eye on.

I thought the same thing! The amount of items on their menu is almost mind boggling. Never had a bad meal there.

We went last night and I, of course, got the Orange Chicken (I only got 4 pieces of it on Sunday....shared our meal Asian style) and my wife got the Roast Duck/BBQ Pork combo. She also got the won-ton soup which was delicious! I generally don't like won-ton soup, finding it too bland, but their's was very tasty. I also tried the fried spring roll and it wasn't very good. The pork & shrimp rolls that Lee's Sandwiches sells are much better.

Old Pipkin Camera site on Classen to make way for huge expansion of Golden Phoenix (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=316-Old-Pipkin-Camera-site-on-Classen-to-make-way-for-huge-expansion-of-Golden-Phoenix)

The abandoned and dilapidated structures on NW 26th and Classen that were formerly home to Pipkin Camera would be demolished under a plan to construct a 3-level addition to the Golden Phoenix on Classen Boulevard.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gp082216a.jpg



The new construction would expand the restaurant and retail space now housed in the 23,000 square foot building that operates as a restaurant and Asian grocery to the immediate north.

The three properties to be demolished were built between 1925 and 1930 but have been abandoned, topped with billboards and unsightly for some time.

Two dwellings to the east would also be removed and parking would be expanded.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gp082216photo.jpg


The existing Golden Phoenix building was constructed in the late 1970's and was recently rebuilt after a large fire.

Pipkin ceased operation in 2010 after having moved from this location sometime earlier.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gp082216.jpg


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I cannot decide if this is a positive or a negative for Classen. On the one hand, we are getting some new construction that will actually be occupied, but will put the parking up in front and isn't as pedestrian friendly as possible - especially since the streetcar could come this way in a few years. Also, we would be losing some nice historic brick buildings that don't look too hard to renovate. Thoughts?

I love Golden phoenix. that is a huge expansion. it looks like they are wanting more space for event space/wedding ect.

I love Golden phoenix. that is a huge expansion. it looks like they are wanting more space for event space/wedding ect.

Yes, that stuff is big business and I'm sure they have strong ties within the local Asian community.

definitely. I know the one on 23rd and Classen ( can't recall the name but Phu Kim Loung is located in the building as well ) hosts a lot of banquets and wedding. It seems you always see people outside in formal attire. this will be new and very large I bet they book a lot of banquets for sure.

Golden Phoenix is the best Asian restaurant in the metro and it's already pretty big but there isn't much parking. I hope the restaurant moves into the south part of the new structure and the grocery store expands.. It's extremely crowded and claustrophobic in there. Are Golden Phoenix and Chinatown owned by the same people?

Golden Phoenix is the best Asian restaurant in the metro and it's already pretty big but there isn't much parking. I hope the restaurant moves into the south part of the new structure and the grocery store expands.. It's extremely crowded and claustrophobic in there. Are Golden Phoenix and Chinatown owned by the same people?

Not so fast, my friend! Although I love Golden Phoenix, I think Chow's takes the honors as best Asian restaurant in the metro.

But yeah, it's seems like Hy Palace/Pho Kim Long have a monopoly on the asian banquet scene here in town. This expansion seems most definitely to bite into their market share.

Isn't Chow's south side? I only go there when I go to pole position.

Isn't Chow's south side? I only go there when I go to pole position.
30th and May. And I agree, it's really really good.

I've never been to the grocery store at Golden Phoenix. Does anyone know how it compares to Super Cao Nguyen? They have a really great selection, but it's always nice to have a back-up place for hard to find items.

Off topic, but can you tell me what to order at Chow's to live up to the hype? When I went the menu seemed pretty basic and the food was good, but average. I love love love Golden Phoenix and always get salt and pepper squid and rare beef salad. Thanks in advance.

Off topic, but can you tell me what to order at Chow's to live up to the hype? When I went the menu seemed pretty basic and the food was good, but average. I love love love Golden Phoenix and always get salt and pepper squid and rare beef salad. Thanks in advance.

I've had the salt and pepper quail at Chow's and loved it.... If you ask they may have salt and pepper squid.

Love what they do with eggplant. Not sure if that helps the cause.

Off topic, but can you tell me what to order at Chow's to live up to the hype? When I went the menu seemed pretty basic and the food was good, but average. I love love love Golden Phoenix and always get salt and pepper squid and rare beef salad. Thanks in advance.

My experience was the same. Heard people rave about it for years and when I ate there, it was just okay.

Golden Phoenix project to add 4 levels of event space and apartments (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=385-Golden-Phoenix-project-to-add-4-levels-of-event-space-and-apartments)

As we first reported last August (http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=41200&p=910046#post910046), the popular Golden Phoenix restaurant and market is planning an ambitious expansion to the south and will replace several dilapidated structures along Classen and NW 26th.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/phoenixnew1.jpg


Updated plans are even more ambitious, showing an expanded restaurant and new tenant space on the ground floor, and event space and apartments on levels 2, 3 and 4.

The 4th floor will also feature a large outdoor terrace.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/phoenixnew2.jpg


14 total apartments will be for rent, including 7 1-bed, 4 2-bed and 3 studios.

The project will also have two elevators and two new / expanded parking areas.

The three properties to be demolished were built between 1925 and 1930 but have been abandoned, topped with billboards and unsightly for some time.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/phoenixnew10.jpg


Two dwellings to the east would also be removed.

The existing Golden Phoenix building was constructed in the late 1970's and was recently rebuilt after a large fire.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/phoenixnew3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/phoenixnew4.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/phoenixnew5.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/phoenixnew6.jpg

I like it except for parking fronting classen, if they just horizontally flipped it so that the base of the L was fronting classen and the parking was behind it, then it would be better.

It looks like that event space can hold 120 10-top tables, which gives it a capacity of about 1200 people, where are all those people supposed to park?? Even at 4 people per car, do they have at least 300 parking spots?

They'll make it work, I'm sure. When Hy Palace has huge events (most saturdays in the warm months), they use the CVS parking lot (presumably with permission), that would only be a three block walk to do the same thing here...

I like it except for parking fronting classen, if they just horizontally flipped it so that the base of the L was fronting classen and the parking was behind it, then it would be better.

I was thinking this same thing. Flip it so that there's more mass along Classen and I think it's great.

I like it! Chinatown on the North side has already expanded and shopping there is much more enjoyable and Golden Phoenix is the best Chinese restaurant in town, although not necessarily the best service.

It's a nice idea, but that doesn't really work with the proposed interior layout and how it works with the current building. The apartments are in the L base with the restaurant expansion up in the Classen portion right next to where (I'm assuming) they'll connect to the existing restaurant space. You couldn't just flip the building design around without also redesigning the interior, and that may not work for their business needs for the restaurant and the event space on the second floor.

As is their plan involves most of the new parking fronting against 26th with only the curb cutout against Classen, and the top of the L is fronting Classen.

Is this still a go?

Plans have changed.

Now, they'll be building to the south for a new, larger Golden Phoenix and the supermarket will expand into the old restaurant space.

I'll post renderings in a bit.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goldenphoenix050418a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goldenphoenix050418b.jpg


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Well, that's a downgrade from the previous proposal, but good to get that bit of frontage redeveloped I guess.

We'll see if this gets built.

They've submitted several elaborate plans in the past.

I do like when the parking is behind the building or to the side. Makes Classen Blvd seem a bit more dense. I too liked the last round of plans. I have never been to this restaurant though. Is it any good?

Golden Phoenix has the best authentic Asian food in town but the service is generally poor. We were always willing to put up with the lack of service since the food is so good but the last time we were there we had a waiter who literally argued with us every time we asked for something and then the girl behind the counter tried to convince us that a dish has never been served in a specific manner when we've eaten that dish served in that manner for years. The guy who finally corrected her mistake acted like he was mad at us for insisting on getting it the way it's always been served. We haven't been back since that visit.

Well, that's a downgrade from the previous proposal

*Major downgrade

Golden Phoenix has the best authentic Asian food in town but the service is generally poor. We were always willing to put up with the lack of service since the food is so good but the last time we were there we had a waiter who literally argued with us every time we asked for something and then the girl behind the counter tried to convince us that a dish has never been served in a specific manner when we've eaten that dish served in that manner for years. The guy who finally corrected her mistake acted like he was mad at us for insisting on getting it the way it's always been served. We haven't been back since that visit.

Chinese cuisine is pretty broad. Other places worth mentioning though: Fungs, Chows, and Tsubaki Szechuan. In terms of Chinese bbq though, I think it's just this place and Fungs.

Chinese cuisine is pretty broad. Other places worth mentioning though: Fungs, Chows, and Tsubaki Szechuan. In terms of Chinese bbq though, I think it's just this place and Fungs.

Grand House too

Grand House too

Ah, they do dim sum and chinese bbq? Incredible

Chinese cuisine is pretty broad. Other places worth mentioning though: Fungs, Chows, and Tsubaki Szechuan. In terms of Chinese bbq though, I think it's just this place and Fungs.

Fungs is excellent, as is Szechuan Bistro on Memorial and Western. I've heard good things about Chows but have only eaten there once and don't remember much about it. Is Tsubaki Szechuan the relatively new place in the shopping center attached to Super Cao Nguyen? I've been wanting to try that one.