I agree that Midtown is hitting critical mass with housing and restaurants. I do think it needs some kind of entertainment anchor within a couple of blocks (i.e. walkable) from the Walker Circle. It could be a cluster of galleries, live theater, an intimate concert venue, or a movie screening room, but Midtown's lacking that one tenant that makes an evening out of the neighborhood. Dust Bowl may provide that diversion, but the market (with Heritage Hills nearby) is there for something along the arts. Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center could have been that tenant if it found space a few blocks to the west, but it'll do a great job of fortifying the Automobile Alley scene.

Good thoughts. AA may have some space that would accommodate a good venue. I'm not sure what's really left there. It'd be a good set up though, as it could draw 1000-2000 people and probably handle the parking without it clogging more residential streets. You don't see a whole lot of venues done with new construction, but it could happen.



If I lived in OKC, I'd be buying in HH / Mesta Park or SoSa. Prices have already gone up pretty dramatically than just three years ago and this area is soon going to be the most desirable in all o town.

Sosa is a great buy and hold. It's very driven by the architects/developers, though, who kind of mark it up and chain you to their work (which, in this case is probably fine, because they have done some awesome houses), but if you could get a lot before them, you could probably make a great return and/or get some great value out of it.


With MidtownR owning most of the properties, they stand to gain a lot more by holding on to all of the properties while they establish the area.

Yeah, I started by trying to figure out if there where any good places left to build single family home in MT proper, but they pretty much got it all. Which, isn't a bad thing, given the work they've done. I also have more immediate needs and want a more established neighborhood within the next year or so, which is why I'm thinking more DD or HH for now. I can't wait to see why MidTownR's ground up approach will be when they get to that point.

And of course, The Womb is at 9th & Broadway.


This is going to be like Deep Deuce, where you take a bunch of completed projects, add in all the ones in the pipeline and then suddenly there is a mad scramble to start filling in the remaining pieces.

And most exciting is that the MidtownR people still have lots of work to do and haven't even touched new development, which we know they will given their land holdings in the area. Everything they have done to date has been fantastic.


If I lived in OKC, I'd be buying in HH / Mesta Park or SoSa. Prices have already gone up pretty dramatically than just three years ago and this area is soon going to be the most desirable in all o town.

We bought in Lincoln Terrace last year... much cheaper and bigger houses. A little off the path, but just close enough. The Osler will be fun for guests from out of town.

Here is a better look at the top (7th) floor. Looks like they are going to add lots of detail.

Also, shown below are detailed floorplans for the 1st, 2nd (typical room layout) and 7th.

That bar on the top floor with outdoor seating is going to be one of the coolest spots in town -- will have stunning downtown views.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/oslernew1a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/oslernew2a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/oslernew3a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/oslernew4a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/oslernew5a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/oslernew6a.jpg

Earnest, there are already a few art galleries, combine that with Dust Bowl, now we just need a good music venue and the area will start to snowball.


There are already two great museums in Midtown: Oklahoma Heritage and the Overholser Mansion. And the new Oklahoma Contemporary coming to Broadway & 11th -13th.

In fact, there is a LOT in Midtown, it all just needs to be stitched together through more redevelopment and infill.

Thanks for your thoughts, metro, Pete, and BDP. I know there are galleries within several blocks of the circle, but I’m talking about nighttime entertainment -- like the music venue -- within two blocks. As is, it’s not realistic to think lots of diners at one of Midtown’s restaurants would walk to the Womb, or the Heritage Center. There are too many gaps to walk 10th or Walker. But as you have said, once we fill those gaps to create something of a streetwall, we can see Midtown diners walking to Wine and Palette for the second half of their evening.

But back to topic – I am really looking forward to the Coury’s Osler. It looks first-rate and the guests will not be lacking for unique local dining choices. Along with Aloft, this will be a great place for visitors to see an urban neighborhood in OKC.

Steve's update on the conversion.

Osler building's conversion to boutique hotel under way in Oklahoma City's MidTown | News OK (http://newsok.com/osler-buildings-conversion-to-boutique-hotel-under-way-in-oklahoma-citys-midtown/article/3779209)

Manhattan Construction has a brief page up on this project:

Demo work begins on Osler Building for renovation into boutique hotel « Manhattan Construction Group (http://www.manhattanconstructiongroup.com/manhattan-construction-group/2013/03/19/demo-work-begins-on-osler-building-for-renovation-into-boutique-hotel)

http://www.manhattanconstructiongroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/OSLER-Hotel-demo-3_8_13.jpg

Very short, but does contain this tidbit:


It is on the National Register of Historic Buildings and is referenced as the best local example of Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival architecture on a multi-story building.


Ahh... "Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival "... that's what it is.

Also, just noticed the hotel already has a website:

Ambassador Hotel Oklahoma City (http://www.ambassadorokc.com/Home_Page.html)

http://www.ambassadorokc.com/images/bg_sswb.jpg
Not much there yet, but hey... it's a start.

Love the website and the project but they need to revise that crummy logo.

"Transportation within 5 miles" is noted on the website. Sad. Luckily, it should be on or within a block of the new streetcar line (I hope).

"Transportation within 5 miles" is noted on the website. Sad. Luckily, it should be on or within a block of the new streetcar line (I hope).

I don't think it's sad. That's a nice convenience. They're probably preparing for tourists that might want to see the Zoo, Omniplex, Cowboy Hall of Fame, etc. -- which is likely where the 5 mile radius comes from. Most guests will probably do fine just walking to bars/restaurants right there in Midtown.

"Transportation within 5 miles" is noted on the website. Sad. Luckily, it should be on or within a block of the new streetcar line (I hope).

This is a common -- and welcome -- experience when I visit nice hotels in other cities without urban transit infrastructure. Obviously, though, if someone is staying at the Osler they are going to have their choice of restaurants, bars and other services within easy walking distance.

Photo from today (courtesy BoulderSooner):

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/osler6513.jpg

I'm actually editing photos from Monday here but I didn't go around back. I was sunburned and ready to head home.

The Osler (June 03 2013) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157633962129626/)

Very nice....

If anybody is interested in demolition progress from last week...3461347734783479348034813482348334843485348 63487346234633464346534663467346834693470347134723 473347434753476

Great reference for the next time someone tells you a building is junk and can't be saved. People always present pics like this of say, the KerMac building, to the DDRC.

The Marion will be a real eye opener when someone photographs that, if they can get enough junk taken out to be able to take a pic.

The Marion | Abandoned Oklahoma (http://www.abandonedok.com/the-marion/)

The Marion | Abandoned Oklahoma (http://www.abandonedok.com/the-marion/)

http://www.abandonedok.com/wp-content/gallery/marion/Hotel%20Marion%20(81).jpg

Looks like a place you could run into Pennywise the clown.

http://youtu.be/Uy3WXp9cGpw

The Osler (June 03 2013) - YouTube (http://youtu.be/Uy3WXp9cGpw)

The Osler (June 10 2013) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157634059766705/)

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/9013981632_6de6ae40e3_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/9013976282_05c387f0ca_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5460/9012872751_3a3c185a3d_h.jpg

http://youtu.be/bri46Hie_KU

The Osler (June 10 2013) - YouTube (http://youtu.be/bri46Hie_KU)

You can see some of the new windows going in here; will make a massive difference:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/9012778251_94990ffa39_b.jpg

yep they look so much better

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/9130476462_0db9e38b46_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/9130471898_a475aa0a40_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/9128258139_fd2ff9000a_b.jpg

Are there any plans for that halfway house in the first picture? Is it still in use?

It's still in use and looks increasingly out of place.

It's still in use and looks increasingly out of place.

I will say that I lived at Claremont across the street for a year and never experienced a single a problem with anyone from the halfway house, but it is pretty run down, and, as Pete said out of place.

The Osler (July 8 2013) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157634598995008/)

Wow, what a difference these new windows are going to make!

Also, there seems to be a ghost afoot:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/osler71113.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/9264587410_3c3c07abd3_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/9264236060_c6ba77deed_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/9264236954_6a6233dd7d_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/9261462797_d1ce1eda4c_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/9261463607_22bb79006a_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/9261535253_73b46ba376_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/9261538193_8d0c78aaa2_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/9264316496_7a17af1ea5_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9261818553_d420ff033f_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/9264593198_2aae99c157_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/9261815089_150530baaf_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/9264589410_1c37cd7fb5_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/9264588208_7ac5a40d36_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5457/9261803245_1dd45c113d_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5453/9264563352_ff262ee328_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/9265258725_8524780aa3_h.jpg

I wonder what the story is behind that one little oval window on the south face of the Osler Building is? Third floor, fourth window from the east.

http://youtu.be/9dfkW3CuAL4

http://youtu.be/9dfkW3CuAL4

An article by Molly Fleming provides a nice update on this project:

Osler Building shifting to boutique hotel | The Journal Record (http://journalrecord.com/2013/08/09/mf-osler-building-real-estate)

A pdf version located here:
http://www.naisullivangroup.com/OKNews/OslerBuildingshiftingtoboutiquehotel.pdf


Some juicy tidbits:



Paul Coury’s dream of turning the Osler Building in Oklahoma City into a hotel is about 45
percent complete, said Project Manager Andrea Gossard with Manhattan Construction Co.

“The mechanical and the electricity are all done,” she said. “The framing is done.
Once we get a roof on the top and get the seventh floor closed up, it will be a quick finish.”



About the restaurant and roof:



There will be a restaurant on the south side of the first floor of the building with seating
capacity for 65 people. Coury said they plan to hire their own chef to run the restaurant,
which they will also manage.

The seventh floor has been completely renovated, offering a view of Midtown as well as
another special feature not seen in many meeting spaces in the city: a terrace.

On the south side of the seventh floor is meeting space for approximately 100 people with
access to an outdoor terrace.



About rooms and parking:



“On the rooms, I do my own work,” Coury said. “I have everything custom-made.”

The rooms will have wooden shutters to allow for privacy and control of the lighting. Each
room will have an iPod docking station/alarm clock, television, mini-refrigerator, couch or
chase lounge. and two chairs.

Parking will be available off-site with valet parking offered.

The Osler is expected to be complete by the end of 2013, with guests planning to arrive in
January 2014.

i am almost positive that the 7th floor bar is on the south side and the meeting space is on the north side ..

I mean, that would be the most logical place to put a bar. You don't need views for meetings, but that view for a Bar will be incredible.

Also, I hope they bring in someone who has been in the business of running a restaurant...typically, non-restauranteur-management leads to bumpy roads.

i am almost positive that the 7th floor bar is on the south side and the meeting space is on the north side ..

Agreed.

I mean, that would be the most logical place to put a bar. You don't need views for meetings, but that view for a Bar will be incredible.

Also, I hope they bring in someone who has been in the business of running a restaurant...typically, non-restauranteur-management leads to bumpy roads.

they have and run restaurants in several of their hotels

Guys, this is posted (along with lots of other stuff) in the article at the top of the page:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/urban-development-buildings/4110d1373586498-osler-osler9.jpg

they have and run restaurants in several of their hotels

Coury does such an amazing job on these projects. He did the Ambassador very well in Wichita, but every time I passed by the hotel restaurant - a steakhouse - was empty. Not sure if I went by at the wrong times, it was a marketing problem, or what. It was certainly nice inside. I hope this project succeeds in every respect.

There was an article in the Journal Record last week (will post later) that quote Coury as saying they expect construction to move quickly from this point forward and fully expect to be complete by the end of the year and open for business in January.

Absolutely can't wait to see this project finished.

A friend of mine just signed on as a manager for the Ambassador. Here is the view from the future rooftop bar. Should get a lot cooler as midtown fills out and the skyline expands to the west.

4320

^ Awesome!

Will look even better with Fassler Hall / Dust Bowl filling in that spot east of Brown's.

This is a going to be an amazing, signature spot for OKC.


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/urban-development-buildings/4320d1376929581-osler-ambassador-rooftop.jpg

The Osler (September 16 2013) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157635589998045/)

I noticed scaffolding was up today so I'm guessing they are going to start the brickwork on the addition soon.

Lights are on at night now. It is already bringing life to that corner. Exciting times for Midtown.

Photo update:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BW9FiZ_CEAASDAQ.jpg:large

Source: https://twitter.com/dtOKCbuilds/status/391608150127681537/photo/1

My friend gave me a tour of this the other day... It is going to be a first class establishment and the rooftop bar will be awesome.

I think the rooftop is going to be one of the best spots in all of OKC.

I've said it many times, but that entire area is on the verge of greatness.

I think the rooftop is going to be one of the best spots in all of OKC.

I've said it many times, but that entire area is on the verge of greatness.

Can't go wrong with full panoramic views of downtown from 7 floors up.

When is this supposed to be open?

When is this supposed to be open?
March, according to their website.

March, according to their website.

Going off what one of their managers told me, it might be as early as February.

Yeah, a recent interviewed indicated they expected things to go very quickly from here on out.

Another recent photo:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SOxqo-7itI/UmUwiLYZmwI/AAAAAAAABrA/3kEz6i8b3Cg/s1600/IMG_0465.JPG

Source: The Glam Nomad: Exploring OKC (http://theglamnomad.blogspot.com/2013/10/exploring-okc.html)

Just now noticed that they have a facebook page. Here's a few interesting pics:

View from the rooftop looking west towards Saint Anthony's:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1005095_333902890076237_119723613_n.jpg


View from the rooftop looking south:

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/46716_333902893409570_2029993252_n.jpg


Rendering of the pool and courtyard:

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1238091_365019010297958_1974290099_n.png

(don't know why that rendering is so dark)


Latest progress photo (from about a week ago):

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1404520_377456812387511_498502030_o.jpg


Source: https://www.facebook.com/AmbassadorHotelOklahomaCity

View from the rooftop looking south:

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/46716_333902893409570_2029993252_n.jpg

Obviously the Fassler Hall/Dust Bowl will fill in the second grassy area in the picture and the Midtown Dog Park is on the area on the bottom left of the pitcure. Is more expected to go in besides the dog park?

The dog park site was identified as a key area for structured parking in a recent study.

The dog park site was identified as a key area for structured parking in a recent study.

Interesting. Good temporary use of the space then.

Ah yes, Fassler Hall / Dust Bowl. Well, that will make the south view even more interesting.

Just try to imagine this filling in the grassy area:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/urban-development-buildings/4420d1379348904-fassler-hall-dust-bowl-fassler5.jpg