Fitting name...there is that awesome red garage door on the east side of the building.

People seem to love the Edmond location as well.

I wonder if they might install their signature overhead doors on the side that fronts the alley?

It's done pretty well in Norman. If think it would do well here too.

Yeah the DT Norman location is nice, and good urban vibe/concept. I'm a little put off only because this one will be just around the corner from S&B Burgers, which is a nearly similar concept, only Garage has a little wider menu.


People seem to love the Edmond location as well.

I wonder if they might install their signature overhead doors on the side that fronts the alley?

The Edmond location sucks compared to Norman, as well as it's a typical Edmond type of building and I think lacks the vibe of the Norman or now Downtown OKC one provide, but another success for Midtown redevelopment efforts.

Not sure how the Edmond one sucks, other than the parking.

location, suburban building per my comments, not necessarily the food.

All things suburban are evil, don't you know. We can't have a positive remark about downtown without a slam on someone else...it is required urbanist law.:)

I appreciate the endorsement of the market downtown by the Garage, but you have to wonder when the burger market will be saturated and something more unique and interesting will be done. I really like things such as the waffle place going in at 1212. We have the opportunity for something festive and fun out on the patio and we need an exciting concept.

I appreciate the endorsement of the market downtown by the Garage, but you have to wonder when the burger market will be saturated and something more unique and interesting will be done. I really like things such as the waffle place going in at 1212. We have the opportunity for something festive and fun out on the patio and we need an exciting concept.

i really like the garage as a downtown concept as i think it has a bar atmosphere that i think will do quite well

Burger joint by day and bar hangout by night.

Pretty much your best bet downtown to keep patrons in your establishment at the most important times of the day. I think this is why a "breakfast" oriented place is risky downtown at the moment.


As more people live downtown this market will further mature.

I wasn't suggesting another breakfast place, just innovative concepts with fun atmosphere. With McNellies, S&B, Louis, Irma's, the new Grille, it seems a little congested in that "family friendly, burgers and beer" segment. Time for a little innovation and originality.

I appreciate the endorsement of the market downtown by the Garage, but you have to wonder when the burger market will be saturated and something more unique and interesting will be done. I really like things such as the waffle place going in at 1212. We have the opportunity for something festive and fun out on the patio and we need an exciting concept.

I tend to agree about over saturating the burger market as well as the Garage brand. It seems that someone has some decent success with a concept and then they have to open as many as possible.

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Today, by me

Thanks skanaly!!

I didn't realize they were so far along... Looks super sharp.

Going to be a nice little pocket of activity and a cool hang-out spot.

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Today, by me

Great shots! Thanks for posting.

This sounds like a goofy thing to say but... that's a great looking alley!

I'm looking forward to the new lights being "strung up". The suspension cables are in, and can only assume the lighting will be there soon as well.

I only hope the burger joint has a good venting system since I live above it.

BTW, thinking of throwing an OKC Blogger party in the flat if people are interested when Pete is in town.

If you've ever been the The Garage you'll want to smell blowing up into your unit lol

Lol... Maybe, but it would probably get old I'm thinking. Lol

BTW, thinking of throwing an OKC Blogger party in the flat if people are interested when Pete is in town.

Very generous!

I hope to get back in the next month or two.

Let me know and we'll set it up. We have rooftop too.

Let me know and we'll set it up. We have rooftop too.

I smell a "business trip."

I wasn't suggesting another breakfast place, just innovative concepts with fun atmosphere. With McNellies, S&B, Louis, Irma's, the new Grille, it seems a little congested in that "family friendly, burgers and beer" segment. Time for a little innovation and originality.

Well, The Dust Bowl (vintage bowling alley) and Fassler Hall (German beer garden and food) are both unique (even if they're already in Tulsa) concepts that are on their way.

I'm wondering how the residents of a luxury loft are going to feel about the constant smell of fryers and burning onion burgers. Doesn't seem like a great fit to me.

I'm wondering how the residents of a luxury loft are going to feel about the constant smell of fryers and burning onion burgers. Doesn't seem like a great fit to me.

This happens in urban environments all over the world. I bet OKC can find a way to make it work also.

Well, The Dust Bowl (vintage bowling alley) and Fassler Hall (German beer garden and food) are both unique (even if they're already in Tulsa) concepts that are on their way.

And, I am anxiously awaiting both.

When is The Garage supposed to be up and running?

BTW, I forget who brought up the kitchen islands, but let me tell you...they are definitely not ideal, nor do I think they work as they should. For one, they are a pain to move. The wheels (which have been replaced once as the first were not made for the weight they were supporting) are hard to move and unlock. Second, hinges that control whether the island is full size or half size cannot be done by one person. It's a let down, but it doesn't ruin the apartment. I do feel at $1400 a month, there should be very little let downs. The bathroom sinks are small and make you feel like you're in a lavatory on an airplane. The upstairs floor in the loft apartments on the first floor are made of a loud and white plastic material. I paid $1125 at 1212 N Walker and had one of the bigger units that was on the corner with a REALLY nice view. We made a rush decision to move into the Gaurdian from 1212 mainly because my cousin is living just a few units down and because the misses was in love with the look of the Gaurdian. They are nice apartments! My cousin is only paying $950 for his, but he has a lot less space. For $1600, $200 dollars more, we could be at The Classen tower with two rooms, great views, and LOTS of amenities. Right now, I go to the YMCA, an extra $50 dollars a month so I can do laps in the pool and play basketball.

Ahem, I love midtownr and they're projects, but I wanted to mention some of the negatives just to be fair ;) You see most of the positives!

Thanks for the mini-review. How is the parking situation going for the Guardian residents?

It's not bad. I've never really had a problem with finding a spot until Good Friday, but that was because waves of people from Frontline across the street haha.

Only reason I ask is because The Classen has a parking garage accessible only by residents. Also all utilities are included in monthly rents [not sure what bills, if any, are included for Guardian]. I do know that you cannot open windows in The Classen, though.

It seems the Guardian is nice, but a little overpriced as you hinted at earlier. However, the location does add a lot of value that The Classen cannot.

Oh wow, they include the electric bill? We pay electric, which has averaged around 110. There is a 25$ utility fee which pays for water and everything else. I probably wouldn't want to pay $1400 again when our lease comes up, unless it was more luxurious like The Classen and what they have to offer. A 24 hour lap pool sounds amazing. I always talk with other tenants about how we hoped for more amenities. Maybe a property in a central location that could be used by all midtownr tenants.

I actually edited that post to say all utilities. The only bills in addition to rent is cable TV/Internet.

I have been looking for a place to move to once my current lease is up in N OKC, and It is hard to beat what The Classen has to offer, but I really want to be downtown and be able to walk to work.


I feel like the Guardian is nice, but when you see your rent - you are paying more for location than amenities.

I wasn't suggesting another breakfast place, just innovative concepts with fun atmosphere. With McNellies, S&B, Louis, Irma's, the new Grille, it seems a little congested in that "family friendly, burgers and beer" segment. Time for a little innovation and originality.

Agree 100%. Plus, who isn't getting weary of Hal Smith Restaurants at this point?

Agree 100%. Plus, who isn't getting weary of Hal Smith Restaurants at this point?

I'm getting weary of hearing about them, but I've never actually been to one.

Lol

Agree 100%. Plus, who isn't getting weary of Hal Smith Restaurants at this point?

We're getting weary of the most successful restauranteur (who happens to put together quality, consistent establishments) in Oklahoma who is also moving his brands that are successful in the state into other states and bringing more money back to our economy?

While I'd prefer to go to Red Prime, Cheevers, and RePUBlic over Mahogany, Red Rock and Hefner Grill, I am glad that we're developing brands that can be established city wide and keep other large chain restaurants from dominating the OKC market. The more Garages we have, the less Five Guys and Smashburgers that invade the market.

We're getting weary of the most successful restauranteur (who happens to put together quality, consistent establishments) in Oklahoma who is also moving his brands that are successful in the state into other states and bringing more money back to our economy?

While I'd prefer to go to Red Prime, Cheevers, and RePUBlic over Mahogany, Red Rock and Hefner Grill, I am glad that we're developing brands that can be established city wide and keep other large chain restaurants from dominating the OKC market. The more Garages we have, the less Five Guys and Smashburgers that invade the market.

You're missing the point.

You're missing the point.

Touché

Hearing that The Garage will indeed make use of that awesome patio / plaza between the Packard and Guardian projects and that hope to be under construction later in the year.

Lights are up on the plaza between The Guardian and Packard Building.

Area will be utilized by the Garage restaurant when it opens later this year:

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/644401_10200986532530734_1414080450_n.jpg

Lights are up on the plaza between The Guardian and Packard Building.

Area will be utilized by the Garage restaurant when it opens later this year:

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/644401_10200986532530734_1414080450_n.jpg

That looks awesome!

Killer.

Midtown Renaissance is working with local yoga studio Beyond Yoga to hold classes in Park Plaza (courtyard shown here between Packard and Gaurdian), as well as on top of the 10 Roof at Packards, throughout the week both during the mornings and afternoons. They've negotiated discounts for their apartment residents.

This would be the first time that I've seen by MidtownR attempt to connect it's respective renters and residents through activities like this. I can only hope that more of this occurs as MidtownR expands and helps build community in Midtown.


Lights are up on the plaza between The Guardian and Packard Building.

Area will be utilized by the Garage restaurant when it opens later this year:

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/644401_10200986532530734_1414080450_n.jpg

Fresh Paint
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Doesn't look like many people have curtains. Gotta be bright!

Doesn't look like many people have curtains. Gotta be bright!

there are build in (roll up) curtains for every window

Maybe I need to see the paint in person, but I liked the look without the paint.

Yeah I agree, a bit too yellow

The Packard & The Guardian (June 10 2013) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157634059851219/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/9013958178_d22137a31f_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/9012769373_60e3412e75_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/9013951446_6f72200ffc_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/9012760111_f8c6fd92b9_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/9014058016_27ff0dc9ab_h.jpg

double post

WOW.

I think I see Urban Pioneer's car

Very, very cool.

As always, thanks Will!!

WOW.

I think I see Urban Pioneer's car

Stalking from afar, aye? haha :p

http://youtu.be/UDLaorbQr8U

The Packard and The Guardian (June 10 2013) - YouTube (http://youtu.be/UDLaorbQr8U)

WOW.

I think I see Urban Pioneer's car

Close! But lighter shade of blue and a TSX instead of a TL. But I do often park in that very spot!

The church has fixed the lights on the dome this week. So cool to look at that tonight. I promise to post some interior photos when I'm finished with the place. Maybe even throw a blogger party here.

Ha, so I was off a tad. It's like spotting my car in photos or Sid's hat ;P

Neighbors! Watch out!

From the landlord...

"There has been a rash of bike theft in the area, but specifically from the bike rack outside of the Guardian on the SW side of the building. There were at least 4 stolen this weekend. For the time being, I would advise everyone to store the bikes in your apartment. We are looking at installing a bike rack inside under the staircase. I will also have some recommendations for locks that provide more security than the standard chain type. Those are very easy to cut through if someone is determined to steal it. I will keep you posted and you all please do the same if this has happened/does happen to you. Also, this seems to be happening right in the middle of the day so keep your eyes peeled for suspicious looking people who you know don’t belong in or around the building. I want to catch this guy! Thanks!"

Hope they catch this scumbag!

I'd hate for my bike to get stolen while I ate a burger.

I have noted more police presence.

I have noted more police presence.

Were they riding bikes?