Is this area seriously named "Hubcap Alley"?

Please tell me someone photo shopped the signage.

There is a frontage road between the Promenade Park and the Oklahoma River in the plans. That road exists today as well but has a weird loop connection to Walker due to a grade difference. In those dated plans, I see an intersection in replacement. Also, Robinson could easily handle parking on one side, I know if you're traveling south and are in the right lane, there is enough room for two cars side by side and the lanes are all wide. As we all know, a lot of our streets are like this.

I looked at that 'frontage road' and it looked to me like it was mostly a long driveway for the apartments in a park. Either way, 2 cross streets in 1.5 miles is not good. New York Central Park is 2.5 miles and has 5 cross streets.

Is this area seriously named "Hubcap Alley"?

Please tell me someone photo shopped the signage.

Yes, it is called "Hubcap Alley." No the signs are not photoshopped... and yes, I understand rhetorical sarcasm.

That's a terrible name for a district and the fact that the city wasted money making those signs is comical.

That's a terrible name for a district and the fact that the city wasted money making those signs is comical.

It is a poor man's Automobile Alley. I like the name and signs. No one sells cars on Automobile Alley anymore but the name has an historcial reference to the area. I hope Hubcap Alley sticks around (in name only).

I looked at that 'frontage road' and it looked to me like it was mostly a long driveway for the apartments in a park. Either way, 2 cross streets in 1.5 miles is not good. New York Central Park is 2.5 miles and has 5 cross streets.

Sigh. Southwest 15th. Not the southside of the river, it's on the north side. It is a frontage road because it fronts the river's greenspace and leads to a parking lot directly for the river and it's trails. It's about a minute or two drive from SW 7th to 15th, so not that bad really but hopefully they'd consider having a road at the north end of the promenade park.

I think the city won't interfere with the buildings on the east of Robinson. Hubcap Alley looks bad but I think with all the land acquisition and improvements its safer than Capitol Hill. I love those old storefronts they are very masculine and Western style to me. Much less manufactured than a lot of modern architecture.

Oklahoma City's Hub Cap Alley braces for change

By Steve Lackmeyer | Published: September 24, 2012 3
Before the creation of Shields Boulevard, before construction of Interstate 40, Robinson Avenue south of downtown Oklahoma City was a heavily traveled U.S. highway that embarrassed civic leaders.


Read more: Oklahoma City's Hub Cap Alley braces for change | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-citys-hub-cap-alley-braces-for-change/article/3712184#ixzz27Og9AKjR)

loved the pics showing an early Hibdon's tire shop and gas for 12 1/2(?) cents a gallon!

Oklahoma City's Hub Cap Alley braces for change

By Steve Lackmeyer | Published: September 24, 2012 3
Before the creation of Shields Boulevard, before construction of Interstate 40, Robinson Avenue south of downtown Oklahoma City was a heavily traveled U.S. highway that embarrassed civic leaders.


Read more: Oklahoma City's Hub Cap Alley braces for change | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-citys-hub-cap-alley-braces-for-change/article/3712184#ixzz27Og9AKjR)

I have been saying for a couple of years now that I see an amazing amount of potential for this area. I think this is going to be (along with the Farmer's Market) the "Next Big Thing." But after reading the comments on this story I had to initiate the EPIC FACEPALM.

It truely amazes and saddens me how people sometimes say things that are so very wrong

First of all: Hubcap Alley is NOT Capitol Hill. It is not IN Capitol Hill. Do similar buisnesses exist in Capitol Hill? Yes, but Hubcap Alley and Capitol Hill are not... I repeat... NOT one in the same. If we were to say that Hubcap Alley was part of a neighborhood, it would be Riverside, not CH. Capitol Hill Main Street (or "Central Capitol Hill" as Google Maps knows it) is between 29th and 23rd (although Google Maps thinks it is from 31st to 25th/Commerce), the whole of the Captiol Hill neighborhood is from Grand to the river. Hubcap Alley is in Riverside. HC is from the River (or 15th) to I-40, and Riverside is from the river to the old I-40.

Secondly (and this one makes me crazy): STOP TALKING ABOUT THE HOOKERS!!! Whenever someone hears "South Robinson," the first thing that comes to mind is hookers (not without just cause). It is automatically assumed that there will be prostitution there. But the fact is that prostitutes usually stay SOUTH of Grand Blvd, rarely go north of 29th, and are almost NEVER seen as far north as Capitol Hill (except for the occasional buisness in and around Wiley Post Park, but that seems to be pretty rare), and Hubcap Alley is pretty much a hooker free zone. Remember HC is NORTH of the river, between 15th and I-40... the hookers are SOUTH, between 44th and Grand (occasionally as far north as 29th).

Yes, too many people are ignorant about the near south side and I agree, there is tremendous potential.

When I first became aware of Hubcap Alley, I hated it and wanted it cleaned up. But I've grown to love it's authentic urban shabiness, especially since we have so few neighborhoods of real character.

If nothing else, it's *interesting* and we don't have nearly enough of that in OKC.

I'm sure people will continue to be drawn to the area and find creative uses.

Hubcap Alley would be great to have old car restoration shops or just anything automobile related.

I spent 6 months looking for a home around 23rd. In fact, I almost closed on two homes. What kept me from purchasing these homes were the overall state of the area. It wasn't just a few homes, but thousands of homes that need to be gutted and renovated. For the price of gutting a home "correctly" you could build a brand new home. I looked for land in this area, but also realized the conditions of the homes were not dilapidated enough to encourage new buildings, but where not nice enough to warrant stable returns(long term) on an investment(Minus Heritage Hills, out of my price range).

As I came to this conclusion I started searching around the city for undervalued areas. The primary area that caught my eye was between the river and capitol hill. There are 70ish homes between capitol hill and the river. Not only is this number tiny, but the price of property and the state of the homes encourages new growth. It is actual feasible to build a new home or to renovate a home correctly. The total distance from the city center is less than 2 miles. Within Biking and walking distance. With the completion of the central park, the homes will be within ~.5 miles of central park. Plus, the angle of elevation is enough to allow for an overlook of OKC at around 25-35 feet(2-3 story home). This is why I decided to buy property off 24th, and hope to eventually build a home. I believe there is more potential for new middle class growth than other parts of OKC.

Does anyone know if there is a development organization for this area? If not, I'm pondering creating an organization for buying and organizing the development of this area.

We just bought a house in the area... and the reason we did this is because we are young and want to spend the rest of our lives in the area, so we hope many other young people just like my wife and I decide to do the same thing and take the time and put the money into their homes. If we do this and others do too, the entire area will be renewed and have a new life to it. Just takes dedication and want to.

You should organize a group

Did some photos in this district yesterday and about a week ago. I'll post them later.

Hopefully with the park going in and the sky bridge access, it will create a revilatization to Hub Cap Alley and the Capitol Hill main street area.
Yes, some of the houses in the area need to be torn down, but what a great area for new housing developments . Quick and easy access to I-40 and downtown, and the park . Great potential for shopping and resturants in the area.

It's just going to take time. We are looking at 5-10 years before this area becomes really desirable. I personally don't want to live in the heart of downtown OKC which makes this area ideal. More space, but with access to the same amenities.

Capitol Hill's downtown reminds me of a Jenks. There is a lot of potential for growth. Unfortunately, this growth isn't going to occur until there is a greater desire for surrounding residential rebirth.

I'm excited to see the growth in the upcoming years.

October 6 2012

Hubcap Alley (October 6 2012) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157631810704153/)

October 16 2012

Hubcap Alley (October 14 2012) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157631810716169/)

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here and have some questions. Unfortunately I am not allowed to post attachments or links yet but I will try to make this thread useful without those. I am an accounting intern at a downtown energy corporation and have a passion for the development and revitalization of OKC. Although I can't afford any property yet, I like to pretend I can afford it and I keep up with property values in places that I anticipate will be highly developed or valuable in the next 10-20 years.

One place I am particularly interested in is Hubcap Alley, due to its views of the skyline and proximity to the river and (soon to be built) central park.
While driving around the area, I found that there was property for sale by Thomas Lay Reality. The property for sale was 4.24 acres on either side of SW 11th towards shields. The Thomas Lay website says this property had a list price of 2.9 million dollars and the contract is pending. (I had no idea that the market value of property in this area was so steep already which is why I am posting about this)

Also listed on the Thomas Lay website was 1200 S. Robinson Ave. This is the Yellow building on the SE corner of S. Robinson and SW 11th. This had a list price of $190,000 and also has a contract pending.

From what I understand, the buildings on the West side of S Robinson Ave between I-40 and the river will be torn down in favor of the park, but the buildings on the East side of S Robinson will NOT be acquired by the city and can be saved/restored. 1100 S Robinson Ave (the 2 story building on the corner of 10th/S. Robinson Ave.) is under construction and set to be turned into an art gallery, restaurant, or residence when the park is completed. Adjacent to that building (along Robinson) is 1106 and 1108 S. Robinson which are 2 shops that are owned by Richard C Knight according to the county assessors website. I can see these being turned into the ultimate personal residence and have dreamed of it many nights. My commute to work would literally be a stroll through the park.

The only other structure on this block (between SW 10th and SW 11th along Robinson) is a dilapidated pink barn called Jerry’s Paint Center. I have heard that Jerry’s and the other businesses in hubcap alley have been rallying to save their businesses, but I would love to see this area be developed with quality housing and businesses that maintain the essence of hubcap alley, but allow for better use of the prime physical location. My opinion of the best use of the area would be historic looking “row house” style housing (starting next to 1108 S. Robinson Ave) and a few restaurants and bars with the hubcap alley theme.

I could see 1200 S. Robinson Ave (contract pending) being turned into a hubcap alley themed restaurant or bar, and I could see urban housing being built on the 4.24 acres pending with Thomas Lay Reality if Jerry’s Paint Center was torn down.

I’ve noticed that Hubcap Alley is not widely talked about here and thought that it was still an undiscovered jewel.

That being said, does anyone know who forked out over $3 million for the property in this area and does anyone have speculation about what might be done with this property?


P.S. Admins, I vote for a Hubcap Alley "Post Icon" since they have street signs like Automobile Alley. :D

I drive this stretch everyday to work and have always thought it has huge potential.

This area has been discussed here previously not too recently.

Hubcap Alley - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Hubcap+Alley&highlight=hubcap)

Hubcap is definitely up and coming. Some day.

I can't figure out how to edit my original post to include pictures, so I'm going to try to include them here.
9411 9412941394149415941694179418

Top right is a loft.

Today, the City of OKC filed multiple applications with the Riverfront Design Committee to demolish all the structures on the west side of Robinson between I-40 and the Oklahoma River, an area commonly referred to as Hubcap Alley.

Over recent years the strip has seen the installation of new sidewalks and district signage but the City will soon be starting work on the lower portion of Scissortail Park. A vacant lot in the targeted area owned by Cusack meats is now planned to be excluded as the City could not come to terms with the owners.

If the design committee provides approval, City Council would have to provide the final go-ahead.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/lowerscissortail111917a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcap112717a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcap112717b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcap112717c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcap112717d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcap112717e.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcap112717f.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcap112717g.jpg

many or ALL of the properties on hubcap alley along robinson across the street from the south park are on the market for sale and they're all listed in the millions of dollars worth. is that a good sign or will that hold back new development for the area? the stretch of land south of i-40 between robinson and shields is actually very limited and closed off for any meaningful wide spread develop to surface out of it, that's my opinion anyways. the other thing is that perhaps the urban core of the downtown central business district may be over stretching.

I don't like the lower portion of this park. And to wholesale clear this area seems like a pretty stupid decision.

I don't like the lower portion of this park. And to wholesale clear this area seems like a pretty stupid decision.

I kind of agree. Just from the renderings and location I can't imagine the lower portion being utilized to a degree anywhere close to the upper portion of the park... and to tear down all that stuff is sad.

I kind of agree. Just from the renderings and location I can't imagine the lower portion being utilized to a degree anywhere close to the upper portion of the park... and to tear down all that stuff is sad.

This my main concern. If you want this area to serve as a "connection" between the area north of I-40 and Capitol Hill, don't you want buildings with things drawing people to that area so they continue to move north and south through these areas? As opposed to a bunch more "mixed-use fields" and park space abutting an interstate?

They could do this behind the buildings and integrate them with the park. This would allow them to lease or sell the buildings and make money.

The properties are generally junk yards for cars.

You think those should have been saved and allowed to continue right next to the new park?

There are legal difficulties in taking private properties by a government entity and then giving / selling it for private use.

I would have preferred they take the same width as the north park all the way south to the river but oh well. It's still one of the better projects in this MAPS package IMO.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/lowerpark112817a.jpg

I would have preferred they take the same width as the north park all the way south to the river but oh well. It's still one of the better projects in this MAPS package IMO.

Since it's happening, my OCD wishes this was the case as well. lol

They could do this behind the buildings and integrate them with the park. This would allow them to lease or sell the buildings and make money.

This would be ideal IMO.

So since Cusack didn't sell, does that mean there will no longer be a dog park since it appears as though that's where that was going according to those renderings? If so that is very disappointing to me since there aren't any dog parks on the South side I was looking to having a bit bigger at least somewhat closer.

One of the problems with redevelopment of some of these properties since they have been used as junk yards is soil contamination. I would venture to guess that they will require a lot of remediation before they could be reused as commercial or residential properties.

So since Cusack didn't sell, does that mean there will no longer be a dog park since it appears as though that's where that was going according to those renderings? If so that is very disappointing to me since there aren't any dog parks on the South side I was looking to having a bit bigger at least somewhat closer.

They have not fully designed the lower park as of yet so they may still include the dog park elsewhere.

What is this new thing on the profiles that say "{Poster} is on a distinguished road"

What is this new thing on the profiles that say "{Poster} is on a distinguished road"

It's a reputation system... Trying to figure out how to get the 'like' function back. This posting rating system will soon disappear as I work through this.

I'm a very tech-savvy person and have done a fair bit of programming but vbulletin (the software we use here) is an absolute nightmare.

The properties are generally junk yards for cars.

You think those should have been saved and allowed to continue right next to the new park?

There are legal difficulties in taking private properties by a government entity and then giving / selling it for private use.

Yeah. There are several buildings worth saving and some that aren’t.

I don’t know how to overcome your last challenge. Maybe they can just work with the property owners and talk to them? Surely most of them would work with the city. The ones that don’t then you just leave them alone. Blighted buildings are part of every major city I’ve been to. Even along Hollywood BLVD. as I’m sure you know there are several dilapidated buildings and one right one Highland.

There are measures that can be taken to make sure the buildings will look as good as possible by code enforcement until an owner that wants to invest will come along. That areas that used to be parking for junk cars could be event space, patios, etc.

If I had the money, I’d turn one of them into a paintball park and another into a restaurant with a several cars that have been modified so you can walk into the and sit down at a table and eat inside of them. Can also use busses for larger groups. Kind of like the Magic Time Machine. Another idea is a “drive in” move theatre but you don’t drive in, the cars are permanently parked there and are modified to have large seats than recline back and a button you can push to alter climate, order food, etc.

Tons of stuff that could be done there.

They have not fully designed the lower park as of yet so they may still include the dog park elsewhere.

That's good to hear, I would think that would be something they would want to retain.

Yeah. There are several buildings worth saving and some that aren’t.

I don’t know how to overcome your last challenge. Maybe they can just work with the property owners and talk to them? Surely most of them would work with the city. The ones that don’t then you just leave them alone. Blighted buildings are part of every major city I’ve been to. Even along Hollywood BLVD. as I’m sure you know there are several dilapidated buildings and one right one Highland.

There are measures that can be taken to make sure the buildings will look as good as possible by code enforcement until an owner that wants to invest will come along. That areas that used to be parking for junk cars could be event space, patios, etc.

If I had the money, I’d turn one of them into a paintball park and another into a restaurant with a several cars that have been modified so you can walk into the and sit down at a table and eat inside of them. Can also use busses for larger groups. Kind of like the Magic Time Machine. Another idea is a “drive in” move theatre but you don’t drive in, the cars are permanently parked there and are modified to have large seats than recline back and a button you can push to alter climate, order food, etc.

Tons of stuff that could be done there.

I posted a while back in the Park thread about the buildings along this street. There are some cool and unique structures here that are totally salvageable. It is unfortunate that the park has to go down this side and not the opposite one along Harvey.

Go out and stand on Robinson in this area, and begin to envision little shops and bars with rooftops and patios along this stretch. Think of a longer version of Rainey Street in Austin, TX.

^^+1

I posted a while back in the Park thread about the buildings along this street. There are some cool and unique structures here that are totally salvageable. It is unfortunate that the park has to go down this side and not the opposite one along Harvey.

Go out and stand on Robinson in this area, and begin to envision little shops and bars with rooftops and patios along this stretch. Think of a longer version of Rainey Street in Austin, TX.

Yep.

I posted a while back in the Park thread about the buildings along this street. There are some cool and unique structures here that are totally salvageable. It is unfortunate that the park has to go down this side and not the opposite one along Harvey.

Go out and stand on Robinson in this area, and begin to envision little shops and bars with rooftops and patios along this stretch. Think of a longer version of Rainey Street in Austin, TX.

I agree but that can still be done on the east side of Robinson.

I agree but that can still be done on the east side of Robinson.

There are a couple of buildings on that side that have the character to be a great BBQ joint....... Might be a spot for Maple's to consider.

There are a couple of buildings on that side that have the character to be a great BBQ joint....... Might be a spot for Maple's to consider.
You should open up one!

You should open up one!

I prefer to keep BBQ a hobby.... That and I only plan to be in OKC for a couple of more years and then I'm returning to a rural lifestyle.

But even before plans for a park I always thought one of these two spots, providing they could be rehabilitated, would make great BBQ locations. The second one could even have a backyard type area during the warmer months with picnic tables and maybe even enough room for live music.

https://www.google.com/maps/@35.4546516,-97.5162154,3a,75.4y,89.27h,82.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1svx2hnRNiMewGFsBDj7jmxA!2e0!7i1 3312!8i6656?hl=en

https://www.google.com/maps/@35.4509406,-97.515922,3a,75y,6.47h,87.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sygUONcSEWHy0CUcSauILRg!2e0!7i1 3312!8i6656?hl=en

the building in the first google streetview was gutted to become a home if i remember right... i wonder what happened to those plans.

It's a reputation system... Trying to figure out how to get the 'like' function back. This posting rating system will soon disappear as I work through this.

I'm a very tech-savvy person and have done a fair bit of programming but vbulletin (the software we use here) is an absolute nightmare.

Yeah, I was active on another board where the reputation feature was co-opted for a pretty brutal Lord of the Flies type civil war, and stupidly became an obsessive flashpoint for moderation/admin. Unintended consequences.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcap120317a.jpg

Demolition is in full swing for the lower section of Scissortail Park.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcap102018b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcap102018e.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcap102018d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcap102018g.jpg

Will this portion have extensive soil remediation due to the nature of the old businesses?

I wonder what the elevation will be of the 'Crescent Lawn' will be? If they build it high enough, it could make for a really epic view of the skyline with the park and Skydance bridge filling the gap between DVN and BOKP.

I think it's as tall now as it's going to be?

I think it's as tall now as it's going to be?

He meant the one in the Lower Park.

That area down Robinson looks like a disaster area. Use to frequent the area for auto parts & hudcaps in its day; they had it--sometimes couldn't find it. Use to ride my bike thru the area; it's not that desirable as a bike path. Prefer to drive to Wiley Post Park, unload bike then ride the river trails.

Cusack Meat Company was the last place I visited with a voucher to pick up a frozen turkey won at an AHL Barons' after game turkey shoot. The smell (rotten meat) from Cusack may be a future problem for the park. Believe me, worst than the Producers' COOP Mill.

That area down Robinson looks like a disaster area. Use to frequent the area for auto parts & hudcaps in its day; they had it--sometimes couldn't find it. Use to ride my bike thru the area; it's not that desirable as a bike path. Prefer to drive to Wiley Post Park, unload bike then ride the river trails.

Cusack Meat Company was the last place I visited with a voucher to pick up a frozen turkey won at an AHL Barons' after game turkey shoot. The smell (rotten meat) from Cusack may be a future problem for the park. Believe me, worst than the Producers' COOP Mill.

As frustrating as it is that the city couldn't acquire the land from Cusack, I am thinking (or maybe just hoping) that they will probably just sell to the highest bidder as soon as the park opens.