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Information and Latest News
9/24/13: Hub Cap Alley Braces for Change (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-citys-hub-cap-alley-braces-for-change/article/3712184#ixzz27Og9AKjR)
Links
Will Hider Flickr Set 1 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157631810704153/)
Will Hider Flickr Set 2 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157631810716169/)
Gallery

Yes, in 2009 the City commissioned a $1.3 million streetscape plan on S. Robinson from SW 3rd (old I-40) to SW 29th.

I believe the section from the new I-40 to the river is complete; I know the sidewalks are in.

Here's the project scope:

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

Wow, thanks Pete. So was this part of the 2000 bond or the 2008 bond?

Nice Pete, I always have trouble finding road construction details on okc.gov. I gave up a long time ago after searching furiously for the plans for SW 44th.

I agree Spartan. There's also a nice stock of existing/historic structures along this stretch, which should only make the corridor more appealing as a whole. Not sure how many of those structures would be conducive for new development however.

I think those are available on the GO bond website. I saw a map that had those listed. But Walker/44th was looking good. I can only imagine what a nightmare the construction at Western is for traffic, though. Hopefully it will be worthwhile when finished.

I really hope Robinson sees a redeveloper like Steve Mason who is willing to work with, not against, the historic buildings. The vibe along there could be so cool. This is definitely going to be a NW9/Plaza-type job, and not like other gentrifying areas.

I was on S. Robinson the other day and noticed some Hubcap Alley decorative signs had been attached to a few light poles. A start I guess.

I was on S. Robinson the other day and noticed some Hubcap Alley decorative signs had been attached to a few light poles. A start I guess.

They've been up for months, BBates posted pics months ago in another thread.

Maybe I missed it, but has Robinson (in the Core-to-Shore area) always been referred to (officially) as Hubcap Alley?

I just noticed these signs attached to several light poles in the area.....

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/6320/img1137k.jpg

From the Core To Shore thread several months ago.

They've been up for months, BBates posted pics months ago in another thread.

Heh, shows how much I've been paying attention.

Are they repaving the traffic lanes?

Are they repaving the traffic lanes?

Spartan, if you look at post number 3 it gives you that information.

There's an old building south of new I-40 off Robinson that is apparently being converted to a private residence. It's close to the pedestrian bridge. I suspect that's a pretty wise investment, and it will be a very nice location in which to live in the future.

Spartan, if you look at post number 3 it gives you that information.

I just wanted confirmation that the answer to that would be a no, which in my opinion, seems inconsistent with states goal #1, but oh well..

Does anyone know anything about a supposedly mostly-complete "Hubcap Alley" streetscape along South Robinson? I understand that this goes from the new I-40 down to about SW 23rd Street, getting into Capitol Hill.

I posed the question on my blog too, but I know this will get far more reads than any blog. Will, metro, if you guys are looking for photo targets...

I think in coming years we are really going to want a "before" photo, because this stretch of Robinson could potentially gentrify much more rapidly than other parts of C2S due to the I-40 access, proposed streetcar extension, and gateway to Capitol Hill. This photo can be filed with those awesome "before" photos of Bricktown and A-Alley.

I didn't really focus on the streets, but hopefully some of these photos will give you the "before" you were looking for... I admit, I'm no Will, but it's the best I could do with what I've got...

Hubcap Alley Photos (http://s1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/)

It'll take more than new signs to make that area desirable, its horrible

Thanks Fantastic! Awesome photos... Thought I would link some directly that showed the streetscape.

I used to hate this area but now am a little torn because it has tons of character.


http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1501.jpg

http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1505.jpg

http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1463.jpg

http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1462.jpg

http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1432.jpg

http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1405.jpg

http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1373.jpg

LOVE THIS! I've always found the area strangely charming. Great logo and signage!

I drove up Robinson this morning going downtown. It has possibly the coolest view in the city as you drive in. Once they tear down the old Crosstown and complete construction on the Ford Center (whatever the current name may happen to be), it'll be quite the impressive approach. I can see this area flourishing. It has such potential, but has been abandoned by real investment for quite a long time. I can't wait to see how this section of town develops.

Yes huge potential all the way through Capitol Hill.

Thanks Fantastic! Awesome photos... Thought I would link some directly that showed the streetscape.

I used to hate this area but now am a little torn because it has tons of character.



Thanks for the compliment. And I agree. This area used to make me sick to my stomach, but now I have this weird attachment to it. Like soonerguru said, it's an area that's "strangely charming."

Yes huge potential all the way through Capitol Hill.

I was planning on doing Capitol Hill tomorrow, but I'm not sure if I will be able to get up early enough.

Here's a photo from Urban Pioneer of the HC Alley property being converted to a residence:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcabhome41112.jpg

Here's a photo from Urban Pioneer of the HC Alley property being converted to a residence:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hubcabhome41112.jpg

totally jelous!.. that would be an awesome residence for sure!

I was just going to say, the HC Alley signs look nice but you can't build a viable neighborhood around hub cap outlets. Glad to see some renovations taking place.

Probably many more to come.

I will just say it's interesting that the first private development in all of C2S is a...historic renovation.

Thanks Fantastic! Awesome photos... Thought I would link some directly that showed the streetscape.

I used to hate this area but now am a little torn because it has tons of character.


http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1501.jpg

Hmmm, another case of a suburb name in an area where it doesn't belong??? At leaqst it is a private business and not City owned (but can still cause confusion) LOL

Maybe the car parts are imported from Bethany.

JTF: hadn't thought of that...thanks for the laugh (almost spewed my Diet Coke all over the monitor)

JTF: hadn't thought of that...thanks for the laugh (almost spewed my Diet Coke all over the monitor)

I think that is the name of the person who started the business.....

That is a possibility too...but just like some folks could get the suburb of Newcastle confused as having anything to do with the naming of the Ballpark...

http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1505.jpg



V&H is actually a pretty cool muffler shop and definitely the cheapest in town. They replaced my flex pipe for $90 when Discount Muffler wanted $180, and Discount was the 2nd cheapest.

I posted this to another thread without response. My friend that works in the planning dept claims that he is working on relocating all of the businesses on the West side for the promenade park. That would be really disappointing.

I posted this to another thread without response. My friend that works in the planning dept claims that he is working on relocating all of the businesses on the West side for the promenade park. That would be really disappointing.

Well, at least that would mean that private renovation at 1100 S. Robinson would stay; I think it is the most important building to keep. Having at least a block of streetwall of the original buildings on the east side is vital to maintain the character of the district, IMHO.

I agree. There is so much vacant land in the area, why destroy what is left for a park. Absolute idiocy.

I agree. There is so much vacant land in the area, why destroy what is left for a park. Absolute idiocy.

I disagree. What they will replace it with will be a huge improvement over what is there now.

Replace a trashy rundown area with a nice park. Now that is stupid.

Replace a trashy rundown area with a nice park. Now that is stupid.

A trashy run down area with lots of potential, has good urban characteristics and is already starting to be redeveloped.

Sometimes I swear that a row of run down outhouses would be declared an urban treasure in OKC.

I disagree. What they will replace it with will be a huge improvement over what is there now.

A park can go anywhere but buildings like these will likely never be constructed again. By destroying all of these store fronts the entire district will be lost forever.

A park can go anywhere but buildings like these will likely never be constructed again.

There's a reason they will likely never be constructed again......they're ugly. Give me a park over one story cinder block buildings and junk yards behind 8 foot corrugated metal fences any time. Save the east side of the street and hope for some renovations but what is going in on the west side is 100x better than what is there now.

A trashy run down area with lots of potential, has good urban characteristics and is already starting to be redeveloped.


A park can go anywhere but buildings like these will likely never be constructed again. By destroying all of these store fronts the entire district will be lost forever.

Exactly, what's the point of creating a district that has no eponymous or physical link to its name?

Thank goodness these buildings won't be constructed again in this area. Why anyone would want to would be a real mystery. Any shack CAN be rebuilt, but why?

There are more than just shacks. Please. Some of those buildings could be really cool, especially with glass garage doors that could open to the sidewalk. Obviously, a lot of it does need to go, but not all of it.

I'll side with preserving some of these buildings. They really do add some character. There's plenty of space for new buildings. Unless there's a great development to replace it... Why tear down?!? As someone else pointed out recently, how did those structures on 9th street look before they were re-done?!?

http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa408/wschnitt/ScreenShot2012-08-12at81156PM-1.jpghttp://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa408/wschnitt/ScreenShot2012-08-12at81203PM-1.jpghttp://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa408/wschnitt/ScreenShot2012-08-12at81215PM-1.jpg

I think Hubcap Alley is a lot better than 9th Street was to start. There are so few places in the city that have store fronts that open right up to the sidewalk like this. That is either shop good or sara sara cupcakes on the right of the bottom left picture.

Hubcap Alley has buildings with authentic 50s decorations and classic neon signs. Much of the buildings have nice brickwork, unlike the mostly cinderblock metal and wood buildings on 9th street. Also this area has a unique history to it and a close proximity to the river.

Photos obviously from google maps street view.

I posted this to another thread without response. My friend that works in the planning dept claims that he is working on relocating all of the businesses on the West side for the promenade park. That would be really disappointing.

Did he say where they were relocatiing to? It would be nice if the City could help encourage these employers to remain in the downtown area.

I suppose that relocating the businesses doesn't necessarily have to mean that they intend to demolish all of the buildings that housed them.

Did he say where they were relocatiing to? It would be nice if the City could help encourage these employers to remain in the downtown area.

Kerry, not sure if relocating junk yard dealers downtown is appropriate.

Kerry, not sure if relocating junk yard dealers downtown is appropriate.

Are they all junkyard dealers?

Are they all junkyard dealers?

Pretty much, all used car parts, muffler shops, junk yard and the like. Why would a business that could be re-located downtown be in a dirty, grungy industrial area that has long been shady at best?I can assure you there is no Gap, CPA's or restaurants in Hubcap Alley.

Pretty much, all used car parts, muffler shops, junk yard and the like. Why would a business that could be re-located downtown be in a dirty, grungy industrial area that has long been shady at best?I can assure you there is no Gap, CPA's or restaurants in Hubcap Alley.

Now I am a little confused - isn't Hubcap Alley east of the prominade park (along Robinson) and the businesses being bought out are west of the park (along Walker)? granted, most muffle shops are in a state of disrepair, but they don't have to be. Maybe someone needs to come up with Extreme Makeover Business Addition. Where is the Chef Ramsey of the muffler world when you need him?

Now I am a little confused - isn't Hubcap Alley east of the prominade park (along Robinson) and the businesses being bought out are west of the park (along Walker)?

Hubcap Alley is on BOTH sides of the street, and the park is going to be between Robinson (which does affect the west side of H.A.) and Harvey. Neither the Central Park or Prominade Park will even come close to Walker (Central will end at Hudson)

Kerry I usually agree with you but on this one I think your off. How long has it been since you've been in this area?

I would like to see most of these buisnesses relocated, and some of the buildings saved. On the west side of the street, most of the buildings will be removed for the park, but I would like to see J&L and Massey saved... Massey would make an awesome little diner, and J&L would be a pretty cool restaurant/retail combo, and they could be worked into the park's design somehow. I think most if not all the buildings on the east side of the street could be saved and renovated, and it would make a great retail corridor... I could totally see those shops turned into the really hip cool retail area we've been looking for. Kinda like a more concentrated Western Ave., but to the south and catering more towards visitors (while not alienating the local folk)... a couple of them could probably be reworked into townhouses, and maybe a scattering of restaurants there too. As far as LIVING near the park, the west side between Harvey and Hudson is the perfect spot for residental, which would save some of these smaller structures in H.A. for more mixed use purposes.

Diner?
http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1391.jpg
http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1470.jpg
http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1390.jpg

Resaurant/retail?
http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1465.jpg
http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1461.jpg
http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1405.jpg

Storefronts? Retail?
http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1464.jpg
http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1460.jpg
http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1469.jpg
http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh553/FantasticOKC/Hubcap%20Alley/DSCN1472.jpg

Just a few thoughts

Kerry I usually agree with you but on this one I think your off. How long has it been since you've been in this area?

Sorry Metro, I was trying to go from memory on the streets without looking it up. I haven't been in the area in a long time but that doesn't matter because it hasn't changed since I was last there.

As Fantastic identified, there are some nice buildings in the area but sadly, there is so much junk around them that cherry picking what to save might be more effort than it is worth if the whole area can be redeveloped new urbanism style. I would be willing to lose every building pictured above if the park replacing it spurred the development of 3 to 4 story row houses or apartments, or better yet, first floor retail with 3 stories of residential above it for 5 or 6 blocks.

BTW - if a business (Massey) has to have all that security on it they should have moved a long time ago.

http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa408/wschnitt/ScreenShot2012-08-13at90901PM-1.jpg

Looks like it just the West Side of Robinson.

Sorry Metro, I was trying to go from memory on the streets without looking it up. I haven't been in the area in a long time but that doesn't matter because it hasn't changed since I was last there.

As Fantastic identified, there are some nice buildings in the area but sadly, there is so much junk around them that cherry picking what to save might be more effort than it is worth if the whole area can be redeveloped new urbanism style. I would be willing to lose every building pictured above if the park replacing it spurred the development of 3 to 4 story row houses or apartments, or better yet, first floor retail with 3 stories of residential above it for 5 or 6 blocks.

BTW - if a business (Massey) has to have all that security on it they should have moved a long time ago.You've shifted your point now though. Many posters above and myself agree that some buildings should be salvaged, but your initial point of relocating them downtown I still think doesn't make sense. These types of businesses still need yards to store their junk. We don't want that downtown. It belongs in an industrial area.

Metro, I am not a preservationist. I am an urbanist. The buidings are nice and all, but if saving them slows down or prevents higher density development in the general area then I wouldn't support saving them. All of these building are only one story and most prevent the introduction of on-street parking unless Robinson is narrowed to 2 lanes (which would be a problem if the streetcar ever goes to Capitol Hill). In the buildings identified as potential retail storefronts, they are directly adjacent to cars going 45 mph or faster with no safety barrier between the pedestrians and the traffic. That is one of the reasons this area declined in the first place.

If these businesses need a storage yard then yes, they need to be relocated to the sticks.

My biggest concern in this area is the enormous super block the park will create. Getting from Walker to Robinson will be impossible without going north of I-40 or south of the river. That is a huge planning mistake. No cross street for 1.2 miles will be a huge problem. Combine that with Central Park and there will be one cross street in 1.5 miles. This plan as currently designed is going to make SW7th a very busy street.

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.