This is going to be SUCH a great building when it's done!

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion040814a.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion040814b.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion040814c.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion040814d.jpg

How far are they going to have to take those walls down?

I see new interior framing inside, so they are probably done with demo.

All the middle section at the rear of the building has to come out.

The plans call for that southern wall to be completely flush.

Looks like they have most of it out on the 3rd level but have two more to go.

Yeah, I had forgotten about that. I still think they are probably done removing brick (which was obviously done to stabilize during renovation and will be replaced).

I still see some bricked in windows that should probably come out.

From catch 22.

This looks more like a false-front movie set than a building. Note the stacked salvaged brick for re-use.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion042114a.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion042114b.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion042114c.jpg

Taken today by Urban Pioneer:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7810d1399909892-marion-marion051214.jpg

Reminds me of Taft, keep the historic wall(s), everything else new... I know that's oversimplistic. Also not meant to denigrate the project at all, as I like it/encourage it. Just a thought that came to mind...

I can't imagine how expensive this project is/will be…I would suspect much moreso than starting with new construction. The end result will be nice, though; and it is encouraging to see people salvaging these older buildings.

I can't imagine how expensive this project is/will be…I would suspect much moreso than starting with new construction. The end result will be nice, though; and it is encouraging to see people salvaging these older buildings.

Totally. This has to be a money pit. Just look at all the shoring of the brick that has to be done. But I give them props for doing it. Its not the easy or cheap way but it leaves a really cool historic structure in place.

It's pretty astonishing to drive by this at the moment, you don't normally see buildings that are nothing but empty walls quite like this.

I hope they are documenting this really well for a book.

I heard they are re configuring the top floor for a single tenant.

Not sure who it may be.

I heard they are re configuring the top floor for a single tenant.

Not sure who it may be.

I would happily live there! That would be an awesome space! I wonder if that unit is for sale or for rent?

Maybe it's for one of the MidtownR owners?

Maybe someone can snap a picture but the "Jesus Saves" building by AHMM is under the same type of renovation. Only thing that is standing is the outer shell of brick walls. It's not a large as the Marion but still impressive to see this type of work.

This was a couple of months ago:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6936d1394466731-duncans-bindery-bindery031014a.jpg

Duncan's Bindery - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Duncans+Bindery&highlight=bindery)

Lemme tell you, these types of projects cost well into the thousands of dollars.

Lol

A shame we can't like the hell out of that post. That'd be a 25-liker.

Does anyone know what kind of roof support will be used? I certainly don't see anything already there that could support a roof.

N00b question and off topic so I apologize in advance - but what's under construction right across the street from the Marion? Drive by it nearly everyday but somehow I'm not connecting the dots upstairs. TIA!

N00b question and off topic so I apologize in advance - but what's under construction right across the street from the Marion? Drive by it nearly everyday but somehow I'm not connecting the dots upstairs. TIA!

123 Garage (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=123%20Garage&highlight=123)

6/4/2014

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/10450269_10203049106021100_2450015635892042708_o.j pg

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/10286732_10203049109261181_6943621547317646080_o.j pg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t31.0-8/10387088_10203049109701192_8502416401843938506_o.j pg

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/10273227_10203049131821745_4787670446836418048_o.j pg

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/10258106_10203049107501137_4628732955260862376_o.j pg

Interesting and enlightening story on this project by Steve yesterday: Oklahoma City Marion Hotel renovation set for winter completion | Oklahoman.com (http://www.oklahoman.com/article/4888925?access=c2791bba67e42b80e4b6ee9593586abd)

Oh wow, that is interesting. This is probably a bit hyperbolic, but the developers and contractors on this project are honest to god heroes in my mind for taking the time and care to preserve this building.

It would be interesting to learn how much they actually end up spending on this project.

The MidtownR group has been nothing short of fantastic for OKC.

Steve deviated from the standard Journalism 101 inverted pyramid format on this one. I think the most important paragraphs in that story are the last two, and especially loved this:


“You have to look at it not just from quantitative perspective, but from a quality perspective. How much discussion and buzz is attained by restoring people’s favorite building, restoring a gem downtown? How much goodwill is attained? Neighborhood quality is restored by rehabilitating the Marion.”
These guys are big-picture thinkers. Over the years that approach has been in short supply from developers, who often (notoriously) look only at the quick money. The MidtownR guys are an incredible asset for downtown.

These guys are big-picture thinkers. Over the years that approach has been in short supply from developers, who often (notoriously) look only at the quick money. The MidtownR guys are an incredible asset for downtown.

Agree. And it helps that they own multiple properties in the area and have a comprehensive minded vision. They understand that the ROI of renovating one property can not be measured simply off the revenue generated from that one property. The whole "rising tide lifts all boats" thing works out nicely when you got a lot of boats.

I do wish they were more supportive of the streetcar. And maybe they are somewhat now. I have reversed giving up trying to convince them sometime in the past. They are car guys. I instead look at it as their developments will be good for the success of the streetcar regardless as to whether they "get it" or not.

I do wish they were more supportive of the streetcar. And maybe they are somewhat now. I have reversed giving up trying to convince them sometime in the past. They are car guys. I instead look at it as their developments will be good for the success of the streetcar regardless as to whether they "get it" or not.

They'll like it when it helps Midtown and doesn't impact car sales in any way whatsoever.

I do wish they were more supportive of the streetcar. And maybe they are somewhat now. I have reversed giving up trying to convince them sometime in the past. They are car guys. I instead look at it as their developments will be good for the success of the streetcar regardless as to whether they "get it" or not.

This is the downside of 98% of our development work being done by locals.

Most of them have never lived anywhere else and lack perspective; worry that because OKC is so car-centric that it will never change in any significant way. And when you have hundreds of millions invested, of course you are going to err on the side of caution by advocating for more garages and car access.

Even progressive developers like MidtownR, Steve Mason and Larry Nichols have been publicly skeptical of the streetcar. Ironic, given that they have more to gain than just about anyone.

I know Larry Nichols and Steve Mason are both very well traveled, and assume the same about the MidtownR guys. I suspect instead it is a pragmatism based on looking around at a decidedly auto-centric city and making the calculated assumption that it will be decades if not generations before locals change their habits. Like Pete says, they are erring on the side of caution, assuming their customer will be a commuting customer for a long, long time. I do think they will be surprised by he rapidity of lifestyle conversion by many people, but I understand why they are hedging their bets.

Steve Mason is on the streetcar subcommittee. I don't recall him indicating he is not supportive of it.

Well there you go.

Steve Mason is on the streetcar subcommittee. I don't recall him indicating he is not supportive of it.

Sorry for the mistake.

I know it was a close call on whether Automobile Alley would endorse the streetcar or not, so my original point still stands.

Sorry for the mistake.

I know it was a close call on whether Automobile Alley would endorse the streetcar or not, so my original point still stands.

And we're not out of the woods yet. There's still a long way to go, especially once reality sets in about the amount of overhead catenary needed on the route.

Sorry for the mistake.

I know it was a close call on whether Automobile Alley would endorse the streetcar or not, so my original point still stands.

True. But that wasn't due to Steve Mason. He has been an ardent, ardent supporter. Mickey Clagg and Co was the issue. Plus Rand Elliot has made it a personal goal to convince others against overhead wires on AA. It then becomes a question of techical capability, funds available, and challenges to rhe procurement process.

Despite narrow support, AA officially wants the streetcar apparently.

My deepest apologies for misstating Steve's position.

Should have known better.

True. But that wasn't due to Steve Mason. He has been an ardent, ardent supporter. Mickey Clagg and Co was the issue. Plus Rand Elliot has made it a personal goal to convince others against overhead wires on AA. It then becomes a question of techical capability, funds available, and challenges to rhe procurement process.

Despite narrow support, AA officially wants the streetcar apparently.

Rand is a control freak when it comes to Auto Alley. He went ballistic when Factor 110 painted their building (it was already painted). They did a great job, but they didn't receive his "approval" first. I hate that.

We shouldn't let the wire discussion kill good location and progress...

Rand is a control freak when it comes to Auto Alley. He went ballistic when Factor 110 painted their building (it was already painted). They did a great job, but they didn't receive his "approval" first. I hate that.

We shouldn't let the wire discussion kill good location and progress...

Is Rand working in a capacity in which area businesses need his OK before moving forward with design changes and other improvements?

Does anyone else feel like when looking at this beauty from Broadway that they could just reach out and hug it? It's so small and adorable, I'll just wish I could physically extend my arms out and grab the building and hug it to absorb it amazingness. Someday....

^^^^^^^^^

Like

Does anyone else feel like when looking at this beauty from Broadway that they could just reach out and hug it? It's so small and adorable, I'll just wish I could physically extend my arms out and grab the building and hug it to absorb it amazingness. Someday....

Hahaha...post of the day.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion062314a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion062314b.jpg

Just curious...is most of the brick going to require repointing? It looks like in some spots it's just stacked one brick upon another.

I would expect the answer is yes, that it will all have to be repointed, which looks like it won't be easy owing to the super-tight grout lines.

Just taken by Urban Pioneer. Looks like they've taken some of the bracing down.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion071014.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion071014b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion71014c.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/12/eneje8eq.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2898/14486147880_0052e12230_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/o56i5m)
The Marion (https://flic.kr/p/o56i5m) by lazio85 (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

From Urban Pioneer:


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion072114.jpg

Part of the original floor, courtesy Urban Pioneer:


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

So cool.

The third floor is being revised for a single tenant and will include a raised skylight on the roof and a new rear balcony:



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion090214a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marion090214b.jpg

Ah. Could explain why work seemed to slow down there lately.

Any word on who is the 3rd floor resident?

That's a weird layout. I''ll be interested how it turns out.

Guess I am attuned to weird then. My first thought was simply ..... nice!