Classy recrational pool? Let's see, it has:

A deck
A track
A basketball court
putting green
driving range
volleyball court
grills
spa
fitness center
business center
and a lap pool

Those are some pretty classy amenities. With all that, I would think a "recreational pool" might even drag its class down.

I just want to go on record saying this is just my opinion.

Those are some nice amenities. It just seems to me, a deck should surround a pool. They have all the stuff a community like this should have, except the pool. All the luxury hi rise condos and lofts I have seen have outdoor pools. It make for good entertaining as well as relaxing in the hot summers of OKC. To me, it is a deal breaker. Of course I could not live there with all my kids. Again, just my opinion.

RSA, have you toured the Classen? It's going to be like living in a 4.5 - 5 star hotel with all the amenities it has. It's definitely first class. Not sure who or where the rumor came from that it was going to leases or apartments. I think you have your story mixed up with the Montgomery. The Classen never flip flopped like that and probably won't. I won't be surprised if they do end up putting a few lower level units up for rent though. I agree though I too wish it had both indoor and outdoor pool. The indoor pool is an Olympic lap pool if I remember right and has a lane with those jets that make you swim upstream.

RSA, have you toured the Classen?

Yes, I even took some pictures from the balcony. (acually twice) I do think the spaces are awesome. I hope everything goes well for this project and it brings some revitalization to the area along with the tower theater.

Classy recrational pool? Let's see, it has:

A deck
A track
A basketball court
putting green
driving range
volleyball court
grills
spa
fitness center
business center
and a lap pool

Those are some pretty classy amenities. With all that, I would think a "recreational pool" might even drag its class down.

Well, Personally I'd give up most of those things to have a happening pool with hot chicks in bikinis roaming around.

Now don't quote me on this, but my partner recently went to look at The Classen out of curiosity (last month) and he told me that they told him that some of the units are for sale and some are for lease. Of course, he's getting old and senile (just kidding) so don't hold me to it.

I've looked at them too. That's what they told me. They also talked about making them apartments for a while. They said they wanted to get a classy restaurant in the retail space to anchor the retail, but I saw that a City Bites is going in. Oh well...

I guess they have made most of them apartments now, and there is a sign that says "luxury apartments for lease". BTW Metro , no one has moved in.

I know the owner, Joe Jungman (sp?), of Paseo Grill had looked at that space as a possibility for another restaurant...maybe it's still in the works?

And yeah, we saw the "now leasing" sign, too. We call it "the fishbowl" because you can see straight into those units when the light is right lol.

I know the owner, Joe Jungman (sp?), of Paseo Grill had looked at that space as a possibility for another restaurant...maybe it's still in the works?

And yeah, we saw the "now leasing" sign, too. We call it "the fishbowl" because you can see straight into those units when the light is right lol.

It is not in the works anymore, City Bites is going in.

RSA, have you toured the Classen? It's going to be like living in a 4.5 - 5 star hotel with all the amenities it has. It's definitely first class. Not sure who or where the rumor came from that it was going to leases or apartments. I think you have your story mixed up with the Montgomery. The Classen never flip flopped like that and probably won't. I won't be surprised if they do end up putting a few lower level units up for rent though. I agree though I too wish it had both indoor and outdoor pool. The indoor pool is an Olympic lap pool if I remember right and has a lane with those jets that make you swim upstream.

Just saw the "For Lease" signs today...

Sorry, thought maybe there was room for more than one eating establishment.

Sorry, thought maybe there was room for more than one eating establishment.

No need to apologize.

The whole Classen project changed from the original presentaion I was given. Too bad, thought it was a great idea...

It's unfortunate, but The Classen has turned into a real disappointment. First, they overprice the units, and now that they aren't selling, they start leasing the units? Say what?

I guess you're still welcome to buy an overpriced condo if you want, you'll just be wasting your money considering half of the building or more will be leased units.

I can't say I didn't see this coming. I never thought the price point was feasible given the location.

Given the location and the tiny size of the units!

It's unfortunate, but The Classen has turned into a real disappointment. First, they overprice the units, and now that they aren't selling, they start leasing the units? Say what?

I guess you're still welcome to buy an overpriced condo if you want, you'll just be wasting your money considering half of the building or more will be leased units.

I can't say I didn't see this coming. I never thought the price point was feasible given the location.

Why is it such a big deal that they are leased instead of for-sale????

Some people aren't in the market for buying a condo, and with the exception of Legacy Summit, everything coming up in downtown and midtown and bricktown is for sale. If there was more for lease options, I would be living down there right now.

JBrown,

You raise a fair point. Why is it such a big deal? Because currently, despite these other projects under way, there is little to no housing for sale available in the central core of our city. This is not the sign of a bustling inner-city housing market.

The main reason it's a big deal is that:

1. They have capitulated toward renting, which appears to be a failure.

2. For sale housing is clearly not going to be available at an affordable price point for average people (and young people, and artists, etc.) in our central city. That is a shame.

Could the Tannenbaum's not offer condos starting at, say, $110,000? What's wrong with that? Why does everything have to begin at $200k?

The only people who can afford these prices are established families and the idle rich. That is not a recipe for downtown improvement.

Even worse, for those who were interested in buying in the Classen, why would they now? The value of their investment was just undermined by the decision to offer rental units instead.


And Mr. Brown, currently 100 percent of the available apartment stock in downtown OKC is RENTAL. There are more rental properties under way, such as the building at Park and Harvey. When you add in Legacy and Deep Deuce, as well as numerous properties due to be rehabbed and rented in midtown, there is plenty of opportunity available for interested renters.

FYI, CityBites opened up last week in the Classen's retail space finally. They're signs right now are very cheesy vinyl banners. Hopefully they'll be replacing them soon with permanent signs.

FYI, CityBites opened up last week in the Classen's retail space finally. They're signs right now are very cheesy vinyl banners. Hopefully they'll be replacing them soon with permanent signs.


I saw that yesterday, metro. I agree it will look a lot classier when better signage is up. Have you heard any word on anything else going in the retail space?

----------------

I think they are tentatively working on a dry cleaners

What dry cleaners are they going to put in there.

The person which owns classen tower is also the owner of the Montgomery Building in downtown OKC. He made the decision to purchase the tower because many of his residents kept asking him to sell the units they were living in, so he thought there was a market for it. Sure there is but not at 23rd ST and Classen. First its outside of the Business, Arts, and Entertainment districts. Second, it is a fairly rough area still.

As of to date, there should be no more sold unit in the entire tower and anything that was suppose to be sold had been bought back. This way the entire complex is on the same playing grounds. SORRY EVERYONE ITS ANOTHER APARTMENT COMPLEX.

I agree that if the price was less they might have sold, however, we all have to remember he could not give them away. Everyone has to make a living. Purchase of Building + Renovations = $$$$$$$$$$.

My information should be considered rumor, because I have not actually talked to the owner, only relators I know in the area.

So it's no longer condos and everyone was bought out and it will now be converted to apartments?

It was orginally planned as a rental project. I understand that it was switched to a codo concept due to numerous inquiries to purchase and other considerations that appeared more profitable. None of the sold units were completed and delivered to the few people that made deposits on them. It is totally a "For Rent" project again and has been for the better part of a year. It's still pretty slow going on filling it up. I think that (just like the Montgomery) as the construction portion of the project moved along, some corners have been cut and amenities deleted to keep it within budget.

I was thinking about moving here in December, but I wasn't sure about the area. Is it safe? The parking lot didn't seem very secure; like anyone could walk in and hide waiting for someone coming home alone.

I visited the Classen a couple of weeks ago and they only have 5 units left. They are very nice and they views are incredible. They all have w/d hookups. The smaller units have room for a stackable unit only but the larger units have a quite large utility (almost) room. The units are quite modern looking and have all of the modern amenities, ie whirlpool tubs, granite countertops, etc. Did I mention the views? There is 24 hour concierge service, key fob entry to public spaces, lap pool, exercise room and hot tub. There is a free laundry room downstairs for those who don't want to buy a washer dryer or want to do all their laundry at once. There is also a public rec area with a kitcenette and tvs that can be reserved for parties at no extra charge. Each unit comes with two covered parking spaces. It really is quite nice and has filled up much better than I thought based on what I have read here.

Drove by there this evening about 8:30 and the place looked well over half full . . . even assuming that some folks were out for the evening, they've got way more than five units left.

How big are these places and roughly how much is the rent?

Well, you guys are in luck! I happen to live at the Classen. It's a great place to live. The management really does a good job in taking care of each person and their needs. I have one of the best views that they offer, one side is downtown and the other is the capitol building. My apartment is just over 1200 square feet. They really put in high quality appliances, countertops, and fixtures. I know they only have a few units left. It has become quite a popular place. They are planning on putting in a dry cleaners I believe. Right now, they have a service where you can drop off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon 2 days a week. There are a number of little things like that you just can't get anywhere else. Oh, have I mentioned that it's a terrific place to watch lightning storms?

Well, you guys are in luck! I happen to live at the Classen. It's a great place to live. The management really does a good job in taking care of each person and their needs. I have one of the best views that they offer, one side is downtown and the other is the capitol building. My apartment is just over 1200 square feet. They really put in high quality appliances, countertops, and fixtures. I know they only have a few units left. It has become quite a popular place. They are planning on putting in a dry cleaners I believe. Right now, they have a service where you can drop off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon 2 days a week. There are a number of little things like that you just can't get anywhere else. Oh, have I mentioned that it's a terrific place to watch lightning storms?

Hi BaldDriller. Can I ask you some questions about the classen? I tried to PM you but you don't have them on. :)

Hi BaldDriller. Can I ask you some questions about the classen? I tried to PM you but you don't have them on. :)

Sorry Mandy. I am brand new here. I don't think I have PM capabilities yet. I have yet to prove I am not a spammer! :fighting3

Hey everybody, there is a rare opening for a north facing penthouse at The Classen, $3025 a month, utilities paid. Should be in the neighborhood of 2500 sqft in size. Give the office a ring if you're interested (601-3333), and let them know I sent you if you feel like saving me some rent. :-)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.525773990769701.131547.153008881379549&type=1

I would rent that penthouse if I had the money. That is an awesome view!

The management really does a good job in taking care of each person and their needs.

That's not what I've heard.

I know some people who have lived there for over a year (they're building a house) and they tell a different story.

That's not what I've heard.

I know some people who have lived there for over a year (they're building a house) and they tell a different story.

I've lived here for more than five years. There are issues to be sure, as with any place, but I still love living here.

I've lived here for more than five years. There are issues to be sure, as with any place, but I still love living here.

Yeah, they're enjoying most of it, but just say the whole "luxury apartment" angle is oversold. Crumbling decks, leaky windows, poor climate control and spotty concierge service doesn't really qualify as luxury. I think it's more of the over-promise under-deliver scenario. My friend always says if they didn't sell it (or price it) as something it isn't, it would be fantastic.

Yeah, they're enjoying most of it, but just say the whole "luxury apartment" angle is oversold. Crumbling decks, leaky windows, poor climate control and spotty concierge service doesn't really qualify as luxury. I think it's more of the over-promise under-deliver scenario. My friend always says if they didn't sell it (or price it) as something it isn't, it would be fantastic.

I agree with most of that. In the beginning the things the concierge would do was better (and in the beginning there were security type folks doing the job so it felt "safer" not that I felt remotely unsafe). I am actually annoyed with some of their late-night concierge hires that are almost entirely useless (warm body in a seat). But the daytime folks are great. I have long thought the "luxury" needs to be removed as well. The leaky window thing is getting addressed. They recently did a full inspection of all windows as they're working on putting out a contract for replacement of those with damaged seals. The crumbling deck thing is a situation I'm not sure they can control. There is a LOT of concrete damage throughout the complex due to the age of the building and I suspect it would cost Tannenbaum a ton of money to truly repair. Also with the decks (and other amenities), as with any other place, there are abuses that occur by residents that don't get fixed as quickly as I'd like, but also take care of our stuff people! A couple years ago they added a wood deck with grills and an outdoor fireplace and TV and it looked awesome, but people tear stuff up and it drives me nuts!

Anyway, I can give you my own lists of issues, and I totally agree on the "not luxury" thing, but overall I think the pros outweigh the cons.

I agree with most of that. In the beginning the things the concierge would do was better (and in the beginning there were security type folks doing the job so it felt "safer" not that I felt remotely unsafe). I am actually annoyed with some of their late-night concierge hires that are almost entirely useless (warm body in a seat). But the daytime folks are great. I have long thought the "luxury" needs to be removed as well. The leaky window thing is getting addressed. They recently did a full inspection of all windows as they're working on putting out a contract for replacement of those with damaged seals. The crumbling deck thing is a situation I'm not sure they can control. There is a LOT of concrete damage throughout the complex due to the age of the building and I suspect it would cost Tannenbaum a ton of money to truly repair. Also with the decks (and other amenities), as with any other place, there are abuses that occur by residents that don't get fixed as quickly as I'd like, but also take care of our stuff people! A couple years ago they added a wood deck with grills and an outdoor fireplace and TV and it looked awesome, but people tear stuff up and it drives me nuts!

Anyway, I can give you my own lists of issues, and I totally agree on the "not luxury" thing, but overall I think the pros outweigh the cons.

Yeah, it sounds like they let stuff go for so long it begins to amount to a bigger problem they can't afford.

Yeah, it sounds like they let stuff go for so long it begins to amount to a bigger problem they can't afford.

Well, the concrete thing has been an issue since day 1. I first toured the site in March 2006 and I moved in May 2007 and this is something that has always been there...

One more thing... the full time staff is 3 people. The daytime concierge, the property manager, and the maintenance guy. The maintenance guy is great, but I suspect he is tied up all day long putting out fires, that he doesn't really get a chance to work big attention sucking projects...

Could be, but I think my friend was talking about the deck on top of the garage. I remember saying that it was awesome, and he said "it would be if they took care of it".

I think that goes back to people crapping it up and them not having time to fix it, since they had a contractor build it, the local guy may not have those kinds of expertise...

Came across some nice interior pics of the Classen, so I thought I'd share.

http://medialibrary.propertysolutions.com/websites_media/theclassenapts.riverstoneres.com/cached_thumbs/640x480/501c4e06738d3172.jpg

http://medialibrary.propertysolutions.com/websites_media/theclassenapts.riverstoneres.com/cached_thumbs/640x480/501c4e6052c64174.jpg

http://medialibrary.propertysolutions.com/websites_media/theclassenapts.riverstoneres.com/cached_thumbs/640x480/501c4e8a21459931.jpg

http://medialibrary.propertysolutions.com/websites_media/theclassenapts.riverstoneres.com/cached_thumbs/640x480/501c4d3dc7a89965.jpg

http://image.apartmentguide.com/imgr/22025b6fbd201a32b617c031ee91f94b/525-450

http://image.apartmentguide.com/imgr/86b5ee0d00ac069d9b4fd97805e63160/525-450

These may all be penthouse views -- I don't really know.


Some nice outside view shots as well:

http://image.apartmentguide.com/imgr/07ceb2c941c30810c7ef9bc82fe5d45a/525-450

http://image.apartmentguide.com/imgr/d4ff24a1ea284b1f3851d38fa36bed7b/525-450

http://image.apartmentguide.com/imgr/1f250cb33efc678efc36fe930447f23b/525-450

http://image.apartmentguide.com/imgr/8c25e50ae582d5c75e770d4e17bf6e0c/525-450

Not sure how old all these photos are, as the last one is clearly pre-Devon Tower. That should be an even sweeter view now.


Some of these pics came from here:
The Classen Apartments - Oklahoma City, OK 73106 | Apartments for Rent (http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Oklahoma/Oklahoma-City/The-Classen/77623/)

The rest from here:
Photos | The Classen Apartments For Rent in Oklahoma City, OK 73106 (http://theclassenapts.riverstoneres.com/Apartments/module/photos/property%5Bid%5D/41787/)

OKC really has some class!!!!!!!

Not that they're as good quality wise, and I'm sure I've posted them before, but I do periodically update my pics from the Classen....

Picasa Web Albums - Shawn Wright - Sunsets (and ... (http://goo.gl/xwens)

Wish I could afford to live in the Classen...

Not that they're as good quality wise, and I'm sure I've posted them before, but I do periodically update my pics from the Classen....

Picasa Web Albums - Shawn Wright - Sunsets (and ... (http://goo.gl/xwens)

Nice! Thanks so much for putting up that link.

Here's a few pics from that set that I liked:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z9b1qg1N-Dg/Rox_isIM1KI/AAAAAAAACrU/6zSuf_CNo_k/s1032/040707+-+019.jpg

Great view. Plus you could keep in really good shape (and build big arm muscles) keeping those windows clean! :wink:


Wonderful views of the marathon:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2dxUW4vg_Jo/TCl5Ctb1BFI/AAAAAAAAMq8/MtxA9Y86kBM/s640/042510+%28Small%29.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sFmBr4wwutM/TcCjJzVUZoI/AAAAAAAANpI/dTtG9HAdZeU/s640/IMG_0667.JPG


And a couple of other window shots:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3fNxMCvv4U8/RlxV5A61p2I/AAAAAAAACHA/q8vJzBsGMYI/s500/051107.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VjLw5UmhlGE/RlxV5A61p0I/AAAAAAAACGw/N3YUTtTsmfI/s500/050307.jpg

The Classen tower in Oklahoma City celebrates its first decade | News OK (http://newsok.com/the-classen-tower-in-oklahoma-city-celebrates-its-first-decade/article/3926625)

If you want to know what it would be like to add buildings to the skyline, find a way to view the skyline at night from various angles a couple miles north of The Classen, and it almost looks as if that tower is part of the rest of the skyline. You notice it especially driving on I-44. At night, your depth perception isn't as good, so it's hard to tell that The Classen is actually ~2 miles north of the rest of the CBD. It's especially interesting to see it placed on the west side of Devon and then also about where the 4th/EKG spot would sit.

Couple issues with this article... it says it was built in 1954. Pretty sure that date is associated with the gold dome. There's a plaque in the lobby that says "Citizens Bank Tower 1966-2006" if I recall (edit: the article contradicts itself as later in the article it notes the 1966 date). Also, it states the Classen "celebrates its first decade". While Tanenbaum bought it in 2004, we weren't able to move in until late 2006/early 2007 depending on your unit. There really shouldn't be anyone celebrating ten years. And I'm not sure if any original tenants are left. A few of us hung on until this last year.

I remember Mr Hunt, interviewed for the article. We worked for the same company while I lived there. Nice guy.

I enjoyed my time at the Classen, especially at the price point I was paying, which was a couple hundred less than the lowest price quoted in the article, probably due to being one of the last remaining original tenants (first occupier of my unit). I was lucky to have only experienced a couple hundred dollars in rent escalation in the 6+ years I was there. Take note, while the building was fully renovated in 2006, it's still an old building with old building problems. But otherwise, the experience was great. Loved being close to so much.


The Classen tower in Oklahoma City celebrates its first decade | News OK (http://newsok.com/the-classen-tower-in-oklahoma-city-celebrates-its-first-decade/article/3926625)

I had no idea they had an indoor lap pool!

Shawn or anyone who may know, do they offer their facilities to outsiders for a fee or do you have to be a resident?

I've seen them rent out the clubhouse to outsiders before. So probably as long as you're willing to give them a check for the deposit you can probably rent the clubhouse and probably the deck, but not sure about the pool.

Not shown in the photo, there's also a hot tub.

Moving to the Classen in a month. Any opinions good or bad of this place?

Moving to the Classen in a month. Any opinions good or bad of this place?

Management has been shoddy at times. The luxury label is oversold in terms of service. But it has been about 7 months since my friends moved out and they were in the middle of making management changes at the time, so maybe it's better now. Also, south facing units get very hot and if the power goes out for a second, the chiller will go down and they won't restart it on the weekends unless it gets really hot.