511 N. Dewey contains an existing building owned by Bezdek + Associates. The 1920's "garage type" structure is slated for demolition due to the design of the building. The single block wall is suffering from mortar deterioration and has no structural reinforcement of any kind. The original design did not incorporate any interior support for the perimeter walls or the overhead roof. It was Bezdek's first intent to rehabilitate the building into a commercial space or private residence. The four walls were thoroughly evaluated to be salvaged as an exterior "skin" with a new interior support system for the room and interior walls. It was determined by multiple structural engineers that the rate of mortar decay would continue to destabilize the existing walls and they would not even stand sufficiently on their own to act as an exterior cladding.

The building is slated for demolition with plans for the property to be developed into two to three residential flats, 3-car garage, and an apartment. The extensive alley parallel to the north side of the property will provide garage access and serve as the property's driveway. The new building design will be of zero lot line design for maximum urbanity.

Like minded urban partners to take ownership/development of the 2nd and 3rd 1,850 sqf. flats are desired.

Other ideas for the property would be considered, including sale, should the owner move.

As a courtesy to the neighborhood, existing sidewalks, curb, and alley will be replaced and extensive landscaping shall be installed upon demolition.

For more information, contact Bezdek + Associates, 405-231-1912

Im glad they put in the work to see if they could save the existing building. This is a sweet infill project.

Thanks! Yeah, well old buildings such as the former Hale Photo building, make my heart bleed. Believe me, if the "shell" on this one could be saved, I would be doing it. The front of the building has little bit of character and there are very few old buildings left downtown that haven't had some sort of renovation work done to them. Interestingly, I am the second owner of this property since statehood. Apparently, it had originally been a battery shop for early electric cars, then was a furniture repair shop, and finally was storage for the formerly adjacent Mason's Furniture Store. The Mason family was the original owner. I will send a couple pictures to Pete for posting.

"Like minded urban partners to take ownership/development of the 2nd and 3rd 1,850 sqf. flats are desired." Can you explain this a bit more? You will be building the 3 spaces regardless of if you find a partner or not?

Ok. Lol. First, actual authentic "flats" are unusual here. The view is incredible from that location as it sets halfway up the hill sloping north to "SOSA" which officially begins 1/2 block north. I am open to another individual or family that wants a flat as well to enable easier financing/construction monies.

We would add another story to the building. In theory, another individual/family could also be added to this equation for a 3rd unit. However, that would put the project at 4 stories and necessitate an elevator per code. So it would end up being a more expensive project to accommodate them, but a more impressive building still the same. Exceeding 4 stories is certainly possible as there are no height restrictions in DDRC-2 Fringe Code Classification. However, because it is on a hill, exceeding four stories might appear a bit excessive. That would have to be modeled.

A full roof garden is also possible as part of the building design.

I just assume that somebody else out there wants a flat or four walls of their own that they could do any kind of build out they desire short of mechanical considerations. I have never observed that kind of housing scenario offered by anyone or any developer.

Very cool. I see your thinking.

Also did you talk to Rick Dowell at all on the area specifically the property that he owns on the North side of Fifth just east of Dewey? It seems like if he could make some progress on his properties the area could be helped out a lot.

The facade on that Rick Dowell building is actually all-new. It's just going to take a very long time for him to get around to actual build-out and move-in, as is typical with his projects because he never takes on debt. I'm also very interested in finding out what becomes of the land surrounding this property owned by Urban Pioneer along Dewey. I would also point out within a block is an office for Mike Tharasena (23rd Street Courts redeveloper), the headquarters of A Good Egg, as well as David Wanzer's new residential project on the southern edge of SoSA.

This area, located just north of Sycamore Square and Legacy @ Arts Quarter, and just west of Rick Dowell's Midtown Plaza, does in fact have some good potential. Like Jeff said, the skyline views are unrivaled.

Rick and I are fairly good acquaintances. That has held benefits to knowing what are in his long-term plans even though we often disagree.

1. I am not concerned about the parking lots due SE east of me (across the street) being developed beyond surface parking. They provide the parking for a significant redevelopment of his building fronting fourth that has been completed and fully occupied.

2. The lots due NE of me are not slated for redevelopment as he plans to retain it as parking for the tower he has planned due north across 5th street.

3. The building Spartan is referring to on the NE corner of 5th and Dewey does have a new exterior facade made of stone and he is planning to add a pitched clay tiled roof matching the clock tower, old motel, and other properties. He stated to me that all of his buildings are following a "Mediterranean theme", which apparently he personally likes.

There are other developments (residential/mixed use) planned by others to my west and NW although those plans have not been released yet.

Urban Renewal also owns a major half block along side, just west of Sycamore Square.

At some point, I will try to put together a four block area property map to help people visualize.

What is your timetable?

Also what would you put the odd of Dowel's apartment tower at? What would be a timetable for that?

I really appreciate your straight forward answers and thoughtfulness with this project. Without a doubt it will be one that I closely follow as I love smaller projects.

It depends on the debt load. I try to do everything now days with cash. If it just for me, we're probably 2-3 years away to having it finished. If someone approaches me and wants to do the 2nd or 3rd flat, then I'll move faster. It took me 6 years to find land downtown at a reasonable price with a great view. I missed an opportunity in Deep Deuce to do so when I first moved here and regret not pressing harder at the time. Now that I actually own something at a great location, it feels as though half the battle is won.

Regarding Dowel's apartments, I believe that he will actually do it, but probably not until after the Midland Tower is complete.

So I can't imagine it happening for at least 6 more years given his pace at doing things. He is relentless and he usually does what he says. But he is conservative in his financing. He leverages fully completed/performing buildings to build new ones. He has told me multiple times that he has run the numbers and that nothing less than 250 units make financial sense from a management standpoint in his view. So expect a future building with at least that many units in some sort of "Mediterranean" style. lol

I do not see the issue with the "Mediterranean Style." I kinda like it. But I too see what it is funny.

So expect a future building with at least that many units in some sort of "Mediterranean" style. lol

Will he call it The Venetian Towers? Or The Venetian Towers at Midtown?

Snort.

The Venetian @ Midtown Plaza Quarter.

But I also have nothing against Dowell. He does good, slow, old-fashioned work. Would have preferred the Lincoln dealership's original mid-century mod, but he still did a bang-up job. I wish him nothing but the best... and I wish he could turn the old Midland property, a truly hideous building, into a delightful little slice of la dolce vita Mediterranean-style..probably not meant to be

Scraped!

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