A retail shop is slated to open on the ground level of the Legacy...It appears to be a small grocery mart. The sign is up on the awning.

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11-14-2008 09:20 AM
taylor83 Re: Legacy Summit at Arts Central Update

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Drove by yesterday afternoon and I took this picture of what appears to be a new tenant at Legacy Arts Quarter. It's called "Lil Johnson's Mini Mart" and they are in the northern-most space along Walker Avenue.

Attachment 189

Not a bad addition to this area just as long as, IMO, they are open on the weekends and after 6:30pm on the weekdays.

Drove by today, looks like Hobby's Hoagies may be opening up soon, the rest of the retailers don't look like they've made any progress in months.

Hobby's Hoagies appeared to be opening soon, and still has more work done than the other "prospective" tenants, but I haven't seen any kind of progress on any of the tenants lately. I don't get the management of this place at all. Steve or anyone have you heard anything more? I know you were stoked about Hobby's opening up.

I live at Legacy and can tell you that there has been virtually zero progress when it comes to Steak & Catfish, Comet Cleaners and Little Johnson's Grocery Mart. Hobbies has made progress but they seemed to have stalled this past month. Steak & Catfish has seen little progress since August, although they have said "opening soon" ever since last july.

mecarr, is the management a joke there? what is your experience with them?

mecarr, is the management a joke there? what is your experience with them?

It's hard to say since I do not deal with them or have much inside information on how they operate. With that said, I can tell you that when we signed up for an apartment back in May of 2007, they were promising us that a sushi bar was on its way, along with a health food store and another store. Either they were lying to us or they were overconfident that it would actually happen.

I do know some of the people that work in the Legacy office and they are very nice and courteous. Whenever I have a problem with the apartment that needs to be fixed they quickly send someone on their way to help. But when it comes to the retail down stairs, it has been very frustrating.

Looks like progress is finally being made on the remaining retail spaces in Legacy Arts. The Comet Cleaners should be opening any day and the "Lil Johnson" mini-mart appears to be ready, the "Steak & Catfish" place appears like some recent work has been done, so hopefully this Urban Renewal disaster will finally be filling up it's promised retail spaces.

The cleaners, while it looks like it's close to opening, has been stalled for a couple months now. Also, Bodywerx, the gym that is on the retail floor facing Kerr ave, has closed for good.

The cleaners, while it looks like it's close to opening, has been stalled for a couple months now. Also, Bodywerx, the gym that is on the retail floor facing Kerr ave, has closed for good.

Yeah, supposedly the apartments have new owners who want retail on the first floor, and raised Bodywerx' rent in order to force them out. It's unfortunate for the residents - that gym was supposed to be the apartment's gym.

Steak & Catfish have officially opened at Legacy Arts Quarter. They opened this morning. So far, the only thing I've seen are two waitresses standing in front of the restaurant smoking. They are open all day and close around 9 pm i think.

With regards to Bodywerx, it closed due to personal\emergency reasons of the owner.

Weird on Steak/Catfish, but good to see empty retail space being used. As far as BodyWerx, I've heard the same as already posted, that the new owners basically forced them out.

Weird on Steak/Catfish, but good to see empty retail space being used. As far as BodyWerx, I've heard the same as already posted, that the new owners basically forced them out.

hmm. Well I've heard from several people who live here that that was not the case, instead the owner was having a personal emergency. The letter we got from the apartment said that it was closed due to "a sudden turn of events."

Steak & Catfish have officially opened at Legacy Arts Quarter. They opened this morning. So far, the only thing I've seen are two waitresses standing in front of the restaurant smoking.



they will fit right in with the girls over at Velvet Monkey salon

hmm. Well I've heard from several people who live here that that was not the case, instead the owner was having a personal emergency. The letter we got from the apartment said that it was closed due to "a sudden turn of events."

Interesting. My story came from my boss and a co-worker who worked out daily... weird how information travels.

Anyone know what's going on on Dewey between Robert S Kerr and 4th? I was driving by, couldn't read the sign, and can't find any info.

The "Lil-Johnson Mini Mart " is now open in the Legacy Arts complex.

I find it curious that someone would be so proud of their "lil Johnson" they'd name a convenience store after it.

Steak and Catfish is pretty good. Ate there last week.

Also, Comet Cleaners opened up on Friday. Talked to the manager yesterday. Glad they are a "green" dry cleaners and use non-toxic cleaners. I've switched to using them for my downtown dry cleaning needs.

Building permit today for "La Cueva Grill" to be located in the Legacy toward the north end on Walker.

Came across this application on the City's permitting website. Any information on this?

Here's the address. Looks like it is in the Legacy Art Quarter Apartments.

409 N WALKER AVE, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73102

Came across this application on the City's permitting website. Any information on this?

Here's the address. Looks like it is in the Legacy Art Quarter Apartments.

409 N WALKER AVE, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73102

See Pete's post above yours.

Sorry, I had started a thread for the restaurant and it got consolidated into this one. Thanks Pete, sorry for the duplicate postings.

I'm meeting with Gary Brooks today. Any questions you want asked?

ask his opinion on the fair market price of that land where the new apartments will be built

Again, just please probe him on how committed he is to sticking to the design he presented to OCURA.

Yeah. Ask him what he thinks Legacy Summit will look like 15 years from now.

Frankly, the finish is the only thing I really find disappointing about LS. I think from an urban infill standpoint, the overall layout/function is better than nearly anything we've seen downtown. But yeah, it's a little tough to look at.

Any more info on the La Cueva Grill? Haven't been able to find anything.

There's a La Cueva in Irving, TX.

I'm thinking about signing a lease here for a one bedroom apartment; anyone have any recent reviews on this complex and it's livability/location? I'm a little concerned with it being too far to enjoy Midtown/BT and reading reviews complaining about crime and bad management along with apartment finishes/durability. Thoughts? Thanks!

Crime is a non issue but the durability issue is very real.

Agree with Spartan, good tenant quality (lots of OUHSC students and young professionals). Know of a bicycle stolen from parking garage storage area, but don't know of any other crime. Reasonably well-maintained (hallways could use more regular cleaning). The real issue is that the finish inside is about as low-end as the exterior. I'm a bit of a materials snob, so for instance shallow thin-gauge stainless sinks and Formica counter tops bug me. If they don't bother you (and neither does drywall-only finishes, minimal closet build-out and inexpensive wall-to-wall carpet), it is a nice place overall. If they continue good maintenance it shouldn't be a huge problem. Great location, convenient parking, etc. I haven't lived there but leased a corporate unit for my out-of-state boss/business partner. He since moved to Level, which seems to be a significant upgrade IMO.

I'm thinking about signing a lease here for a one bedroom apartment; anyone have any recent reviews on this complex and it's livability/location? I'm a little concerned with it being too far to enjoy Midtown/BT and reading reviews complaining about crime and bad management along with apartment finishes/durability. Thoughts? Thanks!

It's really an easy walk to Midtown, so I wouldn't worry about that.

A new liquor store just opened at the Legacy called Vice Spirits Wine & Beer.

Now we need a swimwear store next door called Miami.

I'm thinking about signing a lease here for a one bedroom apartment; anyone have any recent reviews on this complex and it's livability/location? I'm a little concerned with it being too far to enjoy Midtown/BT and reading reviews complaining about crime and bad management along with apartment finishes/durability. Thoughts? Thanks!

I loved it. I would have stayed if I could have purchased my unit.

Crime was non-existent to me. I read those scary reviews in apartmentfinder, too, and they were not at all representative of my experience there. I did live on the top floor, though, and never parked on the street. I stumbled home barefoot from bricktown a number if times and never had any issues...

Looks like the Legacy Arts apartment complex was sold to a new management company. I didn't know 2 of the 4 properties here were sold back in early August. They told us as of Aug 28 we have a new landlord. They will change the name from Legacy to Avana. It's now owned by Greystar.

One month ago, Greystar held no properties in Oklahoma. This is their first one here.

Well they have 3 now, including Avana Arts District. Weird they are renaming everything the Avana.

Avana 3131 Apartments
3131 SW 89th St, Oklahoma City, OK. 73159

Avana Arts District Apartments
301 N. Walker, Oklahoma City, OK. 73102

Avana Midwest Apartments
777 North Air Depot Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK. 73110

Drove by legacy in Edmond and they have changed their name as well

Too bad the location on their website is wrong.
http://www.avanaartsdistrict.com/sites/default/files/styles/three_image_tall/public/three_image_layout/large-map_0.jpg?itok=Sgx_Q4Om

*facepalm*

They are planning to remodel the exterior.

I dropped them a note to see if they are removing those green awnings with the hideously huge lettering. One can only hope.

This looks like it may be a pretty good improvement:

https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/1902828_606479072764566_2113308864_n.jpg

I love the wood. It needs some more tactile and active materiality.

I love the wood. It needs some more tactile and active materiality.

I didn't even notice the wood the first time I looked, but you're right. I also love the wood.

Just heard back and they said YES, they plan to take down those awful green awnings and replace them with metal versions.

This place could soon look much, much better.

I think the name has also changed to Avana Arts District. That's what it was listed as when looking back in December and it appears that's what will be only the building.

This seems like it will be a huge improvement from what is there currently. Really, though. What wouldn't improve this place?

I live here, have since they opened and I enjoy it. That said, it is time, after almost 7 years to freshen the place up, especially now with the other apt complexes opening up. It's just starting to show it's age, at least my apt does, and I'm glad to see they are investing to keep it decent, because the rents are sure not cheap.They have some interior remodeling planned, are adding some large grilling areas, added a little dog running park and new pool furniture.

Looks nice. Once the two Sycamore complexes have finished their updates it should be a nice little area. I still haven't been able to get any renderings on what Sycamore Square South and Sycamore Square North have planned.

I live here, have since they opened and I enjoy it. That said, it is time, after almost 7 years to freshen the place up, especially now with the other apt complexes opening up. It's just starting to show it's age, at least my apt does, and I'm glad to see they are investing to keep it decent, because the rents are sure not cheap.They have some interior remodeling planned, are adding some large grilling areas, added a little dog running park and new pool furniture.

Thanks for the input.

Just taking down those green awnings will make a huge difference to the casual observer.

Seems like the new ownership group is doing a good job there.

I always felt like color variation in the facade (which already has nice alternating setback) would do wonders. I have long wanted to photoshop a pic to show what variation based on the existing color palette would look like. But this is much better than that even, with some differing surfaces too, as has been mentioned. I think this will be a big win and do away with most of what bothers people about this place; the overwhelming blandness.

All that remains of the bothersomeness would be the pitched roof, but we're stuck with that...

Thanks for the input.

Just taking down those green awnings will make a huge difference to the casual observer.

Seems like the new ownership group is doing a good job there.

Which makes you wonder why Henderson was so bad with the project...

Here's another funny thing I noticed: the rehab proposed looks pretty similar to the ORIGINAL design for this project, as approved by OCURA, if I recall correctly.

Which makes you wonder why Henderson was so bad with the project...

Here's another funny thing I noticed: the rehab proposed looks pretty similar to the ORIGINAL design for this project, as approved by OCURA, if I recall correctly.

Still not quite as good as the original proposal, but a huge step forward.

Design Versus Reality: Legacy at Arts Quarter | News OK (http://newsok.com/design-versus-reality-legacy-at-arts-quarter/article/3838362)

There's something to be said about doing it right the first time. I imagine 10 years from now most of the new Deep Deuce complexes will be faced with a similar need.

Still not quite as good as the original proposal, but a huge step forward.

Design Versus Reality: Legacy at Arts Quarter | News OK (http://newsok.com/design-versus-reality-legacy-at-arts-quarter/article/3838362)

I had never seen that. This is a perfect example of the OKC way of proposing something awesome and then scaling it back to the absolute bare minimum.

I had never seen that. This is a perfect example of the OKC way of proposing something awesome and then scaling it back to the absolute bare minimum.

Value engineering is done all the time all over. It isn't just the "OKC way". Often it is "behind the walls", but goes on a lot, particularly after the "here is what we would like" estimates/bids come in.

Value engineering is done all the time all over. It isn't just the "OKC way". Often it is "behind the walls", but goes on a lot.

True, but I've seen this to a greater extent in OKC than anywhere else I've been. Look at Hogan's Lower Bricktown. How many major developments here have actually been built as proposed?