Pete, any word on who is heading up the seafood restaurant?

Yes, it's someone who is fantastic but I don't think they've yet made a public announcement and I don't want to do it for them.

Yes, it's someone who is fantastic but I don't think they've yet made a public announcement and I don't want to do it for them.

Cool, thanks.

Agreed. And I think from the front this will be an excellent renovation. The pizza place and the Pump Bar are great ideas. I just wish there were an alternative to it all revolving around a parking lot, but I get there aren't any alternatives.

Pete, any word on who is heading up the seafood restaurant?

The roof terrace will be looking onto the pizza place and pump bar...so essentially it will be looking onto other activity and people so I dont think it will be bad at all. Besides, any rooftop is better than no rooftop.

Yes, it's someone who is fantastic but I don't think they've yet made a public announcement and I don't want to do it for them.

Local or out of town?

I was hoping the new apartments would go on the land to the west of the pizza place and the pump bar. Hopefully residential will be built there in the near future.

I was hoping the new apartments would go on the land to the west of the pizza place and the pump bar. Hopefully residential will be built there in the near future.

Apartments are being built north of The Pump bar, between 24th and 25th.

Tuck, are you excited for this to go in next your new office?

Yes, it's someone who is fantastic but I don't think they've yet made a public announcement and I don't want to do it for them.

Long John Silvers?

Apartments are being built north of The Pump bar, between 24th and 25th.

I was well aware of that and that was my point. I'd rather see apartments built west of Pump instead of on the block as shown above in the picture that I'd already seen ;-)

Long John Silvers?

No way. Something nicer. Like Captain D's...

I was well aware of that and that was my point. I'd rather see apartments built west of Pump instead of on the block as shown above in the picture that I'd already seen ;-)

There are a lot of smaller, older and very cool little apartment buildings east of Walker and north of 23rd.

Some have already been spruced up and I walked all through that neighborhood a couple of weeks ago and noticed a bunch of younger people. And as I had previously mentioned, coming out of Back Door BBQ one Friday night, I noticed a big crew of 20-something dudes walking from some of those units towards 23rd; probably headed for Grandad's.

Some smart investor should start snapping up those buildings, updating them and then rake in some nice rents. That area is the next big thing IMO and there are already a bunch of younger people buying the small homes in that area (Jefferson Park / Paseo).

There are a lot of smaller, older and very cool little apartment buildings east of Walker and north of 23rd.

Some have already been spruced up and I walked all through that neighborhood a couple of weeks ago and noticed a bunch of younger people. And as I had previously mentioned, coming out of Back Door BBQ one Friday night, I noticed a big crew of 20-something dudes walking from some of those units towards 23rd; probably headed for Grandad's.

Some smart investor should start snapping up those buildings, updating them and then rake in some nice rents. That area is the next big thing IMO and there are already a bunch of younger people buying the small homes in that area (Jefferson Park / Paseo).

I agree whole heartedly. I had at one time looked at the NW 25th & Robinson area. I really love that area and the bungalow type quarters. I love the historic interiors more than anything.

I agree whole heartedly. I had at one time looked at the NW 25th & Robinson area. I really love that area and the bungalow type quarters. I love the historic interiors more than anything.

I know the owners of the buildings you are referring to around the 25th and Robinson area. The important thing to remember with this area is restoring the homes properly. Part of the problem we are trying to overcome in Jefferson Park/Paseo is the connundrum of fixing houses that were cheaply upgraded decades ago. They have to be made to look cool again. If you have an original bungalow, save everything original possible and do quality renovations on the what can't be salvaged.

I am really interested in buying in Paseo/Jeff Park next year and I have noticed a lot of flips coming on the market. You can tell because they were bought at bargain basement prices 6-9 months ago and look as if they have been completely gutted and remodeled. Its great that some outside investment is occurring here; but given how shoddy some flips can be I am unsure whether to consider this a good thing.

If it's a flipper that has done more than a few homes, they will have a reputation that can be evaluated.

When I was buying a home, one location we looked at was a flip from a few years ago in Crestwood. My Realtor was able to locate information on several other homes renovated by the same guy, and I was able to get a feel for the quality. That house was beautiful, and the only reason I didn't buy it was because of street noise, not something associated with the renovation.

Flipping puts money in the houses and improves the neighborhood. Fortunately, most flips that I have seen locally keep as much original detail as can be kept for a reasonable price.

Tuck, are you excited for this to go in next your new office?

Of course!

Pete, any word on who is heading up the seafood restaurant?

See this new thread:

http://www.okctalk.com/other-urban-development/35347-good-egg-group-open-new-seafood-restaurant.html

Is there any word on which soft goods store will be going in? Also, any news on when tenants will move in etc? I live right around the corner and pass by every day. It seems as though most of the junk has been removed from the inside but there no progress on the facade yet. The parking lot area is cleared out nicely, though. Will Good Egg's seafood joint have the rooftop?

Is there any word on which soft goods store will be going in? Also, any news on when tenants will move in etc? I live right around the corner and pass by every day. It seems as though most of the junk has been removed from the inside but there no progress on the facade yet. The parking lot area is cleared out nicely, though. Will Good Egg's seafood joint have the rooftop?

Welcome to the forum!

I understand there will be a men's clothing store going in; higher end jeans and the like, similar to Gil's on N. Western. I know one other casual clothing store is considering leasing as well.

As for the seafood restaurant, no, they will not be taking the rooftop. That's attached to the space directly behind them, facing the parking lot.

Welcome to the forum!

I understand there will be a men's clothing store going in; higher end jeans and the like, similar to Gil's on N. Western. I know one other casual clothing store is considering leasing as well.

As for the seafood restaurant, no, they will not be taking the rooftop. That's attached to the space directly behind them, facing the parking lot.

Hey, thanks! I can't wait. My girlfriend and I live in a Positively Paseo home that she purchased in 2008. We walk by "The Rise" every day with our dogs and we've always dreamt up the perfect tenants for it and the other spaces around us. We're excited to see whats to come!

I've heard that they either have leases or letters of intent for ALL the space at The Rise.

Pretty amazing given they still have a long way to go on construction.


23rd street is coming into it's own... I sure wish somebody would give the strip center directly the west the same treatment.

That Queens Beauty Supply building to the west of this (531 NW 23rd Street) has an entry on 10/24/2013. The title of the document is Journal Entry of Judgment. Here is a direct link to the document if anyone cares to explain it and what it means for the area:

https://oklahoma.amcad.com/oklahoma/search.do?indexName=okimages&lq=Instrument%3A20131025011504510

The building just to the west of that across Dewey has been vacant for a long time as well and it is a monster at just over 18,000 square feet. It is owned by Outwest Investments LLC who bought it for $250,000 on 1/2007. The county assessor shows there was a thrift o rama in there in 2007 and from the pictures dated 2010 and current, there has been no movement on the development of that property.

This area desperately needs a good quality grocery store of some sort. I was hoping the Rise would house something like Native Roots. But, we really need something even bigger. I've recently lived in Mesta Park and now live in Jefferson Park. The thought of going to the Homieland on 18th and Classen that smells like fried chicken at 8:00 am makes my stomach turn. The last time I went to the Buy For Less on 23rd there were two stray dogs inside. I shop once a week at Sprouts. Which, isn't a bad trek but surely there should be something nicer and closer. One should be able to live in a nice part of town and not dread running out to the store to grab some eggs.

With the boom coming in Midtown, either Homeland will up their game (unlikely) or someone else will move in and kick butt.

I was really hoping Trader Joe's would opt for 23rd but I don't think that is happening.

Hmm. Yeah, Trader Joe's would be awesome and totally supported. Hope something comes soon :)

I used to work at a bank that did the financing for the Tower Theatre when it was first bought by Party Galaxy. When we went to loan committee about the renewal of this particular loan, a lot of the loan officers (guys from 40-60 who live in Edmond or NWOKC) were talking about not wanting to invest that much money because it is in a bad area. I believe several people called it "The Hood" and "Ghetto" if I remember correctly. I pointed out that one of the nicest areas in the state lies just a block south of there and the Paseo area is getting much nicer along with all the other development going on down there (BTT had just opened).

I have a friend who lived in Edmond and works 63rd and Broadway and she said she went to the Taco Bell on 23rd and Harvey and was afraid to go back because it was straight hood and was afraid of what people would do to her there.

I am not saying anything bad about either of the parties involved in the situations above. What I am saying is that there are a lot of misconceptions about this area coming back because people are ignorant to the development down here. I could see a TJ's moving into this area, but I don't think it will be until the streets are redone to make it more pedestrian friendly and the Tower Theatre, The Rise and other developments are up and running.

^

Yes, you aren't seeing any chains go into that area, which is probably a good thing for the time being.

The people making real estate decisions for chain stores are extremely conservative because their butts are on the line if they make a bad choice. There is only incentive not to take a chance on a developing area, especially for one of your first few locations in a new market.

This is why all the chain stores and restaurants tend to locate very near existing competition.

That Queens Beauty Supply building to the west of this (531 NW 23rd Street) has an entry on 10/24/2013. The title of the document is Journal Entry of Judgment. Here is a direct link to the document if anyone cares to explain it and what it means for the area:

https://oklahoma.amcad.com/oklahoma/search.do?indexName=okimages&lq=Instrument%3A20131025011504510

The building just to the west of that across Dewey has been vacant for a long time as well and it is a monster at just over 18,000 square feet. It is owned by Outwest Investments LLC who bought it for $250,000 on 1/2007. The county assessor shows there was a thrift o rama in there in 2007 and from the pictures dated 2010 and current, there has been no movement on the development of that property.

Looks like they want the alley vacated. Maybe they want to expand or do some redeveloping.

23rd and harvey as hood. smh and sigh and just feel bad for such folks.
Then I wonder just how wet their shoes would be if they ever did wander into da hood somewhere by accident.
I know I shouldn't snicker at such a thought, but dang if I don't.

Whole slew of building permits for this project today...

I believe up until now it's all been demo work but this probably means they are getting ready to start building out all the individual spaces.

So, is the construction of the Rise stalled? I know other members have mentioned this before. The sign says "Coming fall 2013" but that doesn't seem realistic.

I remember reading the Pump got tied up with paperwork issues regarding their airstream. Has anyone heard anything about this or BTT's pizza venture in the old Bora Bora?

There are always a few people working when I go by the Rise, but never many. It looks like they have the east side cleaned out, but there's still a lot of debris on the west end, it appears.

Pump Bar is still working on their approvals. The old Bora Bora space is having the ugly facade removed so they can decide what to do with the design.

The rest of the Rise is fully leased from what I've heard, and with today's building permits I bet you'll see them move pretty fast in the near future.

Thanks, Pete! Can't wait.

Also, from the permits, it looks like there could be as many as FIVE food places here, not including the pizza place or Pump Bar.

We already know about FlashBack and the A.G.E. seafood place, not sure about the others.

Ya know, due to its name, I'm surprised Buy For Less hasn't considered opening an Uptown Market in this area. With the turnaround that the area is seeing and Heritage Hills being really close, I think that concept and brand for them would do quite well in this area.

from the permits, it looks like there could be as many as FIVE food places here

WOW. So excited to see what's coming.

Ya know, due to its name, I'm surprised Buy For Less hasn't considered opening an Uptown Market in this area. With the turnaround that the area is seeing and Heritage Hills being really close, I think that concept and brand for them would do quite well in this area.
I agree with this. B4L seems like perhaps the most likely of candidates for downtown/central city expansion, because they know the city, because they historically support downtown events, and because their inner-city BFL stores are successful. I would guess they might not view an expansion of the Uptown Market brand to be as risky as some of their out-of-state competitors might.

I agree with this. B4L seems like perhaps the most likely of candidates for downtown/central city expansion, because they know the city, because they historically support downtown events, and because their inner-city BFL stores are successful. I would guess they might not view an expansion of the Uptown Market brand to be as risky as some of their out-of-state competitors might.

Not doubting you, but haven't noticed it either; what DT events has BFL historically supported?

Metro, the firsthand experience I have is with their support of some Downtown in December events. In speaking with their marketing people I know that they were very positive about downtown and wanted to become more of a part of the event scene down here. Hopefully that translates to a corporate interest in eventually locating downtown, but I never specifically discussed that with anyone.

Just learned that one of the tenants at The Rise will be a whiskey and cigar bar, similar to WSKY in Deep Deuce but not operated by the same group.

They will lease the space behind the Good Egg seafood restaurant (facing north) and will incorporate the rooftop deck you see in the the renderings.


So, in this development we will have:


Good Egg seafood restaurant
FlashBack RetroPub
Whiskey/cigar bar
Pump Bar
Pizza concept by Big Truck / Back Door group
Upscale men's casual clothing store



As I mentioned earlier, they are now fully leased but not sure of the remaining tenants.

Pete, looks like you might have already dipped into the wishkey this morning.

Aw, man, you edited and totally ruined my joke...

lol!

If they don't have have a name for their bar yet, Wishkey would be GREAT!

Wishkey
Take me drunk, I'm home.

So just like that, 3 new bars (Retro, Pump, Whiskey) in a very small area. Include Grandad's and you've got 4 walkable bars on the same side of the street. Also, 4 very different concepts. Great things happening Uptown.

Wouldn't be surprised if thew new pizza place has a pretty lively bar as well, and there is also the Blue Note a little further down.

Yeah, the pizza shop is significantly bigger than BTT, Mutts, and BDBBQ, so it will be interesting to see what route they take this.

Could 23rd become the (non-Bricktown) bar district OKC has desperately needed?

Could 23rd become the (non-Bricktown) bar district OKC has desperately needed?

No.

The best place for that would be the area between Broadway/9th/Oklahoma/6th. Relatively little car traffic, close to OKC's densest neighborhoods (Midtown/Deep Deuce), and good mix of existing building stock to give the area character but still empty lots to bring in some fresh life as well.

There's too much vehicular traffic on 23rd, IMO.

23rd would do best if it had a great music venue in the Tower Theater development that could frequently draw people in from all over the metro and keep the area hopping on a predictable schedule.

For all its momentum, Automobile Alley literally has zero bars (restaurant bars don't count). 23rd has a new successful one, others nearby, and 3 on the way. While Automobile Alley may may be good theoretically, I'm not sure how you could think it's on its way to becoming a bar district before it even has one planned for the area. Midtown, with Fassler/Dust Bowl on the way, or Deep Deuce are better picks right now also...

For all its momentum, Automobile Alley literally has zero bars (restaurant bars don't count). 23rd has a new successful one, others nearby, and 3 on the way. While Automobile Alley may may be good theoretically, I'm not sure how you could think it's on its way to becoming a bar district before it even has one planned for the area. Midtown, with Fassler/Dust Bowl on the way, or Deep Deuce are better picks right now also...

Peloton

The point though, is that 23rd will never be a bar district, neither will Midtown, nor DD, nor Film Row, nor the Plaza, nor even Bricktown. Those may be places with lots of bars, but none will ever be almost exclusively bars(/restaurants with good bars). If we want to have a *bar* district (like Austin's 6th St.), that area East of Broadway is the only place I can conceive of one at the moment, unless we put it in C2S.

The plaza would make an awesome little bar district. Zoning laws prevent full service bars (has to have a restaurant).

The plaza would make an awesome little bar district. Zoning laws prevent full service bars (has to have a restaurant).

I agree.

The Plaza District folks prefer it that way. Also Automobile Alley will probably never have BARS - that is, ABC-3 places that don't have to serve at least 50% food - at least along Broadway, because of the proximity to churches lining Robinson.

Peloton

The point though, is that 23rd will never be a bar district, neither will Midtown, nor DD, nor Film Row, nor the Plaza, nor even Bricktown. Those may be places with lots of bars, but none will ever be almost exclusively bars(/restaurants with good bars). If we want to have a *bar* district (like Austin's 6th St.), that area East of Broadway is the only place I can conceive of one at the moment, unless we put it in C2S.

Forgot about Peloton. You seem to have a pretty narrow definition of a "bar district." All I mean is any area with enough bars that people can hop around. Examples include the Brady District or even Cherry Street, Blue Dome, or Brookside in Tulsa and Campus Corner in Norman. In all these places, you can just go to the district with a group and you have a number of options. Outside of Bricktown (which is good, but different), OKC has lacked an area where you can really do that. The closest might have been if you crossed Northwest Expressway to Edna's from the 3 spots on the other side of the street. Anyway, I think 23rd might emerge as a "bar district" broadly defined within the next few years.

Haha you must not have ever done a Western pub crawl. An Oklahoma City cultural institution for more than a quarter century. Walkable, however? Not really.

I agree. 23rd could be a great bar district. There is a lot of vehicular traffic, but not at night. Crossing 23rd on foot is much less of a challenge than crossing Broadway on foot.

The plaza would make an awesome little bar district. Zoning laws prevent full service bars (has to have a restaurant).


The Plaza District folks prefer it that way. Also Automobile Alley will probably never have BARS - that is, ABC-3 places that don't have to serve at least 50% food - at least along Broadway, because of the proximity to churches lining Robinson.

Isnt there a bar on that side street towards the west end of the plaza, Scorecards or something? Does that place serve food? Or maybe its not officially considered part of the plaza?

Isnt there a bar on that side street towards the west end of the plaza, Scorecards or something? Does that place serve food? Or maybe its not officially considered part of the plaza?

Yes, Scorecards is a very old-school bar on Indiana, just of 16th.

Don't think they serve food.